Local dog owners gathered at the Busselton Foreshore over the weekend for a special Possum Avoidance Training session, part of GeoCatch’s Pets Away, Possums Play program. The event aimed to protect the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum by teaching dog owners practical techniques to reduce harmful interactions between their pets and local wildlife.
Asher Lindberg from Geo Bay Dog Training led the workshop, guiding participants through hands-on training methods to help dogs understand boundaries and avoid possums. The session covered key techniques such as distraction, the “leave it” command, and strategies to prevent fence-jumping, excessive barking and aggressive behaviour toward native animals. These tools not only improve pet behaviour but also reduce stress for both dogs and wildlife.
Dogs, through natural curiosity and predatory instincts, can unintentionally harm or kill possums and other native species in suburban backyards. As part of GeoCatch’s responsible pet ownership initiatives, the event equipped dog owners with skills to help avoid such interactions, fostering safer, more harmonious backyards for all.
“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,” said Asher Lindberg.
In addition to behavioural training, participants also learned about physical modifications to make backyards safer for wildlife. Simple changes—such as attaching timber or branches along the top of slippery fences—can give possums safe passage across urban areas. Possum bridges and elevated pathways were also recommended to help possums avoid coming to the ground, where they are more likely to encounter pets.
The event also raised awareness about the plight of the Western Ringtail Possum, a species native to the South West of Western Australia. With populations declining due to habitat loss, predation and urban development, protecting this species has never been more critical.
The good news is that everyone can be part of the solution, said GeoCatch project officer, Nicole Lincoln. “We can keep pets contained, train our dogs to avoid possums, and utilise other resources—like ‘catios’—to ensure cats and wildlife do not come into contact with each other,” said Nicole.
By committing to possum-friendly training and backyard practices, local dog owners are not only improving their pets’ behaviour—they are actively contributing to the survival of one of Australia’s most fragile native species.
This event was delivered by GeoCatch in partnership with Geo Bay Dog Training, with funding from the State NRM Program.
Photos: Dogs’ Possum Avoidance event participants braving the rain for dog training to help save the Western Ringtail Possum.
