Sinking their teeth into training

One of the council's dog handling trainees, Dallas Hope, with his dog Meg.

WEST Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) workers have spent two days of intensive training recently learning state-of-the art techniques to deal with stray dogs in the Jabiru town area.

WARC Works Supervisor Paul “Porridge” Stevens and Works Officer Dallas Hope recently completed an accredited unit of competency in Companion Animal Handling and Safety.

Ken Innes, Training and Education Manager at Hanrob, said the two-day course taught the employees techniques needed to safely capture, handle and transport difficult dogs.

“This is the first time workers from this council have received the training,” Mr Innes said. “The techniques they learned are humane, with the animal’s welfare and the health of the worker at heart.”

Dallas, who has dogs of his own, said during the first day of training they learned how to identify “dog body language”.

"This helps us determine whether the dog is friend or foe,” Dallas said.

Mr Innes said the second day of the course taught capture techniques and how to use different types of equipment. It also covered restraint and lifting techniques, he said. “The workers used their own dogs to practise techniques such as using a bite stick to direct the dog’s aggression to something away from the handler,” he said. 

Dallas said the capture techniques could only be applied to domesticated dogs. “The techniques won’t work with feral dogs, because they won’t come near you – they just run off when you approach, so unfortunately these dogs need to be trapped,” he said.

Mr Innes said anyone encountering a fighting or dangerous dog in Jabiru should call the council for assistance.

“Do not approach a dangerous dog, just keep your eye on it from a distance and call the council,” Mr Innes said. “On no account should you go in with your hands.”

WARC Service Manager Ian Lindsay is asking Jabiru residents to ensure their dogs are kept secured in their yard while they are away.

“We also remind residents that dogs are not allowed in the street unless they are on a leash,” Mr Lindsay said. “Barking is also an issue – dog owners should not be leaving their dogs barking at all times of the day or night. These are the complaints the council is receiving continually, and dealing with them is wasting council time and costing ratepayers money. We have bylaws in Jabiru covering these issues, but they are not being adhered to.”

To report a problem dog in your area please call WARC on 8979 89444. 

Porridge practises his bit stick technique at the dog handling session.