By Mitchell Clarke
A Berwick dog trainer is pleading with the State Government to allow trainers back to work, citing fears of increased aggression and a rise in dog attacks.
Judi Buchan, who volunteers her time to train dogs, said it was “non-sensical” the current restrictions didn’t allow one-on-one training in public places.
“We fall under education and also welfare, but somewhere along the way, we seem to have fallen off someone’s desk and it’s as though we have never existed,” she explained.
“It is also very non-sensical that it is now recently deemed safe for personal trainers to be able to resume their work one-on-two and outdoors, yet not safe for dog behaviourist/trainers to do the same – or even one-on-one.”
Under Stage 4, dog trainers and behaviourists are prohibited from providing any physical services.
“We’re very limited in what we can do at an online level,” Ms Buchan said.
“We are dealing with sentient beings, and it’s not just the dog but also the dog’s owners who must be taken into account when advice is delivered.”
During the past two months, Ms Buchan – and many others in the industry – have been assisting pet owners over the phone or Zoom.
“This is not easy as demonstration is a big part of a dog-owner’s learning. Being very aware of giving responsible advice, I know that in the more dangerous cases, I am severely limited in what I can suggest they do,” she explained.
“What might be appropriate and work well with one dog could well prove disastrous for another. In the absence of being able to meet their dog, to read the dog in every aspect of its body language, which is of course the strongest communication used by dogs, this can change in the blink of an eye and these are the nuances we need to be aware of when we are putting in best practice for the dog.”
Ms Buchan also said socialisation was crucial, particularly during a pup’s critical period of development.
She said a lack of sufficient and properly conducted socialisation could ultimately result in bite injuries.
“Of course when any animal is fearful it can provoke a defence response,” she said.
“This is not because the dog is a bad dog, but simply because he and his owners have been prohibited from the education they need.
“And it won’t be their fault for making those mistakes – the responsibility will fall upon the government for the decisions it made which have precluded us from being able to provide the education and services that would have avoided these events in the first place. It is so vital that dogs be brought up to be good, stable tempered, well-mannered, community members.”
Ms Buchan said the frustration and desperation in the community was evident, with some people even expressing direct anger at her because she can’t take bookings.
“I broke down in tears the other day, after a row of phone calls, all pleading for help because their dogs’ behaviours were becoming very concerning, if not already quite dangerous and because I could not do a damn thing about it as I should be able to do,” she said.
“I hear despair and anguish, on a daily basis. People have dogs who are now no longer pups and behaviours which are becoming unfavourable are becoming more obvious to them, and more dangerous.
“Their dog is their family member and they love their dog but it’s all going wrong for them, I have to tell them I’m not allowed to help them in the way they need, and they are left to feel hung out to dry.”
Liberal Gembrook MP Brad Battin said the situation was an example of “just another group” not having their voices heard by the State Government.
“Animal welfare is just as important as human welfare and dog training is an essential part of ensuring our pets are happy and healthy in their homes and the community,” he said.
A State Government spokeswoman said restrictions must be eased “gradually” to limit the movement of people across Victoria.
“We have consulted with a large range of industries across the state to develop our roadmap and we’ll continue to work with them as we safely ease restrictions and move towards achieving Covid Normal,” she said.
“Dog trainers like many other businesses can currently operate in regional Victoria and are expected to re-open in metropolitan Melbourne at the third step, subject to public health advice.”
To sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/pet-dog-industry-get-melbourne-dog-trainers-back-in-operation.
