Security at Federation Square is going to the dogs.

Border collies, kelpies and Australian shepherds will patrol Melbourne’s central plaza daily for the next six months to keep food-snatching seagulls away from picnickers and diners.

Tania McGregor at Federation Square with her seagull patrol dog Freya. Credit: Eddie Jim

Seven sheepdogs will be trained to roam between 11am and 3pm from November 17 in a trial modelled on the “Seagull Patrol” initiative at the Sydney Opera House.

Tania McGregor’s four-year-old Australian shepherd Freya attended her first training on Wednesday with James Webb, who runs the patrols in Sydney.

“She loves to chase birds, and she loves to be the centre of attention,” McGregor said of her dog. “So she’s loving being in the centre of Melbourne with everyon

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