Responsible dog ownership

Being a responsible dog owner is an important factor in fostering safer communities and reducing the incidence of dog attacks both in the home and in public.

If you understand the ways a dog communicates and socialise it early, the likelihood of a dog attack occurring can be reduced.

Choosing a dog

If you are considering a dog as a pet, it is important that you make an informed decision about the type of dog that would suit your home, family and lifestyle.

Many dog-related incidents occur when the needs of the dog are not being met.

You can find a dog that suits your family's lifestyle and preferences (PDF, 632 KB) if you consider the dog's:

• temperament
• energy level
• size
• grooming and health needs
• compatibility with your lifestyle
• compatibility with children or other animals
• sociability and trainability.

Even after choosing a dog that's right for you, your dog may exhibit aggressive behaviour that could harm you, your children or other people.

Understand your dog

Body language is one of a dog's main forms of communication. If you are a dog owner or interact with dogs, it's important that you learn how to understand them.

• Learn to read what your dog tells you through its body language.
• Communicate with your dog by understanding the signs it gives you.
• Avoid hugging your dog as it can feel threatened.

Be sociable

The best time to socialise your puppy is between 3 to 17 weeks of age. If done well and early, it can shape your puppy's behaviour for the better.

• Manage the introduction of a new pet carefully and don't leave children unsupervised with a new dog or puppy.
• Safely expose your puppy to many different situations at a young age to positively shape its behaviour.
• Make off-leash dog parks a positive experience.

Safety first

Incidents involving dogs result in thousands of hospitalisations each year in Queensland. Dog owners have a responsibility to follow Queensland's dog ownership laws to help prevent dog attacks.

Most dog attacks can be prevented by taking simple actions to help keep your family and the community safe.

Training

Reward-based training rewards good behaviour and avoids punishment for bad behaviour.

• Dog training is not only mentally stimulating for the dog, training also reinforces wanted over 'unwanted' behaviours.
• Train your dog to come when called as it is a crucial part of keeping them safe.
• Manage your dog's anxiety by teaching it to be calm when you are away.

Special occasions

Special times of year, like Christmas and Halloween, can be stressful for dogs. There are ways to manage the noise and chaos to keep your dog safe.

• Consider the animal welfare issues around pets wearing costumes.
• Keep your dog safe over the often-chaotic time of Christmas.

More information

• Learn about laws for pet owners in Queensland.
• Read the information for councils about cat and dog management.
• Understand more about regulated dogs.
• Learn about animal welfare laws for dogs.
• Read about choosing a pet and caring for it.