Pick up after your dog

Some dog exercise areas provide dispensers with dog litter bags and bins for disposal of dog faeces. However, you should not rely on their availability. Please make sure you always have equipment with you to pick up your dog's droppings as on the spot fines apply if you fail to remove your dog's droppings in public places.

Our Council area has over 100 reserves with playgrounds. It is important that we manage expectations for and on behalf of the whole community. Dog exercise areas are not only for the exclusive use of dogs and their owners, most are for the enjoyment of all, so please be considerate of people who may be sharing the area with you and your dog.

Dog owners have an opportunity to socialise their pets and have quality time outdoors with their pets. Dogs are happier and healthier when they have regular execrise and regular exercise will help to:

• Socialise your dog
• Reduce stress and stress related habits at home, including digging and excessive barking
• Reduce boredom
• Provide your dog with mental stimulation
• Improve your pet's well-being

Dogs that are not exercised can develop behavioural problems such as aggression and excessive barking. They are also more likely to be destructive to get attention.

Dog owners wanting to exercise their dogs in parks and reserves must be responsible and comply with the following conditions:

• Comply with restrictions as indicated by signage
• Only allow dogs off leash in designated off leash areas
• Always ensure your dog is in sight and under control
• Carry a plastic bag to pick up your dog's droppings

Dogs must be under effective control at all times regardless of whether the dog is being exercised in a dog on leash or dog off leash area.

Note: Penalties may apply if owners are seen not complying with the conditions.

Designated dog parks

Dogs may be exercised off lead in the following designated dog parks:

Tails Trails at Ashley Avenue Reserve, Ridgehaven

Tails Trails is a dog exercise area incorporated in a natural scenic reserve with creek and walking trail. Dog obstacles are suitable for novice through to advanced dogs.

Features include shade, electric barbeques, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water for dogs, poopa bags and bins.

Pet Park at Chestnut Reserve, Golden Grove

Pet Park is a fully fenced area specifically for dog exercise. It has dog obstacles designed to accomodate novice through to advanced dogs.

Features include shade, seating, drinking water for dogs, poopa bags and bins.

Bentley Reserve Dog Playground, Holden Hill

This pet playground is fully fenced and has basic dog obstacles such as jumps, logs, tunnel, slide and lots of open space to enable dogs to run free and socialise with other dogs and their owners.

Shelters, seating, footpaths and dual use drink fountains allow the ideal opportunity for pets and owners to interact in a relaxed and attractive environment.

Helpful hints for using dog parks

• Keep your dog on lead at all times
• Do not attempt the jumps until your dog is under control
• Show your dog each jump before attempting it - this may be completely new to him
• Ensure you give your dog plenty of praise if he/she successfully completes an obstacle
• Once your dog can complete the obstacles on lead, move on to those which need to be undertaken off lead
• Once you believe your dog is proficient at all the obstacles, try them all with the dog off lead

If your dog makes a mess it must be cleaned up and placed in one of the bins located throughout the park, specially marked for this purpose.

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