Neighbour’s best friend too

We are all used to having a dog or a cat as a pet at home – sometimes even more than one. Among Australian families rearing dogs seem to be more popular. A recent survey has indicated that up to 40% of households in Australia own one or more dogs.

In addition to being a pet, security is another concern in having a dog. And of course, it has been accepted that a dog is man’s best friend.

It’s common for a dog owner to take his/her pal on a walk. It’s exercise both for the owner and the dog. There are plenty of parks around to take dogs and get them to play. They also make friends with other dogs.

A researcher in the University of Western Australia has found that dog owners are not only physically active on more days of the week but the presence of dogs has neighbours feeling the area is more secure. “Dog walkers out in the neighbourhood became the eyes and ears on the street,” says the researcher, Dr Hayley Christian of the School of Population Health.

Dog owners are encouraged to train their pets to play Agility, a fun sport for dogs and dog handlers to get fit together

“The natural surveillance provides opportunities for people to interact and monitor their neighbourhood and notice unusual behaviour, which can help deter local crime and make people safer,” she points out, adding that dog walking helps to get to know the area you live in as well as neighbours.

The study had recorded the habits of 1,000 dog owners in Australia and America.

Almost 60% of the dog walkers interviewed had reported feeling safer when walking with their dog.

Most dog owners admit that while they love their dogs, they give you companionship and force the owners to get out and exercise. They are really good company and it’s relaxing to pat them.

“Dogs are such good fun and so cheeky; if you’re not watching they can steal your Vegemite sandwich,” one female is quoted as saying.

Agility – a sport for dogs

Dog owners are also encouraged to train their pets to play Agility, a fun sport for dogs and dog handlers to get fit together. It is the fastest growing of the dog sports and most breeds are suitable for agility.

In the sport, dogs are required to learn fun obstacles such as hoops, tunnels, weaving poles, scramble, dog walk, table, see saw and jumps.

Obstacle jump heights are suited to the dogs, jumps at 200mm, 300mm, 400mm, 500mm or 600mm based on the height of the dog.

Agility Dog Association of Australia (ADAA) has branches in the different states to promote Agility to all dog owners and to encourage the public to involve their pets more in fun activities.

Formed in 1994, ADAA is run by volunteers as a non-profit organisation. It formulates rules and guidelines for the conduct of Agility competitions. Agility tests are designed for the enjoyment of the handler, the dog, and for spectator appeal, within the constraints of safety.

The sport is for all dogs – whether they are big or small, pure bred or cross breeds.

The Association says: “As long as your dog is healthy, you can give Agility a go. The best way to find out if Agility is for you and your dog is to try it .The obstacles are relatively easy to train and are taught in a fun, positive manner. Training progresses as the dog and handler gain confidence.”