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Understanding your dog’s behaviour can go a long way to helping protect native wildlife, former vet, dog handler and kiwi avoidance trainer Lesley Baigent says.
On August 2, she will give a free talk in Mangawhai for dog owners exploring what shapes dogs’ behaviour, and how to encourage good habits.
Hosted by Piroa Conservation Trust, the Know Your Dog talk couldn’t come at a better time for local kiwi populations, who are once again flourishing in the Brynderwyn Hills.
Despite the incredible achievement, the success comes with a new set of problems around protecting the beloved bird.
“Dogs are predators. They share over 99 per cent of their DNA with the wolf. This innate behaviour does not stop because we invite them into our homes and lives. Understanding what your dog will most likely do in a situation where it comes across wildlife is vital,” Baigent says.
According to the Department of Conservation, dogs are one of the leading causes of death in adult kiwi. In Northland, the life expectancy of wild kiwi is just 14 years compared to a 25-to-50-year lifespan in other regions.
“All dogs are different, but any dog could kill wildlife if given the opportunity,” Baigent says.
“While simple actions like keeping dogs in at night can make a big difference to kiwi numbers, understanding your dog, their breed and how they’re likely to behave is also key.”
During the talk, attendees will learn more about what shapes dog behaviour, simple and positive ways to build good habits in and around wildlife, knowing how to read body language and signals, and what it really means to have a dog under control.
“Dogs under control is the biggest message. It does not have to mean all dogs are always on short leads, but it does mean we need to step up, be honest and realistic about how much control we have over them,” Baigent says.
The talk is even more pressing after young male kiwi Rangiora left the Brynderwyn Hills and was tracked as he explored the landscapes of Echo Valley and Kings Road, leading some people to question why kiwi are being released close to residential areas.
“Kiwi are generally not released really close to residential areas, but often they find their own way there. Compost heaps, lovely, mulched gardens and well-maintained lawns are seen as prime feeding areas by kiwi,” Baigent says.
Baigent, who has trained and run certified kiwi conservation dogs, says keeping dogs under control is a small price to pay for having a thriving kiwi population.
“Kiwi have a few million years on us and have a right to be there. We can have both dogs and kiwi; we just need to be smarter and more aware.”
Ultimately, Baigent says, this talk is for all owners who want a better relationship with their dog.
“Dogs are desperately trying to communicate with us, but many people don’t know what their dogs are trying to tell them. By understanding our dogs, we can have better relationships. Dogs will be happier, humans will be happier, and the bonus is our wildlife will be safer too.”
The free Know Your Dog talk will be held on August 2 at Mangawhai Library Hall from 1.00pm to 2.30pm. Places are limited and people are asked not to bring their dogs to the event. Visit https://docs.google.com to register or email info@piroaconservation.org.nz.
