It’s not just our country’s flightless birds benefiting from tethered pups. Recent research shows that New Zealand’s people also generally prefer seeing dogs on a lead. It’s not difficult to see why; even the friendliest of pooches can be a problem, even for those whose adventures in the great outdoors are canine oriented.

PD Insurance Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Le Long, has reviewed the company’s latest consumer survey results in detail and says, “Most folk around the motu understand dogs pose a potential problem for native wildlife and birds in particular, including our precious kiwi.”

“But many of us probably don’t realise that pet owners generally prefer seeing dogs on leads. It just makes them – the people, if not the dogs – more comfortable.”

As a pet insurance specialist with a strong focus on keeping pets and owners healthy and happy, PD Insurance partners with Lead the Way, a Department of Conservation (DOC) initiative that educates the public about minimising dogs’ impact on coastal wildlife and others who share the environment. This includes informing pet owners about the benefits of – and rules around – keeping dogs on leads whenever and wherever appropriate.

To further the cause for safety, Lead the Way also offers coloured dog leads showing the wearer’s temperament: Red for ‘Do not approach’, Orange for ‘Be cautious’, and Green for ‘Friendly dog’. A Yellow lead indicates a disabled or otherwise-vulnerable dog.

Common sense… backed by research

While Le Long says keeping your dog on a lead in sensitive environments is perhaps common sense, making definitive statements takes real research. PD Insurance has done the numbers, polling ~2,000 customers (78% of whom had at least one dog) about their views on a range of issues, including leashing doggos.

Asked ‘When in public, when should someone who considers their dog well behaved use a lead?’, the results were clear: 53% agreed that a lead should be used ‘At all times – it doesn’t matter how well behaved the dogs are’. A further 28% went with ‘Sometimes, depending on the situation’, and 16% opted for ‘Sometimes, depending on the Council rules of the area in question’. Just 2% said, ‘Never, if the pet is well behaved, they don’t need a lead’.

“This is an encouraging result,” Le Long notes. “It shows that most people with dogs understand their responsibilities, respecting their right and the right of others to enjoy the outdoors without being hassled by an unmanaged canine companion.”

Know the rules

Generally, walking trails, beaches, parks and other areas where dog owners exercise their pups will clearly display dog rules. ‘Off the lead’ locations are available, but there are still conditions every dog owner should know.

For starters, you must have a lead on you whenever you take your dog out in public. They should always be under your control – they’re seen as your property to manage. A key factor in good management is teaching your dog ‘recall’, as it should return when summoned. Keep an eye on what your dog is up to, and prevent them from hassling birds, other people, and other dogs.

There’s another rule to which Le Long draws attention. “The DOC Lead the Way quiz shows that many dog owners don’t know where responsibility falls if one dog attacks another. A leashed dog in your control is usually in the clear, even if it bites an off-leash dog that runs up to it. Fault lies with the owner of the dog who’s not under control. That’s why leads are so important and why, if you’re not using a lead, your dog should be adept at immediately responding to your commands.”

Be a courteous and considerate dog owner

Being courteous and considerate isn’t only the right thing to do, it also ensures dog areas stay open for all. Lead the Way has some easy recommendations for every dog owner:

• Know before you go: Do the Lead the Way ‘wildlife wise’ quiz to test your knowledge at doc.govt.nz/lead-the-way-quiz then visit www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/dog-access/ and local Council websites for the dog rules at your destination.
• Show your commitment: Consider buying an exclusive Lead the Way lead, available to purchase after completing the Lead the Way quiz. Look out for other dogs with coloured leads and respect their temperaments.
• Make training fun: Managing your dog generally requires training during the puppy stage and maintaining that training throughout its life. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, make it fun; they just need to be taught basics like ‘LEAVE IT’. Recalling your dog (‘COME’) is also essential when exploring the outdoors, as is ‘WITH ME’ (your dog keeping by your side). Need help? Contact Companion Animals New Zealand and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand for a list of qualified trainers.
• Lead the Way: Always carry a lead, even if you think your dog doesn’t need one. It’s a legal requirement and comes in handy if managing your dog is tricky or native wildlife are about.
• Watch out: For dangers, including other dogs, birds, sleeping seals and any signs of wildlife. Some toxic objects include washed-up puffer fish, sea slugs and blue bottles.
• Spread the word: Encourage others to Lead the Way and become Wildlife Wise. Also warn others who are around you enjoying the coast when there’s wildlife around.

Also, always carry bags – cleaning up after your pooch is essential!

Learn more about the Lead the Way programme at https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/lead-the-way/. More information on dogs on DOC land is available here and the Dog Control Act is here.

Media contact 

Leandri Smith – The Mail Room 
027 365 9003 | [email protected]