Wind, showers and plenty of kiwi-safe dogs at Matakana

Spring turned on the wind and showers for our Kiwi Avoidance Training session at Matakana Pony Club on Saturday 19 September, but that didn’t stop local dog owners from turning up to help keep local kiwi safe.

A big thank you to everyone who braved the weather and brought their dogs along. 30 dogs completed Kiwi Avoidance Training, with 10 returning for refresher training, and there were plenty of curious people dropping in to find out more about how they can help protect kiwi.

The session was run by TFBT’s Tracy and experienced Kiwi Avoidance trainer Steve. While Steve took each dog through the 10-minute training course, Tracy kept track of the registrations and captured plenty of photos for our Kiwi Avoidance Training Graduates gallery.

Jess knows best

Jess already had a pretty good idea of what to do around kiwi.

While out on a bush walk with her owners, she suddenly stopped, turned around and ran home. Her owners had to encourage her back onto the track on lead to finish the walk.

As the area is known for kiwi, they’re convinced Jess was doing her best to avoid them. Clever girl!

When Jess returned for a refresher course, there were no surprises. She confidently avoided every kiwi decoy and completed the entire course without a single fault.

Well done, Jess!

From tiny pups to experienced working dogs

Kiwi Avoidance Training is for all dogs, whether they are much-loved family pets, working dogs or hunting dogs.

Kiwi are particularly vulnerable to dogs. Their fragile bodies can be seriously injured by a dog’s bite, but also by something as seemingly harmless as a curious sniff, squeeze or accidental step. Their less-developed breast bones makes them especially vulnerable to crushing injuries.

That’s why learning to avoid kiwi and refreshing that training regularly, is an important part of responsible dog ownership in areas where kiwi are present.

Seven-month-old wire-haired dachshund Scout was one of the younger dogs taking part. His owner understands that being a small dog doesn’t mean he can’t cause serious harm to kiwi.

Well done, Scout, for learning how to be a kiwi-safe pup!

Not quite ready yet, Dolly!

We also had plenty of people and dogs stopping by to say hello, including 11-week-old Dolly.

This gorgeous blond pup is, of course, named after Dolly Parton. While she’s still too young for Kiwi Avoidance Training, her owners are already planning to bring her back when she’s old enough.

We’ll look forward to seeing you again, Dolly!

Miles of smiles

And then there was Bruce, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with tonnes of personality and a very memorable smile.

Thanks for stopping in for your Kiwi Avoidance refresher, Bruce. We always love seeing your happy face!

Why refresh your dog’s training?

Kiwi Avoidance Training gives dogs the opportunity to learn that kiwi are not something to chase, investigate or interact with.

It’s a practical step dog owners can take to reduce the risk to kiwi when walking, working or hunting with their dogs in areas where kiwi are present. And just like any training, a refresher can help reinforce those behaviours over time.

The 10 dogs who returned for refresher training at Matakana were a great example of this, confidently working their way through the course again.

For dog owners, knowing your dog has been trained to avoid kiwi can provide another layer of protection, but it’s important to remember that Kiwi Avoidance Training is not a guarantee or a substitute for responsible dog management. Dogs should still be kept under control, particularly in known kiwi areas.

Our next Kiwi Avoidance Training session

Could your dog use some kiwi-safe training? Our next free Kiwi Avoidance Training session will be held at Ahuroa Fire Station on Sunday 11 October.

Each dog receives a 10-minute training session, so bookings are essential.

Book your dog’s Kiwi Avoidance Training session

A huge thank you to the Rodney Local Board for supporting these free Kiwi Avoidance Training sessions and helping local dog owners take practical steps to protect kiwi.