Resources

Kiwi Protection & Responsible Dog Ownership

Keeping Kiwi SafeSafety awareness for dog owners helping you to manage your dog(s) in Kiwi areas

Sign up for Kiwi Avoidance Dog Training

Dogs are one of the biggest threats to kiwi. Even friendly, well-trained dogs can unintentionally harm these flightless birds. Kiwi Avoidance Training helps your dog learn to stay away from kiwi, reducing the risk to our national treasure.

Register Your Interest

Want to enrol your dog in Kiwi Avoidance Training? Complete the form, and we’ll email you when a session is scheduled in your area. Curious to learn more? Visit Kiwi Avoidance Training for details on how this training works.

Did you know ...

We are extremely fortunate to have kiwi living in our area. Please take the time to review these safety measures so your beloved dog(s) and kiwi can both stay safe.

ANY dog can kill a kiwi. Kiwi lack flight muscles and even the gentle investigation of a well trained dog can be fatal. Dogs should never approach a kiwi.

DOGS find kiwi exciting! Kiwi have an extremely strong smell and will run. North Island Brown Kiwi live on average 50 years, but in Northland their lifespan is only 13 - 15 years, largely due to incidents involving dogs.

Three Do's

  • DO please keep your dog(s) on a leash and be aware of prime kiwi habitat such as long kikuyu and pampas grass, gorse and scrub, and pine forests.
  • DO keep your pet safely enclosed at night. If your dog(s) needs to go out after dark, accompany them and keep them on a lead, as kiwi are largely nocturnal.
  • DO be aware that during long dry summers kiwi extend their feeding hours and may be found around drains and dams (even venturing out during daylight)

And another three

  • DO consider Kiwi Avoidance Dog Training if you plan to frequent kiwi habitat areas with your dog.
  • DO look at taking a “Know Your Dog” training session.
  • DO get in touch with KAT@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz for more information or to sign up for our dog workshops and training sessions.