Aussies urged to remember their 'Pet-etiquette'
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media release: 12 June, 2012
Aussies urged to remember their 'Pet-etiquette'
With Australia having the highest rates of pet ownership in the world and pets increasingly being treated as members of the family, a leading vet has urged the nation to remember the importance of practicing pet etiquette and has deemed it a crucial part of owning a pet.
Head Veterinarian at www.vetshopaustralia.com.au, Dr Mark Perissinotto, is urging Aussie dog owners to brush up on pet etiquette or “petiquette” as modern life draws animal and humankind closer together.
“Some modern pet owners consider their pets as one of their children and it’s easy to become complacent when your pet goes everywhere with you,” he said.
“But the dog that is allowed to pee in neighbours’ gardens, lick and sniff strangers and hog the footpath while out for a walk won’t win any admirers for the dog or the owner.
“Good petiquette is simply thinking of others when it comes to your pet’s behaviour and understanding that good behaviour has to be practiced at both ends of the leash.”
Dr Perissinotto said the behaviour of your pet should not infringe on others’ ability to enjoy a walk in the park, beach or anywhere else in public.
“One of the biggest annoyances for many people is pet owners who let their dogs run around uncontrolled. Unless your pet is in a designated off-leash area, it should be on a leash,” he said
Dog owners also shouldn’t assume their dog’s attempts to be friendly will be received with open arms.
“Not everyone is a 'dog person' as cute as you may find it when Fido jumps up on you and almost licks you to death, a passing stranger may not appreciate it so much,” Dr Perissinotto said.
“Keep dog-aggressive dogs on a muzzle at all times when in public, it is simply not worth the risk of them biting another dog or at worst another person. Pet owners have a responsibility to control their dogs when out in public not only for their pets’ safety, but the safety of others.”
10 petiquette rules to live by from www.vetshopaustralia.com
- Keep your dog on a leash when out for a walk
- Always pick up your dog’s mess
- Don’t let your dog relieve itself on the neighbour’s lawn/garden
- Do not bring your dog to events unless invited
- Do not let your dog jump on/sniff/lick others
- Ensure your dog knows basic obedience: sit, down, stay and come
- Don’t let your dog bark excessively
- Don’t let your dog beg for food or attention
- Make sure your dog wears a collar and ID
- Teach your kids to be cautious around other people’s pets
ENDS
Further information
Media Contact: Jemma Lenton 07 5453 4840
Jemma.lenton@vetshoponline.com
Address: 5/42 Owen Creek RD. Forest Glen QLD
Go to the Dr Mark bio page for more information about Dr Mark Perissinotto.