It takes more than adoring your dog to be a responsible dog owner. It is a very serious commitment to own a dog and involves several vital duties. It is crucial that you pledge to be a responsible pet owner before adopting a dog for you and your pup’s sake. In addition to meeting your dog’s basic needs, the following are some of the most important rules of conscientious dog ownership.
Committing for the Long Haul
Getting a dog isn't like getting a new car. In the event that your dog behaves badly, it can't just be traded in. Getting a dog is almost comparable to having a new baby. You are 100% responsible for them for the next 15+ years and if anything happens to your dog, it is your duty to help them. It is very unfair and cruel to a dog if you decide one year in that you don’t want him or her anymore. Therefore, you must commit to be in it for the long haul from the start.
Making Time for Your Dog
Bonding can't be done once and assumed to be complete. You build a bond with your dog during the first few weeks or months of ownership. Developing and strengthening this bond with your dog is a lifelong process. Similar to any relationship, there needs to be continuous interaction between both beings to keep a healthy bond. Therefore, you must ensure you have quality bonding time with your dog frequently.
Providing Proper Identification
A collar with your dog's name and contact information such as your address and/or phone number should be worn at all times. It is also very important that you register your dog with your local council and attach the registration tag they provide to their collar. Having proper identification on your dog can help you to easily be reunited with your dog if they become lost rather than seeing them end up at the pound. In many states, the law requires your dog to be micro-chipped as well, but it is recommended that you do this regardless of the law as if your dog escapes without their collar on or their identification tag falls off, a microchip might be the one thing that can reunite you.
Getting Your Dog Spayed or Neutered
Sadly, millions of pets are euthanized every year due to overpopulation. If you do not spay or neuter your dog, you may contribute to this problem. If you don't plan on breeding your dog, having them spayed or neutered can also reduce their risk of developing bad behaviours or even cancer. If your dog is suitable for breeding, you must take on the role of a responsible breeder and take the appropriate path to become a registered breeder. It is very dangerous for dogs with health problems and/or unknown genetic histories to breed.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Keeping your dog healthy is just as important as keeping yourself healthy. Always provide your dog with the right type of food and appropriate portion sizes, as well as plenty of fresh water. Your dog should have a place of comfort and shelter and be exercised regularly in order to satisfy their physical and mental well-being. It can sometimes be very hard to tell if your dog is sick or in pain due to them not being able to communicate this with you. Therefore, it is essential that you schedule regular visits to your veterinarian as they will be able to help you prevent your dog from developing health problems and detect minor issues before they become too severe.
Training Your Dog
It is not only beneficial for you and your dog to practice canine etiquette, but also for others. Dogs that are well-behaved and properly socialized are less likely to upset or annoy other pets and people. It makes life a lot easier for you and your dog if you are able to simply call them back if they make a run for it at the beach or making them sit and wait when a new guest arrives in your home. And just because your dog is friendly and gets along well with other dogs doesn't mean you should let them run wild and approach other dogs without your supervision. An unleashed dog approaching a dog on a leash can be quite confronting for the leashed dog, so keep your dog at your side until you can ask the owner if their dog is ok with yours introducing themselves.
Respecting Others
In reality, most dog owners understand this, but there are still a few who don't. These rules should be followed by all dog owners as a matter of common courtesy:
1. When outdoors, keep your dog on a leash or within a fenced yard. If you are in an outdoor area where it is safe and legal to let your dog off the leash, you should ensure that you are supervising them at all times. Never let your dog roam the neighbourhood or wander out of your sight.
2. Do not leave your dog outdoors if it has a tendency to bark excessively or engage in other noisy behaviours. Excessive barking is not only unfair to your dog, it is annoying and disrespectful to your neighbours.
3. Pick up after your dog. No one (including yourself) wants to smell or accidentally step on a “gift” your dog left behind during your daily walk. Please pick up after your dog and dispose of it properly. For convenience, you can attach a small bag dispenser to your dog’s leash so you will never be without a bad when nature calls.
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