How To Be A Responsible Dog Owner

Responsible dog ownership is an essential part of owning a dog. We have already talked about several ways to go about deciding which dog is right for you and your situation.

Although I am doing this a bit backwards, now is as good a time as any to discuss what it means to be a responsible dog owner. Many of these ideas are simple, and obvious in some cases, but sometimes it is good to take a step back and point out what’s important.

7 Keys To Being a Responsible Dog Owner

1. Do You Have Enough Time – owning a a pet requires lots of time an attention. Make sure you have the time and are able to commit to spending time with your new friend. You will need to housebreak her if necessary and you should train your dog. At least provide basic obedience training. It is also important that all members of your family be committed to caring for the pet as well.

2. Choose the Right Dog For You – there are various factors that go into selecting a dog to suit your lifestyle and your circumstances. We have covered most of that in our article series Choosing a Family Dog. I would like to repeat that you should never buy a dog on impulse. Do your research first.

3. Make a Vet Appointment – one of the first things you should do to make sure you have a healthy dog is to make an appointment with your veterinarian when you get a new dog or puppy.

This is important for several reasons:

• When you take her to the vet, you will find out if you bought or adopted a healthy dog or puppy.
• You can be sure that she will not pass on any illness to other dogs or pets.
• She will be current on all vaccinations which is important for her health and for yours as well.

Note: Most cities require you to have your dog vaccinated, at least for rabies. Be sure to check your local laws for any vaccination requirements in your area.

4. Provide Food and Water – feed your dog a healthy dog food for a well balanced diet.

Provide fresh water at all times. Learn more information about the various ingredients present in your dog’s food. Educate yourself about the qualities of good food. Remember, not all dog food is made the same. Some are manufactured with cheap fillers, while others are made with expensive organic ingredients. Determine what she actually needs so that you can make an informed choice about her diet.

5. Confinement – be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog confined, not tied up or locked up. Do not leave her to wander around the neighborhood. Not only is this a nuisance, but it can be dangerous for others as well as for your pet – she could be hit by a passing car.

Almost every city, at least in the United States where I live, has some sort of leash law to discourage unleashed dogs. Keep your dog leashed when you are out walking. If you have a fenced yard, allow her to run around inside your own yard.

6. Spay or Neuter – most of us want our dogs as companions and pets. We do not intend to breed them. Please consider having your dog spayed or neutered. This helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number or unwanted and abandoned dogs in shelters and rescues.

7. Do The Right Thing – when the time comes.

At the end of your dog’s days you may find yourself in the difficult situation where there is nothing else that can be done for her. It is at this time when being a responsible dog owner can be the hardest. You need to make the personal choice about whether to ease her suffering and say goodbye. Just stay with her until she is gone and remember all the joy that she brought to your life.

Being a responsible dog owner is not something that should be taken lightly. It is a full time, long-term commitment. It means that you are responsible for your dog’s health, care, attention, and love until her time with you is no more. In return, she will love you unconditionally and without judgment.

That’s a pretty good bargain don’t you think?

Recommended Reading

• Why Train a Dog – part of responsible dog ownership is training your dog.
• Is There An Average Life Expectancy of a Dog – Since you are committing to caring for your dog for the duration of her life, it would be good to understand how long that might be.
• New Puppy Supplies – a list of supplies that you will need to buy to make your new puppy feel at home.