The Dog and Cat Management Board Policy and Procedure for the training of dogs subject to a dangerous dog order Description: A policy and procedure for the training of dogs subject to a dangerous dog order
Document Control: Creator Dog and Cat Management Board Author Urban Animal Management Officer, Dog and Cat Management Board Consultation Date Released 22 July 2009 Date Reviewed Version 1 Description A policy and procedure for the training of dogs subject to a dangerous dog order Keywords Availability URL Coverage DCMB Website Council Secure Area http://www.dogandcatboard.com.au All South Australian Councils Authorisation: Dog and Cat Management Board 22 July 2009
Policy The Dog and Cat Management Act requires that dogs that have been declared to be dangerous must undergo training approved by the Dog and Cat Management Board as described in the procedure below. Procedure Introduction If a dangerous dog order is placed on a dog the issuing council officer must be satisfied that the training provider meets the course pre-requisites. NB. If the course is not completed then the owner would be in breach of the Order. 1 Pre-requisites The following parameters must be met; The council must select a training provider who meets the following criteria; Has passed Canine Good Citizen Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services or equivalent in dog behaviour and training. The issuing council officer must discuss the specific incident(s) that gave rise to the order with the training provider and agree on any required timelines which must be met by the dog and owner Note: A council may require the dog to commence a training program within a set time frame, to ensure that the owner cannot delay or ignore the requirement. If the owner of the dog cannot meet the time frames set by the council officer then the owner is deemed to have breached the order. Timeframes for the full behavioural modification cannot be set because each dog and owner relationship and capabilities are different and there is no guarantee that a dog completing a training program will not re-offend. The trainer provider may give an estimate of the duration of the program after the first consultation. Trainers must adhere to the procedures below as stated in the policy. The training provider will contact the dog owner to discuss the case and management techniques and must advise the owner of the cost of the initial consultation and all subsequent consultations. All training programs will require a minimum of three consultations. A Training Service Agreement should be completed and signed by the owner. This limits the liability for the trainer and may improve the compliance of the owner. The owner must verify that there has been full and honest disclosure about the dog. The training provider must initiate a veterinary examination by either the dog s usual veterinarian or a veterinarian selected by training provider or council. The training provider will discuss any specific assessment requirements with the veterinarian. The training provider must advise the owner that they must authorise the vet to provide any information from the examination to the training provider and council. The veterinarian will carry out full assessment of the dog as deemed necessary e.g. blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures. These must be at the expense of the owner. A quotation must be given at the first veterinary consultation. If the owner does not agree to pay the cost, the issuing council officer must be informed and the situation re-evaluated. The veterinarian will make any recommendations to the owner and training provider regarding. medication required, prognosis and any physical or neurological disorders diagnosed. The initial consultation with the training provider may be delayed upon the advice of the veterinarian e.g. if the dog is to be placed on any medication.
Following the initial veterinary examination, if the veterinarian considers that the dog is physically and mentally capable of responding to a behavioural training program, the initial consultation with the owner and dog can take place. The veterinarian must provide a brief report to the training provider including any medical history and council summarising the dog s physical condition and the probability of the dog responding favourably to behavioural modification i.e. if the dog has a brain tumour or other serious medical condition the veterinarian may deem the dog to be unfit to undertake any program and may recommend euthanasia and refer it back to council. 2 Behavioural Consultation At initial consultation the training provider; discusses and documents the behaviour that gave rise to the order with the owner, ensuring details of where, and when the incident occurred and severity of bite using the UAM Incident Severity Scale Summary Table (based on the scale created by Ian Dunbar). takes a detailed history of the dog, including where it was purchased, diet, previous training undertaken, daily routine, conditions in which the dog is kept, where the dog sleeps, environmental enrichment availability, and its relationship with other pets and family members. takes a detailed account of the family lifestyle in relation to the dog, including daily routine, family members, and disciplinary principles Once the initial questionnaire and assessment are complete the training provider must advise the owner of the recommended training and behavioural modification both verbally and as a written summary. The training provider must demonstrate any techniques used, provide educational handouts where possible and provide a homework sheet to the dog owner. All training providers must use positive reinforcement methods, i.e. conditioning, counter conditioning, desensitisation in line with the Delta Society Australia policy Instructors are united in their training methods and philosophy to use humane, positive reinforcement training techniques and methods to produce informed, competent, caring owners with well socialised and well behaved dogs. The training provider must provide the owner with an estimated forecast/assessment including an estimation of costs involved. If the owner does not agree to these costs, the matter must be referred to council for re-evaluation At the end of the consultation the training provider must make a follow up appointment with the owner, this may be initially in the form of a phone call, one week after the initial consultation; the manner of the initial follow up is at the discretion of the training provider. The owner may contact the training provider prior to follow up if required and must contact the training provider if clarification of the training program or any aspect of the dog s behaviour is required. The owner must contact the training provider immediately if there is an increase of the unwanted behaviour. The training provider may refer the owner to a behavioural specialist at their discretion. The training provider will inform council of such a decision. 3 Follow up One week after the consultation the training provider must contact the owner to ascertain if the dog s behaviour has shown any improvement or if the owner requires any clarification on the training program.
The training provider must then arrange a further follow up appointment no later than one month after the initial consultation; unless the dog has been placed on medication and the veterinarian recommends a longer period between consultations. A full written report of the consultation and behavioural training plan must be sent to the owner. Council must be advised of the outcome and summary of the proposed training plan within a week of the second follow up consultation. If, at this consultation, the training provider decides they cannot continue to train the dog, they must inform council immediately. The trainer must advise the council if the training plan is amended after the council has received the summary report. In particular, the trainer must advise council if the training program is abandoned due to non compliance of the owner or for any other reason.. A minimum of three face to face consultations with the owner and dog are to be undertaken, unless the training provider considers that the dog is too dangerous; in which case the training provider must discuss the situation with the owner and inform council they are unable to continue to provide the service. If the training provider recommends that the dog be euthanized; the council will consult the owner and determine whether or not a second opinion is required. 3.1 First follow up consultation The training provider must make a further assessment of the dog and must provide the owner with any further training advice and demonstrations. A written report of this consultation must be provided to the owner and the council. 3.2 Second follow up consultation The training provider must make a further assessment of the dog and must provide the owner with any further training advice and demonstrations. A written report of this consultation must be sent to the owner and the council. 4 Finalisation of the Program Once the training provider has seen the dog over a period agreed with the owner; which may be several months, the training provider must review the dog s behaviour and provide a written report to the owner and council. A certificate of completion must be issued to the dog owner and copied to council.
Suggested Service Agreement between owner and trainer I agree to undertake the training program as discussed with the training provider which must include the following; I recognise that I must pay fees agreed with the training provider I will not make any changes to the program without discussion and authorisation from the training provider. I will contact the training provider should there be any increase in the unwanted behaviour or if any new unwanted behaviour occurs. I will notify the training provider and the council who have issued the order if I choose to terminate this agreement and training plan. I will contact the training provider if I do not understand the training program or exercise I will contact the training provider if I become concerned about any aspect of the dogs training or behaviour. I will contact the training provider and council if there is a change in my family circumstances, i.e. move house or additional persons move into the property, or any aspect of security to the premises becomes an issue. I have given the training provider all the necessary information regarding the dog subject to the order. I understand that if I do not adhere to the above agreement I will be in breach of the council order. Signed Date
Training of Dogs Subject to a Dangerous Dog Order Council must select a training provider who meets the following criteria as approved by the Board. Has passed the Canine Good Citizen Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services or equivalent in dog behaviour and training. Once selected the council discusses the incident(s) that gave rise to the order and agree on any required timelines which must be met by the owner Training provider agrees to take on the case. Training provider does not agree to take on the case or cannot meet the required timelines. Training provider contacts owner of the dog to discuss management techniques, cost of initial consultation and subsequent consultations. Owner signs training agreement Owner cannot meet timelines set by council or refuses to pay for consultations Training provider to inform council. Council to take further action as owner is in breach of order Training provider initiates veterinary examination by veterinarian and discusses any specific requirements with the veterinarian. Veterinarian provides report / recommendations to owner and training provider Training provider initiates consultations as per the Dog and Cat Management Board Policy for training of dogs subject to a dangerous dog order. Finalisation of the training program The training provider provides a written report to the council and owner. A certificate of completion is given to the owner with a copy to council.
UAM INCIDENT SEVERITY SCALE 1 2 3 4 5 6 DESCRIPTION Dog that exhibits unacceptable aggression without actually biting Dog that inflicts a single (not severe) bite wound in a situation where provocation of the dog has been established as a significant causal factor. Dog that inflicts a single (not severe) bite wound without provocation. Dog that inflicts multiple bite wounds in a situation where provocation of the dog has been established as a significant causal factor. Dog that inflicts multiple bite wounds without provocation Life threatening attack (potential grievous bodily harm) 7 Attack of level 3 or above whilst the subject of a destruction or dangerous dog order 8 Attack of level 3 or above and the owner has had a dog in the previous 5 years that was the subject of a dangerous or destruction order POSSIBLE DIRECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ORDERS 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash and under control at all times when off the owner s property 4. Must not have access from the driveway to the front door of the owner s property 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash and under control at all times when off the owner s property 4. Must not have access from the driveway to the front door of the owner s property 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry. 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash, under control and muzzled at all times when off premises. 4. Must not have access to path between gate and front door and with an approved warning sign. 5. Dog must be desexed at owner s expense. 6. Must wear an approved identifying collar 7. Owner must obtain public liability insurance to keep the dog. 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry. 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash, under control and muzzled at all times when off premises. 4. Must not have access to path between gate and front door and with an approved warning sign. 5. Dog must be desexed at owner s expense. 6. Must wear an approved identifying collar 7. Owner must obtain public liability insurance to keep the dog. unless owner prepared to make exceptional efforts including all of the above for levels 4 & 5 plus confinement to a child/dog proof enclosure 2. Prohibition order for owner 2. Prohibition order for owner
Summary Table DESCRIPTION ORDER CONSEQUENCE 1 Dog that exhibits unacceptable aggression without actually biting - Growling 2 Dog that inflicts a single (not severe) bite wound in a situation where provocation of the dog has been established as a significant causal factor. Bruise Dog that inflicts a single (not severe) bite wound without provocation. 1 4 puncture wounds 4 Dog that inflicts multiple bite wounds in a situation where provocation of the dog has been established as a significant causal factor. 5 Dog that inflicts multiple bite wounds without provocation Nuisance Nuisance Menacing Dangerous Dangerous or Destruction 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash and under control at all times when off the owner s property 4. Must not have access from the driveway to the front door of the owner s property 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash and under control at all times when off the owner s property 4. Must not have access from the driveway to the front door of the owner s property 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry. 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash, under control and muzzled at all times when off premises. 4. Must not have access to path between gate and front door and with an approved warning sign. 5. Dog must be desexed at owner s expense. 6. Must wear an approved identifying collar 7. Owner must obtain public liability insurance to keep the dog. 1. Dog must be identified using an Australian Standard microchip with data on an accredited registry. 2. Owner and dog must undergo approved training courses 3. Dog must be on leash, under control and muzzled at all times when off premises. 4. Must not have access to path between gate and front door and with an approved warning sign. 5. Dog must be desexed at owner s expense. 6. Must wear an approved identifying collar 7. Owner must obtain public liability insurance to keep the dog. unless owner prepared to make exceptional efforts including all of the above for levels 4 & 5 plus confinement to a child/dog proof enclosure
6 Life threatening attack (potential grievous bodily harm) 7 Attack of level 2 or above whilst the subject of a destruction or dangerous dog order 8 Attack of level 3 or above and the owner has had a dog in the previous 5 years that was the subject of a dangerous or destruction order Destruction Destruction and Prohibition Destruction and Prohibition 2. Prohibition order for owner 2. Prohibition order for owner 2. Prohibition order for owner