Dog ownership is one of the greatest joys a human can have, and sharing your life with a dog can appear easy. However, is owning a dog a lot of responsibility?
Dog ownership is a lot of responsibility, but if you take your time and plan correctly for your dog, it is easy to be a responsible dog owner.
Here are 11 practices of a responsible dog owner.
Understanding the Commitment
If you are planning to buy or rescue a dog, understanding the commitment is essential. You will be adopting a dog which will fully rely on you to take care of it. If this is your first dog, you will need to take the time to evaluate if getting a dog is right for you and if you can give them everything it needs to live a happy life. Even if you can’t make the commitment now, doesn’t mean you can’t make it later.
Plan
Planning for a dog is an essential step to being a responsible dog owner. It also makes the following steps a lot easier.
Firstly, you’ll need to choose if you want to rescue a dog or adopt a dog from a breeder as a puppy, followed by which breeds are right for you. I.e. what are the best dogs for families or best for a more active lifestyle etc.
After finding your dog via a breeder or rescue centre and you have an arrival date, the next stage of planning begins. You’ll need to select your local veterinarian practice and then make a checklist of all the items you need to buy in preparation e.g water bowls, food, toys, dog bed, collar, lead etc.
Food and Water
Unsurprisingly making sure your dog is fed and watered is critical. Understanding which food to buy based on your dog’s age and size is very important, as well as how much to serve. Dog food packaging is very informative for these specifics and as you can imagine there is a lot of choice with a varying price.
There are even subscription services for both dry and raw food, where the serving sizes are specifically sent to you based on your dog. One thing to keep an eye out for in food labelling, particularly in dry foods, is to make sure there are recognisable ingredients such as meats and vegetables.
Another vital element of being a responsible dog owner is understanding which foods are toxic to dogs e.g. chocolate and grapes, as well as seasonal items found out and about on walks that have dropped from trees or have been left out e.g acorns or anti-freeze screenwash when the temperature gets cooler.
Always keep your dog’s water bowl topped up.
Training, Stimulation and Exercise
Training your dog is an essential part of dog ownership, either from a puppy or after re-homing a rescue. Amongst a host of benefits, it will keep your dog safe by teaching them basic obedience. A very worthwhile investment is to take your puppy and dog to training classes with a dog training professional. You will also have the benefit of meeting others in the same position as you where you can share advice.
Another benefit of training is that dogs really enjoy it and act as a form of stimulation. Stimulating your dog via training, exercise or brain games such as finding hidden treats using their nose and getting their brains working is a wonderful thing for your dog to do. It keeps them engaged and makes them sleep which is crucial! Beware of overstimulating your dog and knowing when to make them have a nap!
Socialisation
Socialising your dog is again an important activity for a responsible dog owner to do. In particular, allowing a puppy to experience different things in their early months can help them get used to different stimulants, setting them up for the future. For example other dogs, the bin lorry or the noisy fire engine.
Health
Incredibly important. Taking your dog for regular health checks at least once a year at your vet to keep them healthy is highly recommended. Best to prevent, rather than react. In addition, are worming and vaccinations. Vets can be known to do monthly subscriptions for these services which can work out cheaper in the long run.
Also, make sure to consider your options for neutering and spaying. If you decide to do it, keep in mind the age of the dog, so it’s not done too early.
In addition to taking your dog to the vet, you can carry out your own checks at home. Keeping an eye on their coat and skin is very important to spot any potential issues. Make sure to feel around for any lumps and bumps which your vet can further investigate. Emergency home first aid kits are also very advantageous, as well as attending dog first aid courses.
See my related post about managing stress around our dog’s health
Grooming
Whether taking your dog to a professional or doing it yourself, it’s good practice to keep your dog in good condition. Nail clipping, coat brushing, teeth cleaning etc. Remember to understand your breed especially when it comes to their coat. I.e double-coated dogs like a golden retriever will have different coat maintenance to a single-coated dog.
Don’t Leave Your Dog for Long Periods
Be mindful that when you have to leave your dog alone at home to not be out all day. Make sure if you are out all day, someone can let the dog out for the toilet or take them for a walk e.g dog walking service. Understand how long they can hold their bladder and don’t make it uncomfortable for them by leaving it to the last minute. Leaving your dog for long periods regularly can lead to separation anxiety.
Keep Your Dog Safe
Keeping your dog safe might be common sense but there are multiple elements to it. For example, a well-fitted, comfortable collar or harness and sturdy lead/leash will help negate the dog slipping out in a dangerous environment like near a road. Make sure to have a lead with a clip that is appropriate for your dog’s weight. If in the event you do lose your dog, if the collar or harness is equipped with ID tags, as well as having the dog microchipped, it will help to find the dog.
Dog proof your home. Remove anything that might cause your dog or puppy harm, as well as understand what poses a risk to a dog and not a puppy and vice versa. Eg. don’t leave food on counters a dog can reach, or use electric plug covers an inquisitive puppy may explore.
Assess the weather when walking your dog. Never take your dog out when it’s too hot. If you can’t leave your hand on the pavement for more than 10 seconds, it’s too hot and it will be too hot for their paws. Heat stroke in dogs is severe. Also, assess when it’s too cold.
Don’t Set Your Dog Up To Fail
Put simply, don’t leave your dog in a situation where they will likely fail. For example, don’t carve up your roast chicken and leave it on the side in reach of your dog whilst you go to the shops to collect the ingredient you forgot earlier in the day! Also, be aware of their limitations. Don’t leave it to the last minute to let them out for the toilet.
Love Your Dog
This should be easy but love your dog. Integrate them into most things you do. They will be a precious part of your family. They will love you back unconditionally.