Local dogs are top of the class for possums

Fifteen dogs and 21 of their owners headed to the foreshore to take part in a special Possum Avoidance Training workshop for dogs in Busselton over the weekend.

Presented by expert trainer Asher Lindberg from Geo Bay Dog Training as part of GeoCatch’s ‘Pets Away, Possums Play’ program, the workshop offered participants the tools to manage their dog’s behaviour around wildlife, ensuring pets and local possums can coexist peacefully.

GeoCatch said dogs could cause injury and death to critically endangered Western Ringtail Possums and other wildlife in urban backyards through natural curiosity and predatory drive.

Dog owners who attended the session learned distraction and ‘leave it’ techniques, with possum-scented items to help avoid interactions with possums.

The techniques can also be applied to other native wildlife found in our backyards.

Asher Lindberg provided practical possum avoidance techniques, helping dogs understand boundaries, which reduces stress for both the dog and local wildlife.

Participants also learned how to prevent fence-jumping, excessive barking, and aggressive behaviour toward possums.

Asher emphasised the importance of training dogs that may come into contact with native wildlife.

“Reducing harmful interactions between dogs and possums is possible if the owner is committed to putting the effort and time into training their dog to avoid possums,” Asher said.

Due to habitat loss, predation, and other threats, Western Ringtail Possum population has drastically declined, making it more important than ever to protect these unique marsupials.

Project officer Nicole Lincoln was delighted to see the dogs learning new techniques and local owners contributing to the protection of the endangered animals.

“It is encouraging to see so many dog owners willing to learn how to protect possums and wildlife in their backyards, while also enjoying the benefits of pet ownership,” she said.

To learn more about living with possums, visit www.geocatch.asn.au