Responsible Dog 

Ownership

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Are You A Responsible Dog Owner ?

 

I understand all possible costs, time and benefits of dog ownership and give a lifetime commitment to my dog. 

I research breeds thoroughly and select a breed which will fit into my family’s lifestyle.

I learn all the typical breed attributes, the requirements for exercise, the training and grooming needs for my dog. 

I select my pup from a responsible and ethical registered breeder or a clean caring shelter. 

I maintain the fencing to ensure my dog cannot escape from the back yard or house. 

I provide the dog with sufficient shelter, shade, bedding, water and food---I ensure it is secure from any danger or undesirable outside influences when I have to leave it alone. 

I spend time enjoying the companionship of my dog and make it a family member. 

I register my dog with the local council, desex it, and comply with identification tag requirements.

I regularly vaccinate and worm my dog and provide any necessary veterinary care throughout its lifetime. 

I socialise my dog with other people, dogs, other pets and situations. 

I obedience train my dog and teach it to accept humans as its pack leaders. 

I teach my dog how to act normally if a workman comes to the house. I ask the dog to sit, if the dog will not settle put it in its crate or another room at first.

I teach my dog to sit and wait for the command to be greeted when visitors come. I discourage barking and jumping up on people. 

I regularly exercise my dog and always keep it on a leash in public, unless in a designated off-leash area. 

I do not neglect my dog or chain it up all day as this can make their behaviour unpredictable. 

I do not allow my dog to roam, bark or annoy neighbors and I clean up after it in public. 

I always supervise children with the dog. I ensure it is not teased and that games or hugging are appropriate and safe. 

I do not allow games with the dog that encourage biting or dominance, such as tug-o-war, chasy or “siccem”.

When going on holidays, I arrange for my dog to accompany the family or be cared for at home by a familiar person, or kennelled at a reputable boarding kennel. I do NOT leave it alone in the yard with only a neighbour feeding it once daily. 

When the time comes, I do not prolong any suffering, but I am there holding my beloved companion for the journey to the Rainbow Bridge and bid it a loving farewell.

 

 

 

RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP STARTS BEFORE YOU BUY A DOG

 

Am I Ready For A Dog ?

By Karen Peak

Am I ready for a dog?  I need to take the time and consider the following:

Want: Why do I want a dog?  Do I want a companion to share my life with or do I want a status symbol to show off to my friends and impress them?  Do I want a dog I can hunt with or do sports with?  Or do I want a lawn ornament so I can be just like everyone else?   Do I need something to make me look good?  Or do I want a devoted companion and want to put the effort into making this relationship happen?

Time Commitment: Can I devote the time to properly raising and training a puppy?  Can I commit to the next 10 – 15 or more years to this animal?  Will I take the time every day to properly exercise the dog, train and socialize or find someone to help me out if needed during the day if I am not home?  Am I willing to take the time to wait for the right dog to show up?  If I am impatient, I am not ready.

Cost: Can I afford not only the cost of a puppy from a reputable source but can I afford all the things a pup needs from a crate to training classes, food, toys, vaccines?  Will I pay for a dog walker or day care if I work fulltime?  Can I afford at least $600 per year in general upkeep?  Can I afford medical emergencies or the care for chronic health problems?  Do I realize the there is no such thing as a cheap dog? Can I remember that one goes to a shelter to save a life, NOT to get a cheaper pet?  Will I accept all the costs financial and emotional that go along with dog ownership?

 

Lifestyle:  Am I active or sedentary?  Will a breed that can go jogging and hiking with me or a breed that is a couch potato best suit me?  Just because I like the looks of a dog does not mean it is the right match for my lifestyle.  Am I willing to adapt my lifestyle to fit the dog even if it means not going out after work or partying all weekend?  Will I take the dog to various activities such as Agility classes instead of hanging out with my buddies all the time?  Will I do what is needed to see the dog gets what he needs even if it impacts my lifestyle?  Or am I going to be selfish and keep my life status quo even if the dog is miserable?

 

Research:  Will I take the time to seek out all the information possible about the dog I am looking for?  Will I take the time to research breeders and rescues and find the best one to work with?

Experience: How much dog experience do I have?  Do I realize that many breeds seen in movies or on television are not the best choices for a new dog owner?  Do I realize that these dogs have high-energy needs and may be more than I am willing or able to handle?  If I do not think I have the experience to own the dog I like, will I find someone to help me learn?

 

Human Medical Issues: Does anyone in my family have allergies to dogs?  Or is there anyone in my family who has a medical condition that could affect the amount of time I am capable of spending with the dog? 

 

Housing: Am I willing to let my dog live in my house and be part of a family as every pack animal needs to be?  Or am I going to leave him outside all the time where he can be at risk of theft, pranks, developing nuisance barking or even biting a child who comes to the fence to say “Hi” when no one is home to stop it?  Am I willing to take the time to teach the dog how to live harmoniously in the house? 

 

Grooming: Am I willing to brush a dog at least weekly?  Am I willing to bath when needed?  Am I willing to take care to trim nails and clean teeth or find someone to do all the grooming needs for me?  How much fur can I handle? Am I willing to put up with shedding?

 

Long Term: What will happen to the dog should I marry?  Am I willing to find a spouse who shares the same animal values I do and who will welcome my dog and me as a unit?  What if we have children?  Will I be able to take the time to properly prepare my dog for the new addition?  What if my job requires moving and travel?  Can I fairly keep a dog and am I willing to do what is necessary to keep the dog happy while I am away or make arrangements to bring the dog along?

 

Golden Years:  Am I willing to make the dog’s senior years comfortable?  Carry him up and downs stairs if needed? Put up with senior issues like a leaky bladder?   Am I willing to take short walks with him so he feels as if he is still useful even if he can no longer be my jogging partner?  I can always jog after our walk while the dog sleeps can’t I?  Am I willing to not be selfish?  When it is time to say goodbye will I send him painlessly and with my arms to comfort him to the Rainbow Bridge?  Do I realize it is not fair to ask him to hold on just to hold off on my pain of saying goodbye?  Can I be selfless when the time comes?

 

Am I ready for a dog? And if I am not, am I willing to listen to my brain and NOT my heart?  Am I willing to do the right thing and not take on the responsibility of a new life if I am not fully prepared to accept all the fun and pain and work?

 

 

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