More than 90 per cent of respondents to a survey supported a fully-fenced, off-leash dog park but doggy day care owner, Jess Hussell says there are risks owners need to be aware of.
Yarrawonga’s dog owners say the town needs somewhere to safely exercise dogs off-leash after it was overlooked by the previous council in favour of Cobram.
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Community consultation in 2021 received 329 responses with 94 per cent supporting fully-fenced off-leash dog parks in the shire.
The following year, the council allocated funds to build Moira Shire's first fenced dog park.
Yarrawonga had the highest number of dog registrations in the shire (1208) followed by Cobram with 723.
The council’s website currently says, “as Yarrawonga has the highest number of registered dogs it will be the first of our towns to get a dog park.
“It is planned to look at a dog park in Cobram and Numurkah in subsequent budget years.”
But in 2022, the council submitted a funding application to establish an off-leash dog park in Cobram, which opens this week, with no sign of a similar park in Yarrawonga.
A spokesperson said they did not know why the previous council had elected to prioritise Cobram over Yarrawonga.
Chief executive, Matthew Morgan said if the Cobram park proved successful he was confident that funding could be secured for future fully fenced, off-leash parks in Yarrawonga, Numurkah and Nathalia.
He said the council was aware of the community interest for a dog park in Yarrawonga and had shortlisted several locations including Yarrawonga Showgrounds, Kennedy Park, Woodlands Park and near the JC Lowe Oval.
Hayden Best says his dog, Marco loves to go for a run around the oval, it would be great if there was a designated place.
Council has also developed a Dog Off-Leash Area Policy, which provides some guidelines and desirable site attributes for determining the ideal location for dog parks within townships.
“As part of any detailed future project planning, council will engage further with the community on suitable options and a preferred location once one is identified,” Mr Morgan said.
“Council remains committed to delivering dog parks for both Yarrawonga and Numurkah and will continue to actively pursue external funding opportunities to support these important community projects.”
With no timeframe in sight, Yarrawonga dog owners can legally run their pets off-leash at Yarrawonga Showgrounds and JC Lowe Oval Reserve during daylight hours.
“Dogs must be in the presence of the owner and off-leash provisions do not apply when an organised sporting event or similar activity is in progress,” Mr Morgan said.
“During these events, dogs must on a leash.”
However, Yarrawonga Showgrounds is considered by many owners to be unsafe and unsuitable with gates usually left open, and without a bin anywhere on the precinct, owners are discouraged from picking up their dog’s business and taking it home.
Carolyn Watson exercises her dog, Ruby, at Frank Keenan Park near the Yarrawonga Yacht Club.
It’s a popular spot with dog owners, with bins and bags for dog business provided, but being unfenced, it’s not considered safe.
“It is so important dogs can socialise off the lead, and we’ve got nowhere to do it,” said Carolyn.
“You can do it at the racecourse, so they say, but it’s full of bindis there and your dog could get dog covered.”
Carolyn Morgan and her friends exercise their dogs at the Yarrawonga Yacht Club and say they’’d love to see a fenced, off-leash park.
The Cobram off-leash dog park has agility equipment, seating, a shelter for owners, and double-gated entry and exit area to ensure safe and secure access.
Additional features include a river sand area for dogs to dig and play, a drinking fountain with integrated dog bowl, rubbish and dog waste bins, and park signage.
But not everyone is convinced that off-leash parks are always a good idea.
Local doggy day care operator Jess Hussell works with dogs every day and has spent many years studying dog psychology.
She said that while the idea of dogs running free and socialising can be wonderful, owners need to be aware that off-leash dog parks can come with serious risks.
If executed properly, they can be highly successful, but not all dogs are well-socialised, and even friendly dogs can have bad days or react unpredictably,” Jess said.
“One poorly managed dog can trigger fights, injuries, or traumatic experiences that impact your dog’s trust in others long-term.
“Once off-leash, you lose a degree of control and if a situation escalates it’s much harder to intervene in time.
“Even a well-trained dog can get caught up in chaos.”
Jess suggested that a good dog park should be divided into separated areas, one for large dogs and another for smaller dogs and puppies.
Cameron Rennie with Bella, says it would be great to have a fully-fenced, off-leash dog park in Yarrawonga.
It should have clear signage to caution owners about the risks of dog fights and poor behaviour, ample bins and poo bags, and ideally a security camera.
“Dog parks are a hotbed for parasites, kennel cough, worms, and even parvovirus, especially when unvaccinated dogs are brought in by owners who just want’ a quick runaround’,” she said.
“Dogs don’t always learn good behaviour at dog parks; they can pick up bad habits … if your dog is repeatedly overwhelmed or frightened, that’s not socialisation, that’s stress.
“Dogs with fear, reactivity, or medical issues often shouldn’t be in those environments, but they still show up and your calm dog may become the target or be caught in the middle of a reactive outburst.
“If your dog gets bitten, or bites another dog, even in a designated off-leash park, the legal and emotional consequences can be serious; and injuries from rough play or collisions are more common than many realise.
“Controlled, smaller group socialisation and structured play are far better for building confidence and manners, and for protecting everyone’s safety.”
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