Become Wildlife Wise: Top Tips and a Quiz

It’s New Zealand’s Save the Kiwi Week from 10-16 October, and we’re taking the opportunity to teach dog owners about wildlife conservation – especially on our beaches. PD Insurance recently partnered with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to launch the Lead the Way Auckland programme, which aims to reduce the impact of dogs on our beautiful, fragile wildlife and coastline.

We want to make pet owners wildlife wise because we believe being a responsible dog owner means respecting all animals. Watch our Lead the Way launch event video and take onboard a range of information from local wildlife welfare and dog training experts.

Then, read below to discover seven simple steps to play your part in conservation.

1. Read up on NZ wildlife conservation

First off, inform yourself on how to approach coastal walkies with care. From planning your dog’s path at least 20m away from any wild animals, to always taking a toy with you, to distracting your pup from chasing birds – our ‘how dog parents can help NZ wildlife‘ article rounds up the info dog owners need to know.

After you’ve done your reading, test your knowledge with the DOC Lead The Way Quiz.

2. Know before you go

As you would’ve learned from your reading above, it’s important to know the dog rules before you head to any beach, camp site or walking trail with your pup.

Some areas allow dogs, others require a permit, and some wildlife conservation areas (including all National Parks) do not allow dogs at all. The DOC website has a handy search function to see if there are any restrictions where you’re heading. Simply tick the “dogs allowed” box when searching for your activity.

Find out about:

• Tracks you can take your dog
• Campsites you can take your dog
• Hunting areas you can take your dog

3. Use a lead

By law, you must have your lead on you at all times when walking your dog in public spaces. In fact, dog behaviour management experts suggest you have your dog on a lead (such as a long lead) whenever you’re not in off-lead designated areas.

This is not only to help ensure your pet doesn’t charge at other dogs, people, or the wildlife (even in a friendly way!), but for their safety, too. There are many hazards on the beach and beyond that your pup can get into, including eating toxic creatures or berries (read about karaka berries and dogs), or ingesting too much sand or saltwater.

This piece on keeping your pet safe at the beach or lake mentions some of them.

4. Train your pup

You don’t have to teach them everything, but make sure your pup knows basic training commands.

Fundamentals like ‘leave it’ to leave objects or animals alone and ‘come’ to recall your dog are essential when hitting the beach. If you’re keen to train them up, contact Companion Animals New Zealand and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand for a list of qualified trainers.

5. Show your support for wildlife conservation

A long or short lead is very useful on the beach and it’s even more valuable when it is colour coded. Once you finish the Lead The Way Quiz, it’ll unlock the ability to purchase a Lead the Way leash for your dog.

These high quality, locally-made leads are either green, orange, yellow or red to indicate your dog’s temperament to other pet parents. You’ll also be very clearly demonstrating your support for the protection of our precious wildlife, which hopefully encourages others to do the same!

6. Watch out

It may seem obvious – but keep your eyes peeled when you’re on the beach. Be it sea slugs, other dogs, nesting birds, or a sleeping fur seal, make sure you’re keeping your dog out of mischief and harm’s way.

So too when you head from the beach into bushland areas. The Save Kiwi Month website outlines what you can do to keep your dog from harming our national bird.

7. Spread the word about wildlife conservation

Now that you’re wildlife wise, why not spread the word? It takes a village to protect the village, right?

Tell others about Lead the Way and what to do as a responsible pup owner on the beach. Encourage those you know to use leads and be informed. We all have a part to play in conserving our beautiful country.

Keep them covered

Make sure you’ve got your pup covered this Save Kiwi Month and into the future.

Despite being the best pet parent, accidents and illnesses can still happen to your pup. Cover your pet’s toosh with a dog insurance plan by PD Insurance NZ. We offer award-winning, value-rich, month-to-month cover to suit your needs. Why not take two minutes to get a quick, free quote?