With shelters and pounds at capacity across the country, comedian Joel Creasey and dog behaviourist Laura Vissaritis are on a mission to give dogs (and people) a New Leash On Life.
In their new ABC series, they're pairing vulnerable dogs with people in need.
But even if you're watching at home, you can play a part in helping your furry friends.
Before you buy a dog
Before you start looking up 'cutest dog breeds' online, Laura says you need to consider if a pet suits your lifestyle.
Laura says to remember dogs are emotional and intelligent animals that require "a daily commitment that may last more than 15 years".
"Are [you] prepared to be responsible for another living being day in, day out?"
Consider your finances
It's also important to think about whether you're in a financial position to be responsible for a dog's health and wellbeing.
"Things can get expensive, especially if your dog gets sick or has an injury, and this is a big reason why dogs end up in pounds," Laura says.
Think about your time
You'll also need to make sure you have the time — can you commit to walking a dog every day? Are you home enough to train your pet, and to give it the love, cuddles, and socialisation it needs?
"Your presence at home is required a lot more, and most dogs don't cope with being left alone for prolonged periods of time."
It's also worth considering if your home has enough space for a dog, and if you live alone, how your dog will be cared for when you're sick.
Research your breeder
If you're buying from a breeder, Laura says you'll need to make sure you visit the property of the puppy.
"The environment is so important," Laura says.
"If you have a bad 'gut' feeling about the place, don't buy the puppy — instead, you should report the breeders to authorities such as your local council or reputable animal welfare group."
You'll also want to meet the puppy's mother, and make sure she's calm, and well looked after.
If she seems stressed or unhappy, Laura says this will have a "huge impact" on the puppy's overall health and behaviour long term.
If the breeder refuses to have you visit, Laura notes "this is a very big red flag".
If you're rescuing
When taking home a rescue dog, Laura says it's important to remember that every interaction you have is a training opportunity.
"Try to remember my three Cs. [Reward] every moment your dog feels and shows that they are Calm, Controlling their impulses, and Cooperating.
"Additionally, dogs need CPR from us at all times: Consistency, Patience and Respect."
She says dogs will take a few days to calm down and become familiar with their new environment, and a few weeks to come out of their shell and reveal a bit more of their personality.
"And then after three months, that will be your true [dog]," she says.
Laura says in some cases, irresponsible breeders will try to pass themselves off as a rescue group online.
"And on occasion, there are some shelter groups who do not uphold the welfare of their animals as you might expect," she says.
"The organisations that have the best reputation are usually the ones that your local pound or vet clinic will recommend."
Preventing your dog from going to the pound
When you first bring home your dog
Once you've brought a dog home, Laura says both microchipping and desexing are essential.
"Letting a female have a litter before spaying her is a myth, but the right age of desexing is critical," she says.
"Microchipping is also vital, to ensure your dog comes back to you."
She also says you'll want to consider enrolling your dog in puppy school so it's properly socialised. For a rescue or older dog, you could also consider hiring a qualified trainer to help iron-out any behavioural concerns you may have.
However, she adds "lots of 'problem' behaviours are just normal behaviours for dogs, so adjust your expectations and think more from your dog's point of view".
When you've had your dog for years
Even if you've had your dog for ages, you can still take steps to prevent it from ending up in the pound.
To start with, make sure your dog is always wearing a collar with an identification tag when off the property or home alone.
Keep your dog safe and indoors during thunderstorms and fireworks, and make sure it always feels a part of the family: "Dogs often escape or develop behaviour problems because they are stressed and unhappy."
If you're going away, Laura says not to leave your dog home alone, but to find a pet sitter or a kennel with a good reputation.
And finally, Laura says to make sure your dog's ongoing care is included in your will.
"If your family are not prepared to take your dog, who will give them a beautiful forever home?" she says.
"Explicitly state this in your will and consider financial support for the ongoing care of your dog if you were to pass away."
How you can help
If you don't have a dog of your own, or you do but want to provide some extra help, you could consider fostering.
This involves bringing home a pet for a short period, knowing that you're not going to be their forever home.
As the RSPCA outlines, this could be because "animals are too small or young to be adopted, recovering from illness or surgery, are undergoing rehabilitation or even just finding the shelter environment too stressful".
You could also consider volunteering at or donating to a shelter or pound.
The New Leash On Life team have put together a list of some organisations to get started with:
- National Desexing Network (NDN)
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia (RSPCA Australia)
- PetRescue
- Vets Beyond Borders
- Getting 2 Zero (G2Z)
- The Alliance for Animals
- The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation (APWF)
State-specific organisations:
- The Lost Dogs' Home (VIC)
- DoggieRescue.com (NSW)
- Bunbury Animal Rescue Rehome Care Inc — BARRC (WA)
- K9 Dog Rescue (WA)
- The Dogs' Refuge Home (WA)
- Staffy and Bully Breed Rescue Inc. — SABBR (WA)
- Homeless and Abused Animal Rescue Team — HAART (WA)
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