Responsible Dog Ownership

Responsible dog ownership starts BEFORE you purchase your dog. You should spend as much time as possible researching the different breeds to find which is most suitable to you and your lifestyle, as well as individual breeders before deciding on one that will provide you with a healthy, happy puppy, and as much after sales assistance as you require.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Prepare for the arrival of your new pup or dog BEFORE you bring him home ie: make sure you have the food that he is used to eating, a collar, a lead, food and water bowls, appropriate toys and a bed for him to sleep.
• Obtain the telephone number of a local vet (preferably one with references from another dog owner) and stick it to your fridge permanently. It is also a good idea to have your new puppy vet checked as soon as possible as some breeders health guarantee's, particularly for communicable diseases are only for a few days.
• Contact your local council to get your dog's licence tags(so he doesn't get destroyed just in case he escapes and is picked up by a ranger) and for details as to Dog laws in your area. The council will also be able to advise you of areas which are suitable for exercising dogs, on and off lead.
• Make sure your dog is wormed regularly (every three months for intestinal worms, as directed for heart worm) and is vaccinated yearly.
• Make sure your dog receives good quality food and that fresh water is always available.
• One of the most responsible things that you can do as a dog owner is take your dog to OBEDIENCE classes. Not only will your dog respond to you better, but you will also be able to socialize your dog with other dogs which is very important, and it may well save your dogs life if he gets loose on a busy street and you are able to call him back.
• If you are not planning to show your dog or breed from it PLEASE have it DE-SEXED regardless of whether it is male or female. This will not only decrease the number of unwanted and abandoned puppies but can also prevent your pet from developing life threatening health problems, including infections and cancer that affect BOTH sexes.
• Do not breed from your dog unless you have received an unbiased judgement on your dogs suitability from at LEAST one EXPERT breeder. The breeder you purchased your dog from would be a good place to get a judgement from and they should also be able to suggest a suitable partner (particularly a Stud dog if you have a bitch) IF your dog is suitable for breeding. You should only breed in order to improve the breed - NOT for any possible monetary gain, or because it would be a good experience for the kids
• Never leave a dog in a car unattended. Dogs can die in less than ten minutes in a hot car.
• If you cannot completely control your dog at all times (even if a cat runs under its nose!!) please keep it on a lead. You may prevent your dog from being hit by a car, mauled by another dog or from being a nuisance to another person.
• If your dog makes a mess in a public place - please clean it up, particularly if it is on someone's front lawn!
• Don't let your dog wander around your neighborhood- it might get hit by a car, picked up by a ranger, mauled in a dog fight or eat poisoned bait, not to mention picking up worms and diseases.
• Be courteous to other people - just because you don't mind Rover jumping and slobbering all over you, does not mean that other people will appreciate the same treatment.
• Ensure that you have a secure, well fenced yard for your dog with adequate shelter from the elements. Regularly check the fencing and repair any damaged areas that may allow your dog to escape or injure itself - also check behind shrubbery along the fence line in case your dog is digging under the fence.
• As well as the Council tags, your dog should have identification tags with contact information to allow for quick return if he/she gets lost. The information tags should have at least ONE telephone number, but preferably two - yours and either a friend, relative or vet in case your dog is injured) and your address. If your dog requires medical treatment, this can be inscribed on the tag if there is enough space and is likely to ensure your dog is returned to you quickly. One of the problems with ID tags is that the collar can get broken or lost, but there are many programmes operating around the world that involve either tattooing or micro chipping dogs - contact your local council or Canine Controlling body for more information about these programmes in your area.
• Include your dog in your will. By this, I mean you need to make provisions for the welfare and continued care of your dog in case anything happens to you. Another good idea, particularly if you live alone, is to keep a message in your wallet/purse (with your own ID) advising that you have a dog at home that needs to be cared for in case you are involved in an accident. If alternative care is unavailable for your pet, the RSPCA or other rescue organization will be able to help.
• If you know that your dog is aggressive or unfriendly to people or other dogs do something about it. Keep your dog on a lead when you take it for a walk, warn other people before they get too close and seek professional training advice. In many cases, dog aggression can be avoided by proper socialization during the puppy stage.

If you have any other suggestions that can help to reduce the anti-dog sentiment that is increasing in Australia please e-mail me and I will include them on this page.

(Submitted by : Dogsites, 22 February 1997)