Pet owners are encouraged to desex their animals to reduce the amount of abandoned animals destroyed every year. Desexing helps reduce the over population of homeless animals. It prevents unwanted births, problems with stray and feral animals, disease, and stops pets from wandering, fighting and killing native wildlife. Generally desexed animals make better pets and are easier to control. They are more affectionate and become better companions.

Benefits of desexing female dogs

• Prevents the season cycle which occurs twice a year for three weeks, attracting male dogs
• Prevents unwanted pregnancies and associated problems such as rearing puppies and finding proper homes for them
• Prevents breast cancer & uterus problems frequently found in female dogs

There is no benefit in letting females have one litter before they are desexed. Unless you are a specialist breeder and your female is used as part of a legitimate breeding plan, with the health of the animal held in the utmost importance, it should be desexed.

Benefits of desexing male dogs

• Prevents fighting
• Prevents wandering
• Prevents other undesirable testosterone driven habits

Leash laws exist for a reason: they ensure the safety of your dog, other animals, and people. When dogs are off leash in public spaces, they can cause accidents, such as running into the street or approaching people and animals in a way that may not be welcome. Even the most well-trained dogs can be unpredictable when distracted by new environments, sounds, or smells. For these reasons, it is essential to keep your dog on a leash in public places unless you're in designated off-leash areas.

Why it Matters: 

• Safety: Leashes prevent dogs from running into traffic or engaging in aggressive behaviour with other dogs or people. 
• Control: Even well-behaved dogs may become unpredictable when they encounter unfamiliar experiences, and a leash ensures you maintain control. 
• Respect for Others: Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. A leash helps you respect the personal space of others. 
   

How to be Compliant: 

• Always carry a spare leash when you're out, just in case. 
• Familiarise yourself with local leash laws, as some parks or public spaces may have different rules. 
• If your dog is in an off-leash area, ensure they have a reliable recall command to keep them under control when necessary. 
   

There are a number of places in our City where dog owners are allowed to exercise their dog off the leash.

Check out a full list of our off-leash areas.

Dogs communicate through barking, but excessive barking or howling can be a real nuisance for your neighbours. Dogs may bark excessively due to boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise. It’s important to understand why your dog is barking and to take steps to manage it. This will ensure a peaceful environment for everyone, especially in neighbourhoods or apartment complexes where close living quarters can make barking more noticeable. 

Why it Matters: 

• Quality of Life: Excessive barking can disturb your neighbours and may lead to complaints. 
• Anxiety: A constantly barking dog may be signalling that it’s anxious, bored, or unwell. 
• Community Relations: Building good relationships with your neighbours often starts with respecting their peace and quiet. 

How to Reduce Barking: 

• Provide mental and physical stimulation: Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to reduce boredom, which often leads to excessive barking. 
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog when they remain quiet in situations that normally trigger barking. 
• Professional training: If the barking persists, consider consulting a dog trainer or behaviourist who can help address underlying issues. 
• Check for health problems: Sometimes, excessive barking can be a sign that your dog is in discomfort or pain. Always rule out medical issues. 

Barking dog complaints are one of the most common complaints received by our rangers. Barking is a dog's natural way to communicate, and there are a number of reasons why dogs bark.

Find out more about barking dogs.

Keeping your dog healthy goes beyond daily walks and feeding. Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and proper grooming are all essential parts of responsible dog ownership. Routine veterinary care helps to prevent common health issues, such as skin conditions, ear infections, and parasites, which can affect your dog’s quality of life and even pose risks to other animals. 

Why it Matters: 

• Prevent illness: Regular check-ups and vaccinations protect your dog from diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. 
• Improve lifespan: Well-cared-for dogs live longer and have better quality lives. 
• Avoid costly treatments: Early detection of health issues can save you money and prevent the need for expensive treatments down the road. 

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy: 

• Schedule regular veterinary check-ups: At least once a year, your dog should visit the vet for a full check-up. Puppies and senior dogs may need more frequent visits. 
• Stay up to date on vaccinations: Vaccinations are essential to prevent the spread of diseases. Follow your vet's vaccination schedule closely. 
• Prevent parasites: Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention consistently. These parasites can cause serious health issues and discomfort for your dog. 
• Groom regularly: Brush your dog’s coat, clean their ears, and trim their nails to prevent infections and other health problems.