Effective control of your dog

A dog is under effective control on private property when it is:

  • adequately contained within your property boundary
  • unable to escape over, under or through the fence or barrier
  • unable to protrude any part of its body over, under or through
  • unable to cause harm, fear or worry to a person, animal or thing.

A dog is under effective control in a public place when it is:

  • held by a leash no longer than 2 metres in length
  • held by an owner / handler who is physically able to control the dog to ensure it won’t attack or worry another person or animal
  • held by a minor (under 16), and accompanied by an adult who is physically able to control it
  • held by an owner / handler who is not handling more than 2 dogs at the same time
  • tethered to a fixed object and under the continuous supervision of the owner / handler
  • restrained in or on a vehicle so that it is unable to escape or protrude any part of its body outside of the vehicle boundary
  • participating in training or obedience trials under the supervision of its owner / handler (only applicable to members of recognised associations)
  • being shown at an event, under the supervision of its owner / handler (only applicable to members of recognised associations).

Effective control also applies when your dog is off leash in a designated off leash area.

Even though your dog is permitted off leash while using one of our off-leash dog parks, you must still maintain effective control. You do this by:

  • remaining within the dog off leash area with continuous supervision of your dog
  • ensuring your dog returns to you when it is called (effective recall)
  • ensuring your dog displays and engages in positive, social interaction with other people and animals
  • understanding your dogs behaviour and what they do and don't enjoy. If your dog is displaying signs of being uncomfortable in the of leash area, it's best to remove them.

There is no rule about the size or weight of dogs for using the “small” or “large” off-leash areas. Understanding your dogs’ energy levels and how they get along with dogs of all sizes will help you to choose the right area to exercise your dog.

Find resources and videos about the importance of recall on the Leave It website. 

For more information about appropriate dog park etiquette, visit Off-leash dog parks.

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