Being a Responsible Dog Owner

Before you Get a Dog

Are you allowed a dog where you live? This includes things like having landlord permission, as well as local by-laws restricting the number of dogs a person may have. Breaking the law may mean that you might have to surrender a dog at some point. A responsible owner would not put a pet at risk in this way.

Did you research the breed to make sure it is one suited to your lifestyle? Often people get puppies on a whim, only to find it grows into a dog that is too big, or too active for their liking. Researching the correct breed is very important to being a responsible dog owner.

Is your yard fully fenced, or do you have a means to contain the dog safely? A loose dog is a danger to itself, and most places have laws against allowing a dog to run loose. Chaining a dog often creates aggression. Although some situations do not require a fully fenced yard, some way of controlling a dog is important.

Is every one in the home accepting of their share of responsibility for the dog? Having a pet, any pet, when one or more people in the home do not want it is putting the pet at a disadvantage. Even if one person is the main care provider if anyone has allergies or a fear of dogs, there might be problems later on.

Getting the Dog

Where from? A responsible owner does not buy a pet from a pet store thereby contributing to the cruelty of puppy mills. A responsible owner selects a good breeder or adopts from a local shelter.

Got the Dog

Is it spayed or neutered? One of the most responsible things a dog owner needs to consider is having it spayed (females at 6 months) or neutered (males at 8-10 months). This not only reduces the risks of some health concerns, it lowers the pets likelihood of wandering or becoming aggressive. Ultimately the main reason people spay or neuter pets is to stop them from contributing to the over population of puppies. More than 2 million are euthanized in the USA alone every year because more are born than there are homes for. If a person owns a purebred, registered dog, and are taking it to shows to prove it is a quality breeding animal then it is acceptable for them to keep it intact, provided they do not allow it to breed until it has earned the right titles.

Do you clean up after the dog? Cleaning up after a dog is not only important for sanitation reasons in your yard, but also when out on walks. A good owner always takes two bags with them for cleaning up after their pet.

Does the dog wear proper identification?  A responsible owner has their dog identified with a tattoo, license, or microchip. 

Has the dog received any Obedience lessons? This is often overlooked, particularly by owners of small dogs. Obedience lessons do not just teach the dog to “sit and stay” they also cover basic socialization and are a crucial part of dog ownership.

Does the dog receive regular medical care? This includes vaccinations, deworming, and yearly check ups. A responsible owner has money in the bank for pet medical emergencies and does not neglect needed care.

Is the dog regularly groomed? This applies more to some breeds than others. A dog with long hair needs regular brushing or its coat will become matted and painful. Nails need to be trimmed or they will grow long and curl back into the foot.

Are the dogs mental needs being met? Sadly most dogs who are given up to shelters are given up because of owner error in this department. A dog whose mental needs are not being met will become bored and destructive. Smart breed dogs need lots of attention and “games” to stimulate their minds. It is unfair to blame the dog for becoming destructive if owner neglect created the problem.

Is the dog allowed to bark for periods of time? If your dog is left outside when you are at work, you might want to talk to your neighbors to make sure the dog is not barking all day long. This is unfair to them, and a sign your dog needs more mental stimulation (see above).

When the time comes, what will you do? People need to consider the time their pet will be old or in pain. A responsible owner does their best to see that a pet is comfortable and not suffering because they are unsure of an action to take. While it is okay to allow a pet to die on its own, it is not okay to abandon it when it is old and ailing.