Exercising your dog

Keeping your dog in your backyard without exercise and socialisation can lead to boredom, health issues or nuisance behaviour.

Walking your dog is an integral part of being a responsible owner. Regular walks are not only enjoyable for the dog but have wonderful health benefits for owners.

Remember that dogs must be always on a leash unless otherwise indicated such as an off-leash park.

Dog owner responsibilities

Owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs are registered, microchipped and wearing an identification collar.

If you are taking your dog into an open space area there are conditions and responsibilities that you are required to meet. These are governed by the Companion Animals Act 1998. 

  • All dogs are required to be under the effective control of a competent person when in a public place.
  • All dogs are required to be on-leash when not in a designated off-leash area.
  • A competent person must be 16 years of age or over.
  • A competent person must not have more than four dogs under their control.
  • Restricting breeds or dogs declared as dangerous from open space areas.
  • Off-leash areas that have time restrictions must be abided by.
  • It is an offence if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses, or chases any person or animal.
  • Dog owners can be held liable if their dog attacks another person or animal.
  • Dog owners/carers must pick up and correctly dispose of all dog waste in an appropriate bin.

Penalties apply for failure to comply with these conditions.

It is important to remember that not everyone loves your dog as much as you do. When in open space be aware many people do not want your dog approaching them, sniffing them, or interacting with them.

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