What is responsible dog ownership? Did you know September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month? I thought it would be a good time to list some of the things that make people responsible dog owners.
The first, and I think the most important part of being a responsible dog owner is providing food, water, a place to live, proper veterinary care, and lots of love. Every dog wants a good home and to hang out with their humans whenever they can. We love feeling the love!
Once you have your dog, you never want to lose her, so proper identification is a must! Dogs should wear an ID tag and be chipped. You can never have to much ID if you should happen to get lost. Humans need to make sure the information on the ID tags and with the chip companies is always up to date! Our collars and tags are part of our daily fashion.
Falling heavily under the word responsible in responsible pet ownership is getting your dog spayed or neutered. There are plenty of unwanted puppies in the world, and you don’t want to bring in any more. Responsible breeding is a fine thing if you are set up for it, but most dogs should not be having puppies. I was spayed at four years old, and was a real baby about it all. Being a rare breed, Mom contemplated breeding me, but then decided it was not the right thing for her to do.
We dogs need training. Every dog needs at least basic obedience training to be a well mannered pup. Training can also take the form of dog sport which are super fun and a great bonding opportunity for dogs and their owners. Going to classes with your dog will help keep them social by seeing and being around other dogs. Staying fit is also another form of training.
Mental and physical exercise is a big part of keeping your dog healthy and being a responsible dog owner. Dogs like to do things, they need a job. Dogs who are not challenged mentally and physically are the dogs who tend to get into trouble a lot. Get out there and play with your dog. A dog alone in a yard is not going to do much all alone besides getting bored.
Cleaning up after your dog is a huge part of responsible dog ownership. No one wants to find dog poop lying around. Pick it up right away at home and on your walks, it is the right thing to do!
Stuff happens, but when it happens to you, are you prepared. What if there is a storm or a fire, do you have a plan for your dog? Make sure you are ready for any emergencies that may come up where you live.
Follow your local laws and ordinances. Get your dog a license if it is required. If your dog is ever lost, it may help get them back to you. Think about your neighbors and don’t let your dog be the one who is outside barking non stop at all hours of the day and night. Keep your dog on leash if leashes are required. Leash laws are there for a reason!
What do you think? Are you a responsible dog owner? If you are, make sure you enter to win my big birthday giveaway, your dog will love you for it! The giveaway turns into a pumpkin on Sunday night, so hurry!
Excellent rules for any dog parent to live by!
Thank you. They work well for us.
I love the photo of the cute poop patrol officer :o) your mom is a very responsible dog owner, you can be super proud that she always does her best for you :O)
I don’t know life any other way but I do know life keeps getting better!
Adorable – every picture! Such great advice, and the mom pretty much is a responsible Sparkle owner. She is not perfect but close! XOXO, Sparkle
No mom or even dog is perfect but we can all strive to be the best we can be. I know you have a pawsome mom and a pawsome home.
Good post. We have decided some people should not have pets or kids
Lily & Edward
This is very true in some situations.
great advice…..we would add be good walkers when out and don’t let your dog run up to other dogs and people
I think that would fall under training. Especially keep your dog to yourself when you are at the vet. Who knows which dogs are really ill in the waiting room.
These are all important tips for being a responsible pet parent. It is also a great idea to allow your dog to select their choice of treats and toys whenever they visit a dog store. ☺
I like that, but do they make big enough carts to hold all my choices???
Such great tips and really beautiful photos!
Thank you.
those all sound about right to us 🙂
It’s a good generalized list I think.
We love these tips! Also, Mom wants to know the name of that blue balancing bone that your’e standing on for exercise. Apparently, I need one of those…
Love and licks,
Cupcake
It is a K9 Fitbone. Mainly it is for working a dog’s core muscles and working on balance. It can also be used with senior dogs to help strengthen back leg muscles. It is a handy thing.
That is a very thorough list, and all important things. We’ve made mistakes with our dogs in the past, but we’ve learned and try to do all of the right things now.
Mom says she has truly loved each of her dogs, but with each dog she learns more and more and the most recent dogs tend to have things so much better than earlier dogs because Mom is constantly learning. You can only do the best you can do at the time and no dog is complaining.
That would be a good list to print, and hand out as needed.
Depending on where one goes, it might be something where a lot of copies are necessary!
What wonderful tips, Emma!
Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Thank you, my friends.
Now that was a terrific list! We agree with Mary, it should be required reading!
For some, definitely. Cat bro Bert thinks we need one for cats too.
Wonderful tips! Wish more people would follow this list!
There are some people who really need to read a list like this.
Great tips Emma!
Thank you.
A Barking Ovation!!!!
Pawfect! Grrrreat job Emma!
Nose nudges,
CEO Olivia
Thank you.
We are so glad your mom is so responsible especially about the breeding part. Even rare breeds should be left to the professionals. Love Dolly
With our luck I would have had a huge litter, Mom would get attached, and then what would we do. I’m happy not being a mom dog.
I think you nailed them all Emma!
Thank you. I tried.
That is a good list. I think a lot of people forget the art about teaching their dogs manners. I guess I would put that top of my list.
It is amazing how many dogs have no idea how to act correctly out in public places.