Dogs walks booming during lockdown

Despite the chilly weather and stay-at-home restrictions, Northern Beaches locals are out and about exercising and enjoying the outdoors with their families and their pooches.

Some lucky dogs are getting multiple walks a day. Dogs and their owners have access to 29 off-leash areas across the Northern Beaches.

Dogs outside of these off-leash areas are welcome at our other facilities such as local parks and ovals, where they need to stay on a lead at all times.

It’s a no-brainer, but we’ve summed up the top 7 Doggie-Do’s when it comes to walking your dog during COVID-19:

Top 7 Doggie-Dos for owners

Please consider public etiquette when bringing your dog to or visiting our parks and open spaces to ensure all animals and people can enjoy their park experience.

Always leash your dog in an on-leash area.Always carry a waste bag and clean up after doggie-dos.Train pooch to have a reliable recall and not jump on people.Keep an eye on pooch when they are unleashed, preventing unruly behaviour towards other dogs or people.Move away from people who are uncomfortable being close to dogs or might not love them as much as you do.Leave and come back another time if the park is busy or if your dog’s interactions aren’t compatible (such as rough play).Always keep dogs out of playgrounds and our National Park areas.

Tips for non-dog owners

Not everyone loves dogs, and that’s okay. These tips might help you understand and deal with pet owners. 

Everyone has the right to use our permitted outdoor spaces with their dogs, within the on and off-leash guidelines.Let the dog owner know respectfully and in a friendly way if you feel a dog’s behaviour is unacceptable.Call Council’s Rangers on 1300 434 434 if you feel a dog could be dangerous to the public or to report an incident.

For more information on understanding and reporting dog attacks, visit here.

Thanks for sharing our spaces and respecting each other, especially at times like this.