Greetings and belly rubs to our local dog community! We hope you had an amazing holiday break with family, friends, and furry four-legged friends alike.

Give your dog a treat and settle in with the latest edition of Scuttlemutt. We've got date announcements to share about our annual dog events, a seasonal reminder about keeping your pets safe in the heat, training tips, summer walks, and heaps more!

Key dates for owners

Free training sessions for good bois and girls

Canine behaviourist and professional dog trainer Gary Wulff is hosting two training days in February for pooches in our district. For 60 years he has trained dogs and worked in the industry, teaching control and bonding.

Keep an eye out on QLDC's Facebook page for an announcement closer to the time for how to register your attendance at one of these free sessions.

Community dog event dates announced! 

Mark your calendars: dogs and their humans are invited to QLDC’s Paws in the Park on 5 & 6 April 2025.  (We've given the event a new name for the new year!)

Hosted in both Queenstown and Wānaka, each event will feature competitions and giveaways, stalls, food vendors and most importantly - plenty of pooches enjoying a day out together. 

Both events are free, and all are welcome to attend. More details will be released closer to the date over on QLDC’s Facebook page, including locations, start times, and what to expect on the day.

A seasonal reminder - hot dogs aren't cool!

Many pet parents don’t realise just how quickly a car can turn into a sauna for your dog. Even with the windows cracked open, panting alone isn’t enough to keep your pup’s body temperature in the safe zone. 

In New Zealand, leaving a dog in a hot car showing signs of heat stress—like excessive panting, drooling, or hyperventilation—can result in a $300 fine. If SPCA Inspectors must break a window to rescue your pet, you'll also cover the repair costs. 

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. 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, contact the Police for assistance. Avoid smashing the window, as it could endanger both you and the dog. For extra support, reach out to the SPCA or QLDC Animal Control for advice and help.

Paws for thought: hot footpaths lead to sore paws

A reminder that concrete and asphalt can heat up in the summer sun, turning a fun walk into a painful experience for your pup. 

When the air temperature is 30°C the pavement can soar to an astonishing 55°C or more. At these temperatures, your dog’s paw pads can burn in less than 60 seconds! To put this in perspective, if it’s too hot for you to stand on barefoot, it’s definitely too hot for your dog. 

How to protect your dog's paws 

• Check the pavement: before heading out, place the back of your hand or your bare foot on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
• Time your walks: walk during the cooler parts of the day, early morning or late evening, when the pavement has had time to cool down. 
• Choose grass or shaded paths: opt for grassy parks, trails, or shaded areas that don’t heat up like concrete or asphalt. 
• Paw protection: dog boots or paw wax can offer an extra layer of protection for those unavoidable hot spots. 
• Shorten walks: on especially hot days, keep walks short and focus on indoor enrichment or water play to keep your dog active and happy. 

Let's talk training!

Bark-tastic manners: tips to curb excessive barking 

Barking is a natural form of behaviour for a dog, it is their way of communicating. However, a good dog owner is responsible for making sure that their companion is not a nuisance to others.  Dogs bark for various reasons, including separation anxiety, boredom, stimulation from something they see, or identifying a threat. 

Tips to help excessive barking: 

• Remove the motivation: e.g. dogs barking at cars, people or other dogs/ animals. If they are barking at stimuli outside, like passing cars or other dogs/animals, use curtains or blinds to block their view. Soft background music or white noise can also help mask external noises.
• Keep your dog occupied: rotate toys your dog can play with to keep them stimulated, place treats in various places, ask a friend or a dog sitter to look after your dog, take your dog to work if you can.
• Anti-barking devices: there are a range of electronic devices available on the market which are recommended for use as a means to prevent nuisance barking. We also loan a range of barking collars so you can try before you buy.  
• Keep your dog tired: make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental exercise everyday.  
• 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 dogs specific issues.   

It is important to address excessive barking for the well-being of your dog and the peace of your community. While you are doing ongoing training, it is a good idea to communicate with neighbours and keep an open line of communication. Inform them of your efforts and request their understanding during the training process. With patience, training, and a better understanding of your furry companion, you can create a quieter and happier environment for everyone involved. 

Summer 2025 featured walks

Sawpit Gully, Arrowtown

 A must do walk to enjoy the incredible views that Arrowtown has to offer.  

Sawpit Gully is an 8km loop track that we recommend allowing 2-3hours for. The track starts by the Chinese Settlement and follows along the Arrow River Trail, keep an eye out for the Signposted turnoff.  

The walk encompasses a variety of scenery from open country, beech forest and tussock covered slopes. Not to forget the small creek crossings, which allow your dog a well-deserved refresh. From the saddle, the track heads downhill past the Big Hill Trail towards Arrowtown providing magnificent views of the Whakatipu basin. 

While this walk is in a designated off leash area, we offer a friendly reminder that you must always carry a lead, poo bag, and ensure your dog is under control at all times. 

Mt Iron

Mount Iron is the perfect spot for a fun uphill adventure with your furry friend! This dog-friendly track is a fantastic outing where you and your pup can enjoy some fresh air and exercise while taking in stunning 360-degree views of the Pisa Range, Upper Clutha Basin, Lake Wānaka, and the majestic Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana on a 4.5km loop track.

Dogs can be off-leash, but it’s essential to keep them under control and within sight to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone, including other walkers, dogs on leads, and the local wildlife. Being considerate of lead-only pups helps keep the track enjoyable for all.

Before you set off, you’ll find a handy dog poo bag dispenser at the main car park, as well as a dedicated dog waste bin in the Allenby Place car park—so it’s easy to keep the track clean and pup-friendly for everyone. The track starts from a car park off SH84 (the main road into Wānaka from the east), just 2 km from town, then climbs the western side of Mount Iron through lovely low kānuka shrubland. Once you and your four-legged buddy reach the summit, take a moment to enjoy the views and snap a few photos before descending the eastern side and looping back to your starting point. 

Which dog names reigns supreme?

Charlie has been crowned back-to-back champion for Queenstown Lakes’ most popular dog name! Special mention to some of our favourites… Coco Pops Chanel, Sausage Sizzle, Albus Dumbledog and Roger Federer.  

Check out the most popular names for pooches in our district in 2024!

New Year's resolutions for dog owners

Ready to unleash some paw-some habits for the new year? Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or new to the pack, here’s a tail-wagging guide to turn your dog-owning duties into New Year’s resolutions you’ll love.  

• 'Leash’ into the new year: there are plenty of spots in our district where dogs must be on a leash—or where they’re not allowed at all. Check the rules (see here) and map out your next leash-worthy adventure! 
• Scoop the poop: resolve to always carry a bag (or two) for when your dog answers the call of nature when you’re out and about. 
• Get a licence for more than two: if your pack is bigger than the usual duo, make sure to get the proper licence. (Don’t worry, working dogs are an exception!) Keeping it official ensures everyone gets along and helps us all maintain harmony in the community. 
• Keep your pup under control: whether you’re at home or out for a stroll, make it a point to ensure your dog is always under control. 
• Sit, stay, and know the rules: the Dog Control Act is here to keep things running smoothly for everyone—pups included. Brush up on the key provisions  of QLDC's Dog Control Bylaw and Policy and commit to being a dog owner who knows the rules.

Remember, being a responsible dog owner is the best way to show your love for your pup and your neighbors. Now go fetch those goals and make 2025 one to bark about! 

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!

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