When a client's dog is involved in an incident or declared a regulated dog, do you know how to support them? Each year, over 20,000 dogs across Australia are reported to councils for behaviour-related incidents, triggering time-sensitive processes and compliance requirements that may last for the life of the pet. This webinar brings together the perspectives of an animal management leader, a behaviour assessor, and a trainer to provide practical guidance for behaviour professionals supporting clients both immediately after an incident and in the longer term.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the laws and regulations governing dogs involved in incidents, and their role in community safety
- Learn what happens when a dog is issued a notice or declared, including the rights and responsibilities of dog owners
- Understand what makes a behaviour assessment suitable for use as evidence in a declaration matter
- Identify how trainers and behaviourists can support clients in the immediate aftermath of an incident and through ongoing compliance
- Recognise approaches for working alongside councils, managing client expectations, and improving welfare outcomes
About The Presenters
Tracey Lord, Animal Management Supervisor & Delta-Certified Behaviour Professional
Tracey brings a rare perspective that spans both sides of the declaration process. She now supervises a council animal management team in WA, and has represented councils at tribunal on multiple occasions. Previously, she worked as Senior Animal Behaviour Technician and Head Trainer at WA's first behavioural veterinary clinic from its founding. She holds a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services from the Delta Institute
Dr Diana Rayment, Program Specialist at PetRescue & Animal Behaviour Consultant
Dr Di is a Program Specialist at PetRescue and a board member of the Australian Institute of Animal Management (AIAM). She is an experienced animal behaviour consultant in private practice, trusted by practitioners and dog owners alike for her expert behaviour assessments. Di also consults to state and local government and animal welfare organisations on their animal management policies and operations
Jess Sandstrom, Dog Trainer, Howling Success Dog Training and Behaviour
Jess is a dog trainer and co-owner of Howling Success Dog Training and Behaviour, and a committee member of the Pet Professional Guild Australia. She has developed a strong focus on supporting dogs with behavioural challenges, particularly reactivity, aggression, and fear-based behaviours. Jess also provides a specialised support service for Menacing and Dangerous Dogs in NSW, helping guardians manage compliance requirements and demonstrate behavioural outcomes for potential revocation.
Moderator
Robbie Dinte, Founder of Bestr
Robbie is the founder of Bestr, a technology platform supporting local government and businesses to create safe, comfortable, and compliant spaces for people and pets. His personal experience with his dog being declared Menacing was a catalyst for him to commence studying animal behaviour with the Delta Institute, and to explore building the infrastructure required for our modern pet-friendly world. Bestr provides online guides to help dog owners understand and navigate regulated dog declarations, and Robbie runs a Facebook community offering support and shared understanding for impacted owners.
