A free talk from noted dog behaviourist is being held in Ōamaru next week.

The Waitaki District Council has arranged the talk while it simultaneously asks for public engagement to help update its dog by-law for the district on the Let’s Talk Waitaki platform.

Stuart Barnes has worked with animals in more than 100 countries world-wide, since training his own pack of dogs as a 15-year-old shepherd.

His passion for dogs has enabled him to gain an understanding of their instincts and behaviours, in particular their universal “language of energy” and body language.

The by-law is expected to be set by the end of next year, and the council is asking for community input over the summer, ahead of a formal consultation next year.

There will be a short survey for people to complete, whether they own a dog or not, and they can highlight on a map where they think dogs should be allowed off-leash, or submit ideas for things they think should be covered in the new by-law, a council spokesperson said.

There has been an increase in dog ownership in the district since the previous review of the by-law, and the council wishes to hear from dog owners and the wider public about issues around on or off-lead areas, public spaces where dogs are allowed, and whether current provision of exercise areas is sufficient.

Stuart’s talk will be held at the Awamoa Park off-leash dog area – next to the Awamoa Bowling Club next Thursday, November 16, at 5.30pm.

Attendees might want to bring a chair, but are encouraged to leave their dogs at home.

The online engagement page will open from the Wednesday beforehand and paper copies will be in libraries throughout the Waitaki District.