Pedigree information for pooches throughout the Queenstown Lakes District.
Greetings and woofs to our local dog community! As the summer sun graces our district, it's time to celebrate our furry companions with the latest edition for Scuttlemutt, your go-to newsletter for all things canine.
With summer upon us, we want to remind you that hot dogs in cars aren't cool - see our story below on why! In this edition we're excited to announce QLDC's popular Community Dog Walk dates for 2024, and we've also fetched tips on how to curb excessive barking, and improve recall. Check out our featured walk through Kelvin Heights, get the latest on dog leads, and meet our dog of the month,
So leash up, soak in the sunshine, and let the barktastic summer adventures begin!
Key dates in 2024 coming up!
QLDC's Community Dog walks on 24th & 25th February 2024 (read our article about the walks below!)
Keep an eye on QLDC's Facebook page, as soon we will be launching a dog-tastic competition to win one of ten stylish dog leads!
And in February next year we will be running a free training session in Queenstown and in Wānaka - keep an eye on our Facebook page to be the first to hear more!
Paw-lease note
Don't let your pup miss the 'paw-ty!' Register your dog from 3 months old - it's the 'bark-code' to a lifetime of tail-wagging adventures, and helps reunite lost pets if they take themselves for a walk without their human.
Register your furry friend here!
Hot dogs in cars aren't cool!
With the weather heating up, now is a good time to have a think about keeping our pets safe this summer season.
Many pet owners don’t understand how quickly a car can heat up. In a hot car, even with the windows slightly open, panting is not enough to keep a dog’s body temperature within a safe range. On a 30°C day, the temperature inside your car can reach 39°C in less than 5 minutes and in 30 minutes it goes up to 49°C! This occurs even in the shade and if your windows are open.
It’s an offence under New Zealand's Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if it’s showing signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling or hyperventilation, and is trying to seek shade. Pet owners whose dogs are found in this state can be issued with a $300 infringement notice, as well as the cost of repairing a window if SPCA’s Inspectors are forced to break it to rescue an animal trapped inside the car.
While it might be tempting to take your furry friend on a quick errand, the consequences of even a short period in a hot car can be severe. Leaving your dog trapped in a hot car can have devastating results, so here's what every pet owner should know about this important issue:
- Windows open are not enough: Leaving the windows cracked open is not a solution. The temperature inside a car can still soar, making it unbearable for your pet.
- Pets are vulnerable: Dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable to heat, as they don't have efficient cooling mechanisms like humans. They rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, which is ineffective in extremely hot conditions.
- Be aware of the signs: Recognise the signs of heat stress in your pet, which may include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary attention.
If you see a dog in immediate distress, then please contact the Police for assistance. Do not smash the window as this puts both you and the dog at risk. The SPCA and QLDC Animal Control are also available to offer advice and assess any potential health concerns.
Community Dog walks dates announced!
Mark your calendars: Dogs and their humans are invited to QLDC's Community Dog walks on 24th & 25th February 2024!
Hosted in both Queesntown and Wānaka, both events will feature competitions and giveaways, sausage sizzles, stalls run by local animal experts, and most importantly - plenty of pooches enjoying a day out together, sniffing everything there is to sniff, and heading off for a walk.
Our community dog walks provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate dog ownership in the Queenstown Lakes District and have a bit of fun together, but also for the community to meet our Animal Control team and chat through any questions or suggestions they may have.
Both walks are designed to be gentle strolls and an opportunity to meet fellow dog owners, and to treat pups to a social day out filled with plenty of scents to sniff.
The Queenstown Dog Walk and Wānaka Dog Walk are free and all are welcome to attend More details to come, including locations, start times, and what to expect on the day!
Who let the dogs out?
Lost or found a dog? We can help!
Pets are family members, and we understand it can be very distressing if one goes missing. Our Animal Control staff can help find your furry friend and reunite you as soon as possible – they’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you come across a wandering animal that might be someone's missing pet, please give us a call and let us know so we can reunite them, too!
Queenstown: 03 441 0499
Wānaka: 03 443 0024
Dog of the month
Meet Bear, the Bearded Collie X!
Bear is a very handsome, five year old rescue dog. He loves to make new friends, so has been helping out the animal control team visiting schools for their Dog Safety campaigns. He loves belly rubs, likes sniffing the children (they often smell a lot of food!) and teaches good manners. He also gets bandaged up as he helps people learn dog first aid. You may have seen him demonstrating obedience in some of the council's Dog Training workshops with Remarkable Dog Training in Queenstown.
Bear competes in the highest levels in dog agility and is also a trick dog champion! His favourite things are his frisbee & cheese!
Let's talk training!
Bark-tastic Manners: Tips to curb excessive barking
Dog lovers understand that occasional barking comes with the territory, but excessive or incessant barking can be a nuisance for both pet owners and neighbours. To help maintain a harmonious neighbourhood and ensure our furry friends are happy and well-behaved, here are some tips to help stop barking dogs:
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is a quiet dog. Ensure your dog gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, playtime, and puzzle toys can help alleviate boredom and reduce barking.
Block Visual and Auditory Triggers
If your dog is barking at stimuli outside, like passing cars or other dogs, use curtains or blinds to block their view. Soft background music or white noise can also help mask external noises.
Communicate with Neighbours
Open lines of communication with your neighbours are vital. Inform them about your efforts to address the issue and request their understanding during the training process.
Create a Safe Space
Providing a comfortable and quiet area for your dog can help them feel secure. Use a crate or a designated room where they can retreat when stressed or anxious.
Consult a Professional
If barking persists despite your efforts, it may be time to seek advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide tailored solutions to address your dog's specific issues.
Consider Anti-Bark Devices
Various anti-bark collars and devices are available, which can be effective in deterring excessive barking. Want to try before you buy, reach out to your Animal Control team and we would be happy to organise a free trial.
While we understand most barking is natural, it's essential to address excessive barking for the well-being of your dog and the peace of your community. With patience, training, and a better understanding of your furry companion, you can create a quieter and happier environment for everyone involved. Remember, a little effort can go a long way in maintaining a peaceful neighbourhood while keeping our four-legged friend’s content.
Fetch with your furry friend
Six tips to help your Recall with Flip from Remarkable Dog Training
1. Use a Biothane long drop line (about 5m - longer ones get tangled). Biothane is way better for our vast environment, is washable and doesn't knot! This gives your dog no opportunity to not come back, but they have some freedom while you train.
2. Practice a solid recall behaviour first inside with little/no distractions. A sit in front of you is a solid end to a recall. Do not take recall training outside until mastered inside.
3. Always reward your dog when they come back and mix it up! Sometimes a tasty treat, verbal praise or cuddles!
4. Remain positive with your tone of voice. Dog's can easily pick it up. Would you want to go back to someone if they are angry?
5. Do not repeat yourself, should be one cue - said once. Otherwise you will create a dog that ignores you.
6. Turn Recall into a game! Create games that you can play with your dog at home, such as hiding toys or food and a reset to come back to you!
Summer 2023's featured walk
Kelvin Heights - Loop Track
Kelvin Heights loop track is a brisk, easy walk around the Queenstown Golf Course at Kelvin Heights with spectacular views across to Walter Peak and back towards Queenstown across the Frankton Arm.
This easy 3.5km walk is a great ‘all year round’ track with stunning views of the snow topped mountains in winter, to sunshine beaming off of the lake in summer- and why not even a cheeky dip in at the end of your walk at kelvin heights beach, both you and doggo to cool off!
The trail runs in and out of woodland alongside the lake beside the golf course. It’s a shared trail with bikers and golfers, who have right of way. Be sure to have full control of your furry pal when entering the track going through the golf course so you don’t disturb the golfers and doggo isn’t running onto the golf course. Other than that, the course is an off-leash track! Please remember to always carry a leash and poop bag with you.
If you head around the peninsula in a clockwise direction, the trail offers you superb views across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables. Then when the trail curves north, you’ll be gazing back towards Queenstown across the Frankton Arm.
Look out for The Kelvin Peninsula Goats on your way round or stop at the golf clubhouse for a refreshing drink before heading home.
A reminder: dogs on leads!
You may have noticed some new signs going up around the district reminding you to keep your dog on a lead in that area! This is to ensure all owners are aware of the rules.
The Dog Control Act of 1996 sets out the legal framework for dog ownership in New Zealand. Local councils implement specific bylaws to set the local rules in line with this framework. Local rules include designated areas where dogs are permitted on or off leash.
Our bylaw states:
- It is mandatory for dog owners to maintain control (or confine) over their dogs at all times, even within their own premises.
- Owners are required to carry a leash when their dogs are in public places and ensure your dog is on leash where leash use is necessary.
- All dogs must be on a lead in residential areas around the district. These measures aim to enhance dog control and promote public safety. Simultaneously, they aim to safeguard the rights and enjoyment of dog ownership for individuals within the community.
It is mandatory for councils to formulate a comprehensive dog control policy, which covers the establishment of registration fees, other applicable charges, designating areas for leash-free exercise, as well as specifying areas where dogs must be kept on a leash or are entirely prohibited (with the exception of disability assist dogs). Have a read over our dog control policy for more information.
Keep us in the loop
We know a lot can change for you and your dog in a year, so remember to keep us updated on any important changes to your pooch’s details. These include if you've moved house, if your dog has been desexed or sadly passed away, whether they've got a new owner now or recently been microchipped.
We want to hear it all. Let us know by emailing services@qldc.govt.nz or calling 03 441 0499 so we can make sure your dog's details are up to date!
Helpful Links
Renew dog registration
Dog walking maps
