Positive reinforcement training(107 kb) - Getting your pet to do what you want and being loved for it? Using positive reinforcement as a training method not only puts you in charge but also enhances the bond you have with your pet

Teaching your Dog Basic Commands - All training can be achieved by consistent commands and positive reinforcement. Early socialisation, puppy pre-school, then ongoing obedience lessons will give you a wonderful, well-trained companion.

Teaching your New Dog Manners and the Rules - Puppies and dogs need to be taught the manners and rules of the household from the time they first arrive home. A dog taught a few simple rules becomes a well-adjusted family pet.

Training and socialising (785 kb)

Environment Enrichment for Dogs(166 kb) - Some options to consider to assist you to improve the environment for your dog.

Toys for Dogs - Providing your dog with toys can help prevent destructive behaviour, such as digging and chewing objects in your garden or house - like the washing, your shoes or the furniture!

Working your dog's mind(163 kb) - It is often thought that if you have a large yard for your dog, it won't need anything else to keep it happy. If you have only 10 minutes to spare a day that's okay, but make those 10 minutes work for you and your dog.

Council encourages responsible pet ownership.

As a dog owner, your pet will look to you for basic care such as:

• food
• fresh water daily
• grooming
• medical care
• shelter
• training/manners.

Advantages of desexing your dog(168 kb) - If you have bought your dog (pup or adult) as a pet and companion, you should consider having the dog desexed.

Flea Control - What should I do to kill the fleas on my dog?

Heartworm Disease - Useful information should your dog be diagnosed as having heartworm disease.

Intestinal Parasites (Worms) - Tapeworms and roundworms are two of the most common intestinal parasites of dogs.

Natural Pet Care for Dogs

Parvovirus Infection - What is Canine Parvovirus disease?

Why you should spay or neuter your pet - Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.

Microchipping a Dog - Microchipping is the most effective form of permanent identification.

Protect your pet from summertime hazards(129 kb)

Keeping your dog cool in summer(127 kb) - Heat stress in dogs is a major concern over summer.

Winter Care for Dogs - During the cold winter months, outdoor dogs need to be cared for differently to dogs kept indoors and they need protection from thunderstorms.

Sticks and Stones can break dog's bones - An innocent game of fetch can ruin a day out and lead to serious injuries to your dog.

Overweight Dogs - Did you know that obesity could be a problem for your pet?

Body Condition - It is not enough to simply feed you dog the amount indicated in the chart on the back of the dog food bag.

Dental hygiene for dogs(175 kb) - Dental care is just as important in dogs as in humans and is the most common disease treated by vets.

Exercise for Dogs - Regular exercise is most important to ensure a healthy, happy dog.

Fireworks and Thunderstorms - Fireworks and thunderstorms have always been cause for concern to pets and their owners. How can I protect my dog? Read more...

Pet Safety Around the Home - In the same way that our homes can sometimes be a dangerous place for children, they can also put our pet's lives at risk.

Choosing a pet is a commitment for life, serious consideration needs to be put into deciding what pet(s) are right for you and your family. The Select A Pet website matches dog and cat breeds to owners budget, allergies, property type and commitment to grooming, exercise and company etc.

No such thing as a free puppy (760 kb)

Pet Planner Checklist

Understanding Dog Behaviour(167 kb)- Have you, or your child been the victim of a dog attack, threatened by a dog, or scared of dogs? There are some key things that everyone, especially children, should understand when they are approached by a strange dog.

Wandering Dogs - Never pat a dog that is wandering the streets.

Aggression in Dogs - All dogs have the capacity to become aggressive.

Kids and Dogs - Dogs that are not used to children can be unpredictable.

Let sleeping dogs lie - dogs should not be disturbed when asleep or eating.

Always supervise children with dogs

Dog Attacks - Simple steps to prevent dog attacks (Kidsafe SA).

Approach with caution - Never approach a dog that is wandering on the streets.

Good owners lead to good dogs - Be a responsible dog owner.

It's a dog eat dog world - It is important for all dogs to be socialised with other dogs and people.

Dog's best friend - teach your dog how to behave with visitors.

Desexing your dog(100 kb)- Could desexing have more benefits than we thought? 

A guide to nurturing the child and pet relationship from pregnancy to pre-school

Pets have long been recognized as valuable members of the family. Over the past couple of generations we have seen an increase in the average age we are having our first baby from our early twenties to early thirties and as a result our pets are often well established in the family unit before baby comes along.
Pets and children can form a wonderful close bond and it is heart-warming to watch them interact. Apart from obvious companionship and affection, there are many other benefits for children sharing their lives with a pet.

Parents are the first and most influential educators in their child's life journey. Teaching your child about the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership begins from an early age as they learn from your interaction and the way you nurture and guide their experiences with their pets.

"We are Family" is a guide to nurturing the child / pet relationship. It is aimed at educating expectant and new parents on the many advantages of allowing their child to experience the joys of having a pet in the family. It also informs you of the potential risks and provides the knowledge, skills and strategies to ensure that the experience is not only a physically and emotionally enriching one, but a safe one as well.

We are Family (2277 kb)