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Dog walking dos and don'ts

Dogs are active animals and need regular physical and mental exercise to help prevent many of the “behaviour problems” pet owners experience. Bored and frustrated dogs can develop problem behaviours such as:

Dogs need a regular outlet for their energy. Regular walks, running, and games with people and other dogs can help reduce many or all of these problems.

Control your dog

As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to control your dog while in a public place. This means having your dog on a leash in the first instance or being able to recall (come to you when you call). If your dog doesn't respond consistently, you should keep it under control on a leash, including in off-leash areas. Both dogs and people should feel safe when out and about.

Rangers may issue on the spot fines to any person responsible for a dog that is not under effective control.

Rangers do regular patrols to help educate and prevent potential accidents – we want dogs and people to feel safe when out and about. They also patrol public places such as the The Munjip Trail, beaches, and other reserves in Eurobodalla.

It is an offence not to provide your name and address to a Council ranger if they ask you for these details.

Dog walking manners

To ensure dogs and their owners have a positive experience, it’s important you follow our dog walking guidelines:

  • Never let your dog run up to another dog. Check first to see whether your dog can say hello. Just because your dog is friendly doesn’t mean other dogs are - some may be anxious and react aggressively.
  • Observe your dog’s behaviour and keep it in sight. Owners often mistake dominant behaviours for play. Actions like mounting and excessive barking are unacceptable and are known to be common behaviours on our beaches. If your dog becomes a nuisance or aggressive, put it on a leash.
  • Respect others' space and always keep your dog on a leash in public places.
  • Keep early morning and evening noise to a minimum when walking your dog near houses.
  • Take a bag and pick up your dog’s poo.
  • Avoid taking your dog to crowded areas and keep it away from children and people fishing.

Things to remember when exercising your dog

  • Always socialise your dog while it’s on a leash to assess its behaviour around other dogs and people.
  • At no time should your dog interfere with the enjoyment of other people or dogs using an off-leash area.
  • If a beach or area is not signposted, you need to keep your dog on a leash.
  • If your dog is declared dangerous, menacing or a restricted breed, they are not allowed in any off-leash area.
  • If a reserve is signposted as an ‘off-leash area’, you are responsible for keeping your dog close by under effective control.
  • Check signs to make sure you’re in the right off-leash area for dogs.
  • Your dog’s vaccinations should be up to date.

We can help you

If you have any questions about dog walking dos and don'ts, contact our rangers, Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm: