The Secret to Enjoying a Fun Walk with Our Family Dog?

Seongdong-gu Provides Proper Walking Manners Education by Animal Behavior Experts for Companion Dogs along Jungnangcheon Stream...Teaching Pet Habit Understanding, Socialization with Other Dogs, and Methods to Control Problem Behaviors like Barking

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) is operating a ‘Companion Dog Walking Education’ program for companion dogs and their owners until May.

Walking, which helps relieve stress, prevent diseases, and strengthen the bond between owners and their dogs, is one of the most important daily activities for companion dogs. However, some dogs have difficulties with walking due to specific reasons such as fear of going outside or exhibiting problem behaviors like aggression towards others.

This education, which teaches proper walking manners, is conducted along the Jungnangcheon riverside and by a professional animal training company, where companion dogs and their owners walk together. Owners practice directly and receive immediate solutions after a 1:1 problem behavior analysis by an animal behavior expert, along with detailed explanations to help understand pet habits.

In particular, socialization training through face-to-face encounters with other companion dogs is also provided. The program teaches how to reduce stress and naturally adapt by meeting other dogs in unfamiliar environments. It also guides owners to help their dogs restrain problem behaviors such as defecation and barking, making walks easier for the owners.

This education program is held in a total of 4 sessions, with 8 teams per session, targeting a total of 32 teams.

Any Seongdong-gu resident who has registered their animal can participate. Applications for the May sessions can be submitted online on the Seongdong-gu Office website from the 4th to the 10th of next month, and detailed schedules and eligibility can be checked on the website.

Since last month, the district has designated three ‘Our Neighborhood Animal Hospitals’ to support health checkups and vaccinations for up to two companion animals per household for vulnerable groups such as basic livelihood security recipients.

Along with support for adoption fees for abandoned animals and companion animal identification tags, the district provides various online consultations and education through the ‘Companion Dog Together Center’ and plans to continue enhancing understanding of companion animals and actively fostering a proper companion animal culture through systematic education.

Jeong Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “As the number of households living with companion animals continues to increase, a mature and proper pet etiquette culture is also being emphasized. We will continue to prepare various programs to make the city a better place for pet owners, non-pet owners, and companion animals alike.”