Pawsitive insights

Understanding your dog | 19 May-29 May | 6 sessions

Curious about your dog's habits and looking for advice to get your four-legged companion to follow commands? Discover the secrets of dog communication with Dog Behaviour Specialist, Sarah Rutten from The Canine Perspective. Unlock your dog's pawtential with this informative look into force-free canine conduct. Find out creative ways to keep your dog motivated and teach an old dog new tricks. Build a better connection with your furry friend and create harmony in your home.

Free. Registration essential. Ages 16 and over.

LibraryDate and TimeRegistration
KawanaMonday 19 May, 10–11.30amRegister
MaroochydoreThursday 22 May, 10–11.30amRegister
MalenyMonday 26 May, 10–11.30amRegister
CoolumTuesday 27 May, 10–11.30amRegister
NambourWednesday 28 May, 10–11.30amRegister
BeerwahThursday 29 May, 10–11.30amRegister

View the program and event terms and conditions.

Learn more from Sarah Rutten, The Canine Perspective.

Further training resources

Pet ownership has a positive effect on our mental health and during this challenging time it is more important than ever. Sunshine Coast Council offer online tips to help with responsibility for managing a happy and healthy family pet - Pet tips and resources.

  • Maintain a healthy diet - be sure not to drop extra tasty treats to an always eager dog or cat.
  • Practice your baking skills to keep dogs satisfied with delicious doggy treats - healthy treat recipes are available online.
  • Keep your dog entertained by hiding healthy pet food treats in your garden - this game changer will entice even the most restful of dogs.
  • Use interactive toys that dispense treats - dry kibble is great or bake your own healthy pet snacks.
  • Keep your cat entertained by hiding some treats at different levels in your home.
  • Playing is a great way to exercise your dog and cat while at home and burn off pent up energy.
  • Remember the leash, tag and poo bag when taking your dog for a walk. For more information see exercising dogs.
  • Maintain your routine as much as possible - keep to the same feeding times and if you can't go for a walk, do a daily play session instead.
  • Be sure there are no bones laying around for children to pick up - this can make dogs very cranky if they think their most favourite snack has been taken away from them.

Visit a Council Pop Up Booth

Dog Safety Tips

These tips will help everyone to enjoy being out and about on the Sunshine Coast.

Learn more about teaching children responsible pet ownership by booking a free visit from the Council Education Team. Book a Smart Paws Pet Awareness visit now.

Learn more about dogs on the Sunshine Coast

Find details of responsible dog ownership, regulated dogs, fencing requirements and where you can exercise your dog off-leash through the Sunshine Coast Council Keeping Dogs.

Understand the barking and roaming regulations.

Read through the Management Plans for domestic animals (cats and dogs) 2021-2030.

Locate your lost and found pets.

Volunteer your time to help pets find a home with these community groups