Welcome to our August 2026 Book Club! This month’s selection explores the extraordinary inner world of dogs—from moving memoirs on separation anxiety and the grief of saying goodbye, to ancient samurai ethics reimagined for modern dog owners. Paired with expert-led cognitive games and force-free predation substitute training for relentless scavengers, these reads offer a profound look into how dogs think, feel, and heal us.

In Kids' Corner, young readers can dive into inspiring stories of loyalty, resilience, and second chances. From a high-stakes mountain survival journey with a Siberian Husky to gentle tales of shelter rescues, sightless dogs finding their confidence, and working assistance dogs on duty, this month’s line-up is packed with heart, adventure, and the power of animal advocacy.

LIVING WITH FREDDIE

by Anna Heyward

Living with Freddie by Anna Heyward is a beautifully written memoir by an animal behavioural scientist and New Yorker writer. It invites readers to see the world through a dog’s eyes, offering an extraordinary look into the mind and perspective of man’s best—and often misunderstood—friend.

When Anna Heyward adopted a rescued Italian greyhound, she was thrilled to bring a dog into her life. But Freddie, she quickly realised, had severe separation anxiety, unable to be left alone for more than thirty seconds without crying uncontrollably, biting his own tail or scratching at his body.

While some would have given the dog back, writing him off as a 'bad dog', Anna transformed her life. She took Freddie to work and hid him from her boss. Her social life withered. Her relationship with her fiancé began to flounder. She dedicated her life to entering the mind of her dog. As Anna observed Freddie's behaviour, she began to experience the world as he did: the quality of light, the timbre of sound; a leaf falling from a tree. And she changed - but not in the way you might expect.

This is a meditation on what it means to be bad or good, on how much we can - or should - try to alter another being's behaviour, and on what is possible to know about another mind. But at its heart, Living With Freddie is a beautiful, heart-wrenching portrait of the relationship between a human and a dog. And at the end of Freddie's story, you, too, may find yourself changed.

Paperback, 288 pages

Publisher: Hachette Australia, 18^th August 2026

Price: $24.00. Available now for pre-orders from www.amazon.com.au

THE BUSHIDO OF DOG

Eight Virtues of Bushido, the Canine Code, & the Art of Living Well

by Carla Francis

Dogs don't care that the world has changed.

While we overthink, overwork, and overanalyse, dogs move through life with a clarity shaped by instinct and a startling alignment with the samurai spirit. They play by a strict code of fairness, forgive without keeping score and greet mortality with a wagging tail because every day is enough.

The way of the warrior, or virtues of Bushido, invite us into the realm of Samurai ethics, and through the lens of cognitive ethology, we can begin to rethink modern life.

The Bushido of Dog reveals how the same creatures once bred to guard feudal lords now guard our hearts and gently correct our course whenever we stray from righteousness, respect, courage, and self-control.

Discover how to borrow their unspoken code, to worry less, forgive faster, love without ledger, and meet every morning (even the very last one) with a joyful heart.

Because if a creature who eats socks for breakfast can live with honour and die without regret, maybe, just maybe, there's still hope for us.

Paperback, 317 pages

Publisher: ‎ Silvervine Press, 26 March 2026

Price: $23.48 from www.amazon.com.au

🎁 WIN A COPY: Love the sound of this book? We’re giving away 5 copies of The Bushido of Dog! Enter our giveaway here before entries close on August 5th.

STAY

A Dog's View of Love, Grief, and Ordinary Days

By Kirsten O'Connor

What if the wisest voice in the room wasn't human?

Stay is a tender, funny, and unexpectedly profound book about love, grief, and everyday survival, told through the eyes of Buster, an ageing, observant, slightly opinionated dog who takes his job of staying very seriously.

Through short, intimate chapters, Buster watches humans navigate loss, memory, change, and the strange rituals of ordinary days. He offers commentary on attachment, presence, ageing, sorrow, snacks, loyalty, sun puddles, difficult cats, and why being followed to the bathroom is a legitimate form of emotional support.

This is not a training manual. It is not a self-help lecture. It is a companion.

Blending warmth, humour, emotional honesty, and quiet philosophical insight, Stay sits beside the reader rather than instructing them, especially those living with grief, love that continues, and lives that did not turn out as planned.

For anyone who has loved deeply, lost someone important, or been rescued by a four-legged witness who refused to leave. Come sit. You're not doing this alone.

Paperback, 360 pages

Publisher: Kirsten O, 4th July 2026

RRP: $43.95 from www.booktopia.com.au

PREDATION SUBSTITUTE TRAINING

Force-Free Food Avoidance Training for Dogs who Love to Scavenge

By Simone Mueller, Charlotte Garner, Päivi Kokko

Living with a dog who relentlessly scavenges food on walks can be exhausting and dangerous. Because scavenging is a deeply rooted instinct, managing it requires more than traditional obedience commands.

This practical guide delivers a kind, force-free protocol to transform stressful walks into safe, relaxed outings. Effective for dogs of any age, breed, or background, these positive techniques help protect your dog from ingesting harmful items without relying on aversive methods.

In this book, you will learn:

✔ Why dogs scavenge and the science behind the behaviour.

✔ Effective prevention strategies to stop your dog from devouring outdoor items.

✔ Fun training games that build motivation and cooperation.

✔ Emergency cues for real-life safety scenarios.

📰 Author Spotlight: Want to dive deeper into working with your dog's natural instincts? Read Simone Mueller’s latest guest article on our website: Rethinking Prey Drive & Predation Substitute Training for Dogs.

Series: Predation Substitute Training

Paperback, 192 pages

Publisher: Training4Paws, 31st December 2022

RRP: $26.99 from www.amazon.com.au

BRAIN TRAINING FOR DOGS

Cognitive Games and Activities to Unlock Your Pet’s Full Potential

by Claire Arrowsmith (Author)

With fun exercises and invaluable advice from leading dog-trainer Claire Arrowsmith, learn how to improve your dog's mental agility as well as strengthen your bond with them.

An essential book for any dog owner who is keen to understand a bit more about how their dog's brain works, Brain Training for Dogs shows us how to get the best out of our beloved pets by improving their mental agility, confidence and their bond with us.

Translating cognitive research and findings into owner-friendly games, and packed full of essential advice and helpful step-by-step illustrations, Claire helps readers to easily understand what the experts know and demonstrates how to introduce tried-and-tested activities into our day-to-day routines with our dogs.

Since the pandemic, many of our pets are displaying concerning behaviour, including separation-related distress and anxiety, so it's more important now than ever that we're attuned to our pups. Including top tips on how to get the most out of time spent with your pet, this is a must-read for new and experienced dog owners alike.

Paperback, 256 pages

Publisher: ‎Michael O'Mara, 29 July 2024

Price: $29.75 from www.amazon.com.au

DOG LOVERS BOOK CLUB - KIDS CORNER

THE HONEST TRUTH

by Dan Gemeinhart (Author)

In all the ways that matter, twelve-year-old Mark is a normal kid. He loves taking photos, writing haiku, and hanging out with his best friend, Jessie. But Mark is also sick—the kind of sick that means hospitals, treatments, and uncertain futures.

Determined to take on the adventure of a lifetime before it's too late, Mark runs away from home with his camera, notebook, and faithful Siberian Husky, Beau. His goal? To reach the summit of Mount Rainier.

Facing harsh storms, dangerous terrain, and daunting physical challenges, Mark relies entirely on Beau's fierce loyalty, instincts, and unwavering devotion to pull them both through. The Honest Truth is a moving, unforgettable survival story celebrating big questions, small moments, and the extraordinary bond between a boy and his dog.

Paperback, 229 pages

Publisher: ‎ Scholastic Press, 29 December 2015

For Ages:‎ 8 - 12

Price: $22.67 from www.amazon.com.au

FOREVER RIPLEY

by McCall Hoyle (Author)

A deeply personal middle-grade novel by award-winning author McCall Hoyle affirms the powerful and enduring relationship between dogs and humans.

Ripley, an ageing German Shepherd Dog, spent her life guarding the wildlife refuge with Max, the best man she's ever known. But that was before the accident, before he gave her one final job: "Take care of the girls."

And Ripley has done just that--especially for Charlie, the girl Ripley loves even more than peanut butter. Ripley watches over Charlie with dedication, especially when faced with bullies who threaten the refuge. But Ripley is slowing down. She knows dogs don't last forever.

Sensing their time together is running out, Charlie plans a farewell adventure filled with Ripley's favourite things--fried chicken, sandpiper chasing on the beach, and ice cream in Nags Head. Through it all, they learn that love isn't about holding on--it's about lifting each other up.

A heart-warming tribute to love, resilience, and the joy of a life well lived, Forever Ripley proves that even in goodbye, there is beauty, courage, and the promise of new beginnings.

Paperback, 192 pages

Publisher: ‎ Shadow Mountain, 2 June 2026

For Ages: ‎ 8 - 11

Price: $23.86 from www.amazon.com.au

SHELTER DOGS

Stories of Rescued Furever Friends

By Amelie Anastasia, Shafer Stedron (Illustrator)

Written by inspiring young author and animal advocate Amelie Anastasia, Shelter Dogs shares fourteen heartwarming tales of rescued pets—thirteen lucky dogs and one fortunate cat—who were given a second chance at happiness.

Inspired by true rescue journeys, each chapter gives voice to an animal saved by dedicated shelter staff, tracing their path from initial rescue to finding a loving "furever" home.

Ideal for young readers and animal enthusiasts of all ages, this uplifting book is a moving tribute to hope, healing, and the transformative power of pet adoption.

Above all, it serves as a powerful reminder of how animal shelters save lives every day—with all author profits donated directly back to supporting animal shelters in need.

Paperback, 50 pages

Publisher: Little House of Dreams Publishing, 21 July 2026

For Ages: ‎ 8 - 12 

Price: $38.49 from www.booktopia.com.au

DAPHNE THE BLIND DOG GOES TO SCHOOL

by Dawn M. Gibbons (Author), Chad Thompson (Illustrator), Cheryl Bruce (Editor)

In honour of International Blind Dog Day on August 23, this heart-warming story highlights the resilience, potential, and joy of living with a sightless pet.

Daphne is a blind dog who feels bored because she doesn't know how to play with toys. When she enrols in a dog training school to learn new games, starting nose work classes feels overwhelming and scary. At first, finding treats hidden in boxes doesn't make sense, but with patient practice at home and thoughtful accommodations from her trainer, Daphne gradually finds her courage.

Though she progresses at her own pace, Daphne succeeds in nose work, learns new tricks, and discovers a newfound confidence that transforms her world—proving that dogs with special needs can thrive with a little extra support and love.

Paperback, 32 pages

Publisher: ‎Friesen Press, 9 July 2020

For Ages: 4–8  (Early Readers & Picture Book Read-Aloud)

Price: $29.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

ASSISTANCE DOG BENNI

By Dr Jodi-Maree Cronin, Cara Ord (Illustrator)

In celebration of International Assistance Dog Week (August 2–8), this gentle and engaging picture book introduces young readers to the vital work of assistance animals.

Written by retired doctor and assistance dog trainer Dr Jodi-Maree Cronin, Assistance Dog Benni follows the everyday adventures of Benni, a real-life German Shorthaired Pointer. Through charming rhyming prose, children join Benni on her daily routine to discover how working dogs help their humans navigate the world. Blending fun with gentle education, it's a delightful story that shows young audiences what assistance dogs really do when on duty and at play.

Series: Being Benni

Paperback, 32 pages

Publisher: Dogs 4 Life, 5th January 2026

For Ages: 3 - 8 (Early Readers & Toddlers)

Price: $35.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

From Control to Connection: A Positive Approach for High-Drive Dogs

By Simone Mueller & Charlotte Garner

When you first bring your dog home, you imagine them accompanying you on relaxed countryside strolls through picturesque landscapes. You picture them walking with you along bush tracks, through the scrub or on the beach, and you both enjoying every moment you share together. However, this isn’t your reality right now.

Instead, you are scared every time your dog is off the lead, that they will pick up a wildlife scent and be gone before you can even think about getting their attention. They disappear, leaving you shouting frantically after them as they move farther into the distance, ignoring your every word. Each walk becomes a battle that you dread, leaving you feeling stressed, embarrassed, and disconnected from your dog.

But this isn’t because your dog is disobedient. Nor are you a bad guardian; you haven’t done anything wrong to make your dog behave this way. You are fighting against your dog’s genetics and natural instincts, and the solution is to learn to work with them rather than against them. That shift, from control to connection, is what Predation Substitute Training is about.

Why Suppression Fails: The Science Every Guardian and Trainer Should Know

Predatory behaviour in dogs is not a sign that your dog is disobedient; it is a genetically hardwired motor pattern consisting of orienting, eyeing, stalking, chasing, grabbing, killing, dissecting, and consuming prey. Centuries of selective breeding have shaped these hunting instincts into highly refined skills. While they are often no longer required for the dog’s survival, they remain strongly present in domesticated dogs. And, when dogs engage in this natural sequence, it is self-reinforcing as it releases rewarding neurochemicals such as dopamine, which means the more a dog practises chasing, the more efficient and motivated they become.

It's important for guardians to understand that a strong bond with their dog does not override biology. So, if your dog ignores you during a chase, this is not a sign of a poor relationship; in that heightened state of arousal, instinct takes over, and you effectively ‘disappear’ from your dog's awareness, no matter how strong your relationship is.

The Predatory Motor Pattern is the natural sequence of behaviours a dog performs during hunting, from searching and stalking to chasing, grabbing, and dissecting prey.
Illustration: Päivi Kokko (Supplied)

Many trainers may suggest suppressing these natural drives with punishment-based tools such as e-collars, prong collars, or spray devices, which often increase your dog’s frustration and erode their trust in you. Alongside this, the fallout from these aversive tools can actually increase predatory behaviour, serving as a default form of escapism as the dog resorts to something that makes them feel good, like hunting.

The goal should never be to eliminate a dog's prey drive entirely, but rather to acknowledge it and provide safe, structured outlets that satisfy these natural instincts in appropriate, controlled ways.

Predation Substitute Training allows you to stop being the spoilsport who constantly nags, threatens, or bribes your dog, and instead become the reliable hunting partner who brings some joy and excitement back to your dog’s walks.

This approach is guided by the idea of a ‘triple win’ scenario: your dog gets to express their natural hunting instincts safely, wildlife and other animals remain protected, and you gain your dog's willing cooperation.

This is something of great importance, where so much of Australia’s native wildlife, from ground-nesting birds to small marsupials, is especially vulnerable to uncontrolled dogs. So, rather than viewing your dog’s prey drive as a behavioural flaw that needs to be fixed, recognise it as a powerful, innate strength that can be channelled into appropriate activities and used to your advantage. When you work with your dog's instincts instead of against them, a perceived problem becomes an opportunity for trust, teamwork, and success.

The Four Pieces of the PST Puzzle

There are four main aspects of Predation Substitute Training, all of which are equally important. By working on them all holistically, you can achieve effective and sustainable results.

1. Management & Prevention

The more frequently a dog is allowed to practise predatory behaviours, the more they will refine their skills and the more likely they are to choose these behaviours as a default option in similar situations. This is why management and prevention techniques are so crucial, particularly during your dog's learning stages. This can be achieved by attaching a secure long line to the dog’s harness, timing your walks to parts of the day where there is less likely to be as much wildlife activity, changing your walking route to areas with fewer wildlife distractions, and being more aware of your surroundings so you can respond faster. This also gives you a better opportunity to teach your dog that staying in touch with you is worthwhile, even in arousing situations, by giving them a chance to self-regulate when they would otherwise react impulsively.

2. PST Tools For Wildlife Encounters

Lowering your dog’s arousal levels is the gateway skill that everything else is built upon. When your dog is in an over-aroused state, they simply cannot focus on you or respond to your cues. Their brain has switched into ‘hunting mode’, and nothing else can reach them at that moment. This is where PST Tools are crucial, as they encourage your dog to notice wildlife around them and stay in contact with you instead of immediately exploding into an uncontrollable chase. Capturing these moments of shared observation—where both you and your dog can calmly notice wildlife around you while your dog remains in a calm, thinking state—is much preferable to being dragged behind them as they attempt to chase yet another creature! By creating new habits and rituals like this one, you help both the dog and the guardian manage real-life wildlife encounters without the human panicking and the dog barking, lunging, or chasing.

This is especially valuable in Australia, where much of the local wildlife is best appreciated from a safe distance. Snakes, goannas, kangaroos and other native animals can pose a real risk to a dog that gets too close, so teaching your dog to observe rather than approach or interact helps keep everyone safe, including your dog.

Calmly observing wildlife together teaches your dog that seeing game doesn't always have to lead to chasing.

3. Predation Substitute Games

PST Games are the heart of this force-free training approach, as they provide safe, need-oriented outlets for natural predatory behaviour by recreating safe parts of the predatory sequence in a controlled manner. These games can also be better matched to each individual dog’s needs and preferences.

For example, whether they prefer chasing, sniffing, grabbing, tracking or dissecting, there are different games to suit their favourite aspects. In doing so, the dog still gets the sought-after dopamine hit that they would get with ‘real’ hunting, but this time, it's in a safely controlled way, with you as their hunting partner.

A great starting point would be the Jump ‘n’ Run Game, which any dog can play, even if they are totally new to PST. You can find this game and how to play for FREE here: https://predation-substitute-training.com/jumpnrun/

Predation Substitute Games give dogs safe, structured outlets for their hunting instincts while strengthening connection, focus and cooperation with their humans.
Photo: Alexandra Dusin Fotografien (Supplied)

4. Emergency Cues/The Reliable Recall

The combination of an effective emergency cue and reliable recall creates a strong safety net built on motivation, which will be effective even when the dog faces the strongest wildlife distractions. This can be utilised when you encounter wildlife in real-life situations, where you need to create space between your dog and their perceived prey quickly to help keep everyone safe. In Australia, this can be genuinely life-saving: a solid recall lets you call your dog away from a snake or other potentially dangerous animal before a curious sniff turns into a bite. This is the last piece of the PST puzzle, which will only hold its own when the other three foundational pieces are in place.

Management and prevention sets you up for success and buys you time, the PST Tools keep your dog in a thinking state and able to respond to your cues, the PST Games provide outlets for your dog’s predatory urges, and the recall and emergency cues help to keep everyone safe. When you combine these aspects, you create a dog you can trust with more freedom while strengthening the bond you share.

The 4 Aspects of Holistic Predation Substitute Training work together as an interconnected system to build focus and safety.
Illustration: Päivi Kokko (Supplied)

A Real Life Success Story

Nellie is a Small Münsterländer with a very high prey drive! Her owner described her as "untrainable," and she couldn't take food or focus outdoors because she was in full hunting mode the second she stepped outside.

After starting PST, she was able to willingly eat food outside, regularly checking in with her owner, and can now be trusted off-lead in low-distraction settings, as she has a recall that holds around real wildlife. While Nellie is not ‘perfect’, this was never the goal! Instead, we were aiming for connection, cooperation and a way for her owner and her to move forward together - which is exactly what they continue to achieve!

Nellie and her guardian enjoying a connected, relaxed walk on lead.
Photo: Alexandra Dusin Fotografien (Supplied)

4 Big Prey Drive Myths—Busted

• ✔"Dogs grow out of chasing." False! It's genetic, and practise makes them better, more determined hunters.
• ✔"Ignore it, and it'll stop." False! Predation is self-rewarding; ignoring it strengthens it by allowing the dog to practise more and more.
• ✔"You just need a tastier treat." False! Hunger doesn't drive predation. Food alone won't compete with the hunt; you need a functional reinforcer that meets the same need.
• ✔"High prey drive needs a firm hand." False! It needs a proven, effective approach. Kindness and clarity aren't opposites; you don't have to use harsh methods to train a dog well.

To debunk more harmful myths about predation and to learn what really works - check out Simone’s FREE Mythbuster webinar here: https://www.predation-substitute-training.com/mythbuster

PST is more than just teaching your dog a reliable recall; it shows you that you can be kind to your dog and still maintain structure; you don't have to dominate or threaten them for them to be trusted. The main goal is to go from frustration to fulfilment, by turning the uncontrolled chase into calmness, connection and trust.

So, think of the image of serene walks with your dog that we started with and take the first steps towards making this a reality with PST. This time next year, you could be enjoying lighter walks with a calmer dog and have a bond with them that's stronger than ever before, as you work together as partners instead of battling each other as opponents.

About The Authors

Simone with Isla

Simone Mueller (MA) is a certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant, the developer of Predation Substitute Training (PST), and the author of the four-book PST series: Hunting Together, Rocket Recall, Don't Eat That! and Walking Together (all Amazon bestsellers).

A former secondary school teacher for 10 years, she specialises in force-free anti-predation training. She helps guardians of high-prey-drive dogs and the professionals who work with them swap the daily fight for control for calmer, more connected walks.

She is an Associate Trainer at Lothlorien Dog Training Club (Scotland) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild, the Initiative of Force-Free Dog Training, and Pet Dog Trainers of Europe. She teaches dog owners and trainers worldwide, including through the PST Instructor Course.

Website: https://predation-substitute-training.com/
Free Mythbuster Webinar: https://www.predation-substitute-training.com/mythbuster
Instagram: @predation_substitute_training

Charlotte Garner

Charlotte Garner is a canine author, content creator and copywriter based in the UK. She specialises in science-based, force-free dog training and develops course content, educational resources, and written materials for several respected educators and course providers within the canine profession.

Alongside this work, Charlotte is also an accomplished author. She wrote the Help Your Dog Be Happier series, including Canine Contentment and Essential Enrichment, and is the co-author of Don't Eat That! and Walking Together with Simone Mueller.

Instagram: @charlottegarnercanineauthor
Facebook: @charlottegarnercanineauthor

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Mouse Surge Alert: How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home Without Poisoning Your Dog

Households across Australia are being urged to prepare as plague-level mouse populations begin moving from agricultural paddocks into homes, sheds, and garages. But for dog owners, managing a mouse invasion comes with an even bigger threat: the hidden danger of traditional rodent poisons.

With CSIRO forecasts continuing to identify elevated mouse activity across key grain-growing regions, rodents are officially on the march in search of warmth and food. As suburban and rural homes brace for increased pest activity, pet health experts are issuing renewed warnings about the catastrophic risks rat and mouse poisons pose to domestic dogs.

The Hidden Danger: Direct & Secondary Poisoning in Dogs

During Australia's last major mouse plague in 2021, pet insurance providers recorded a sharp spike in rodenticide toxicity claims. Today, the Australia Animal Poisons Helpline reports that rat and mouse bait remains the single most common poison it receives frantic calls about, assisting thousands of pet owners and dogs every year.

Many dog owners assume poison is only a hazard if their pet physically eats the bait block out of a cupboard or garden shed. However, secondary poisoning poses an equally devastating risk.

Pets can be exposed by eating bait directly, but they can also be poisoned after catching rodents that have already consumed it, warns Craig Bond, founder of pest control company Goodnature. One of the biggest challenges is that animals often appear perfectly healthy for several days, while internal bleeding is already developing.

Because second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides work by stopping blood from clotting, a dog can ingest a toxic dose and show zero symptoms for up to 3 to 5 days. Treating rodenticide toxicity is not only dangerous for your pet, but it can also be devastatingly expensive—with single veterinary treatment claims reaching upwards of $17,000+ according to Pet Insurance Australia’s rodent bait toxicity report.

2026 Regulatory Shift: Why Chemical Baits Are Being Restricted

The warning comes as Australian authorities take strict action against chemical poisons. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) declared second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) as restricted chemical products.

Because SGARs persist in animal tissues for extended periods, they pose severe secondary-poisoning risks not only to domestic dogs and cats, but also to native predatory wildlife such as owls, eagles, and quolls.

Cats and hunting dog breeds face severe secondary toxicity risks when preying on mice that have consumed chemical baits.

New sales restrictions are being rolled out nationwide across state and territory licensing arrangements to limit consumer access to these heavy chemical toxins.

Why Mice Move Indoors (And Early Signs to Watch For)

As seasonal temperatures drop across regional and suburban areas, mice naturally leave drying crop paddocks.

“Lower mouse numbers in paddocks don’t mean they’ve disappeared — it actually means they're now looking elsewhere for food and shelter,” explains Goodnature CEO, Adam Cording.

“As temperatures drop and food resources dry up, homes, sheds and garages become much more attractive, so that's when many people start noticing a problem.”

Cording notes that homeowners frequently underestimate how rapidly a minor mouse presence can turn into a full-scale infestation. While mice typically stay within a tiny half-metre radius when abundant food is present, they travel fast when seeking new sources. People think they've only got one mouse, but mice breed incredibly quickly, and by the time you've seen one, there are usually many more, he adds.

4 Early Warning Signs of Mice in Your Home:

✔ Droppings: Small, dark, spindle-shaped droppings along walls, behind appliances, or in food pantries.

✔ Scratching Sounds: Sounds of scurrying or scratching in wall cavities, ceilings, or under floorboards at night.

✔ Gnaw Marks: Chewed cardboard boxes, wire insulation, or damaged food packaging.

✔ Pet Behaviour: Dogs barking, sniffing intensely, or staring at baseboards, appliances, or wall corners where pests are hiding.

6 Dog-Safe Steps to Protect Your Home from Rodents

To keep your dogs safe from secondary poisoning while effectively stopping pests, pest control experts recommend acting before mice become established indoors.

1. Switch to Toxin-Free Trapping Systems: Choose enclosed, mechanical, or self-resetting trapping systems that eliminate the need for dangerous chemical baits.
2. Ensure Physical Safety: Use enclosed traps designed to keep internal kill mechanisms completely away from curious dog noses, paws, and children.
3. Seal Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a pencil! Seal gaps around external doors, pipes, vents, and subfloor access points.
4. Secure Pet Food & Grain: Store all dog kibble, treats, chicken feed, and household grains in heavy-duty, airtight plastic or glass containers. Never leave dog food bowls sitting out overnight.
5. Clear Outdoor Food Sources: Remove fallen fruit, bird seed feeders, and unsecured compost bins from around your dog's yard.
6. Eliminate Nesting Clutter: Clear stacked cardboard, firewood piles, and dense clutter from garages and sheds where mice like to set up nests.

Mice only need the tiniest food source to survive, adds Cording. If you make food and shelter difficult to find, you're far less likely to end up with a major infestation, and the tragic consequences that come from accidental poisoning of beloved pets.

Modern Toxin-Free Solutions: The Goodnature Alternative

For dog owners seeking a completely poison-free way to protect their homes, modern smart trapping technology provides a reliable alternative to traditional snap traps or chemical baits.

Established in 2005, Goodnature is a world leader in toxin-free pest control and the first B Corp-certified pest control company in the world.

Trusted globally by conservation organisations like The Nature Conservancy, Predator Free 2050, and the United Nations Development Program, Goodnature manufactures humane, self-resetting traps used in over 60 countries.

Their home-focused Goodnature Mouse Trap uses a toxin-free lure and an automated strike mechanism. Because it uses zero chemical poisons, any mouse dispatched by the trap poses zero secondary-poisoning risk to your dogs or local wildlife.

Goodnature self-resetting, toxin-free traps and starter kits are available at Bunnings stores across Australia and online at goodnature.co.nz/au-en.

🚨 Emergency First Aid: What to Do If Your Dog Ingests Bait

If you suspect your dog has eaten rat bait or a poisoned rodent:

• Act immediately: Do not wait for symptoms (pale gums, weakness, bleeding) to appear.
• Call for advice: Contact your vet or call the Australia Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
• Identify the product: Take a photo of the bait package or chemical active ingredient so your vet can immediately administer the correct antidote (such as Vitamin K1).