How to be a responsible dog owner

It's no secret our pooches and fur babies love visiting our parks and gardens as much as we do. Whether you're enjoying some sunshine, going for a stroll, or taking it easy at home, we're sharing some top tips on how you can be a responsible dog owner.

To keep our community safe, it’s important to follow local laws and show consideration of shared public spaces. We want to ensure park goers and pups are having a great time outdoors as the weather warms up. There's a few things you can do to help create a safe and fun day for everyone.

 

Visit an off-leash dog park

Did you know that under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 dogs are prohibited from being within 15 metres of any children’s playground, public barbecue, or exercise equipment area?

With the exception of off-leash areas, you must always have your dog on a leash to protect other visitors to the park.  Our local parks have a lot of wildlife  like ducklings, turtles and bird life. Keeping your dog on a lead can help us protect these habitats, especially during nesting season.

There are nine designated off-leash dog parks in Moonee Valley.

These parks and reserves are signposted so you know exactly where your pooch can play and our interactive map can help you find your nearest park.

Off-leash dog parks:

• Aberfeldie Park, The Boulevard, Aberfeldie
• Alf Pierce Reserve, First Ave, Strathmore (fenced off-leash dog play area)
• Cliff Whitworth Reserve, 37A Emerald Street, Essendon West (fenced off-leash dog play area)
• JH Allan Reserve, Park Drive, East Keilor
• Boeing Reserve (northern end only), Boeing Road, Strathmore Heights
• Cross Keys Reserve (eastern end only), Bridge Street, Essendon
• AJ Davis Reserve, Fullarton Street, Airport West
• Fairbairn Park, Woods Street, Ascot Vale
• Spring Gully Reserve, Keilor Road, East Keilor
• Thompson Street Reserve, Thompson Street, Avondale Heights
• Travancore Park, Mooltan Street, Flemington

Conveniently, you’ll also find free poop-bags in these areas. Hint, hint.

Maintain control

When your dog is off-leash you must not let it interfere with others, even in off-leash dog spaces. You should maintain control by:

• keeping a clear view of your pet
• training them to return on command
• putting them on a leash if they do not reply to verbal command or are causing a nuisance to other dogs and park users

Play fair and share

We love all our recreation facilities and the open spaces across Moonee Valley and we know your pooch probably does too! These shared community facilities are often hired to specific community clubs that have exclusive use of the space during that time. They are home to many sports clubs or organisations that hire and use our ovals, grounds and club-rooms each week for training, events and match days.

While organised sport training or matches are taking place it's important that their exclusive use is respected and dogs are not off lead in the area at any time. This helps make sure:

• You aren't embarrassed that your dog has bolted into the middle of a sports training session or game and stopped play.
• No budding sports stars, four legged friends, fur-babies or pet owners are injured!
  • Dogs darting under the legs of a child or adult playing can be a tripping hazard, causing distress for the animal and player.
  • Similarly, football boots and cricket balls can cause major internal injuries if the animal is hit.
• Children who are afraid of dogs can feel safe to participate in activities without fear or anxiety.
• Organised Dog clubs can run without out-of-control off leash dogs interfering or interrupting training or activities.

Keep it clean

No matter where you are, you must clean up after your dog. If you forget to bring a poo bag, we offer free bags in off and on-leash parks and reserves. Once you have cleaned up after your dog, the bag must go into the red bin, even if it's in a biodegradable bag.  A fine may be issued if you don’t clean up after your dog.

Register your pet

Not only is registering your dog (and cat!) the best way to have them returned if they escape, it’s a legal requirement under the Domestic Animals Act.

If your dog is over the age of three months you can register them online.

Stay safe in the summer

Keep your pets safe during summer by providing extra fresh drinking water on hot days.

Snake sightings increase with warmer weather. If you are walking near bushland keep your pooch on a lead and avoid long grassy areas. Do not let your pet examine dead snakes as they still have venomous fangs.

If you’re planning to go away have a friend or neighbour look after your pet, you should never leave an animal unattended for a long period of time. Consider Pet Stays or Mad Paws if you can’t find someone to look after them.

Barking dogs

Dogs that bark throughout the night can be a great nuisance for your neighbours. Sometimes, dogs bark because they may be lonely, bored or in need of attention. If you're struggling with a barking dog next door, or your own dog is creating a disturbance, here are some things you can do to help.

For pet owners:

• Take your pooch on more frequent walks, this could be once or twice a day depending on the size and needs of your dog
• make the backyard more interesting with toys
• give your dog a marrow bone to chomp on throughout the evening
• take your dog to obedience classes
• make sure your dog is in good health.

For neighbours:

• Have a chat to your neighbour about the barking issue
• If the matter has not been addressed within a few weeks, you can lodge a complaint with Council. You can only lodge a complaint once you have completed and attached a Barking Dog Log. This needs to be maintained for 14 days, and log the details of any barking incidents.