City of Darwin is helping residents strengthen the bond with their pets through a series of free behaviour workshops designed to support responsible pet ownership and improve the wellbeing of pets across the municipality.
Delivered in partnership with Pawsitive K9 Behaviour, the monthly workshops will provide practical advice to help pet owners better understand their pets’ needs and manage common behavioural issues.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the workshops would provide valuable support for both new and experienced pet owners.
“Whether you’re preparing to welcome a new pet into your family, managing nuisance barking or helping an anxious pet cope with loud noises, these sessions provide practical advice that owners can use every day,” Mr Styles said.
“Understanding your pet’s behaviour and communication is one of the best ways to support their health and wellbeing.
“These workshops are another way City of Darwin is supporting responsible pet ownership and helping create a safe and harmonious community for people and pets,” he said.
The workshops cover a range of topics including understanding canine behaviour and perception, dog body language and communication, leash handling, muzzle training, managing barking, recall training, creating positive learning environments and supporting noise-phobic pets.
The workshops are suitable for new and experienced pet owners and include four dedicated topics:
- Life with Pets – preparing for a new pet, understanding your pet’s needs and strengthening the bond with your pet.
- Barking Matters – understanding barking behaviours and practical ways to manage nuisance barking.
- Don’t Bite, Be Polite – addressing behaviours such as leash pulling, fence rushing, anxiety and aggression.
- Noise Phobic – helping pets cope with loud noises, including storms, aircraft and fireworks.
These workshops are for people only. Participants are asked to leave their pets at home.
Workshops will be held monthly, excluding December 2026 and January 2027. Bookings are essential.
2026-27 workshop schedule
- Life with Pets – 22 July 2026
- Barking Matters – 26 August 2026
- Don’t Bite, Be Polite – 23 September 2026
- Barking Matters – 21 October 2026
- Noise Phobic – 25 November 2026
- Don’t Bite, Be Polite – 24 February 2027
- Barking Matters – 24 March 2027
- Don’t Bite, Be Polite – 28 April 2027
- Life with Pets – 26 May 2027
- Noise Phobic – 16 June 2027
Bookings are essential and can be made by visiting pawsitivek9behaviour.com.au/index.php/book-now/
