Networking in the Community

It is a valuable exercise for dog wardens to be seen as a real part of the community, contributing to the well-being of everyone in the area. The following tips will help you to network with organisations and people in the community, who will give you their support:

• Visit your local dog training clubs on a regular basis so you get to know the dog owners well and rally their support to help you spread the responsible dog ownership message
• Ask the local vets if you can leave some leaflets or information packs about the dog warden service in their surgeries
• Approach organizations such as the Scouts, Guides and Brownies to see if you can go in and present to their members. Keep in contact with people like this on a regular basis
• Ensure a plentiful supply of leaflets about the dog warden service are available at the local library, police station and other places offering display opportunities
• Be polite to people at all times – don’t get aggressive if you come across someone allowing their dog to foul the pavement or run wild. Talk to them politely and constructively about the issues of responsible dog ownership and ask them to rectify the situation
• Keep a list of good local contacts with pet shops, dog training clubs, vets etc. Local pet shops can be encouraged to stock literature and sell poop scoops
• Keep informed on key topics and useful addresses that you may be asked about by the public
  e.g.Pet health issues
  - Legislation
  - Nutrition
  - Training