Responsible Dog Ownership




Anyone who elects to have a dogshare his life must know thatthere are reponsibilities that go along with dog ownership for as long as the dog lives.

To The Dog

Before geting a dog, a person must be aware that the responsibility for the dog's physical, mental, and emotional well-being lasts 24 hours a day for as long as the dog lives. Dogs are living beings with intelligence and emotion. Their devotion to their owners must not be one-sided or exploited. The owner must be considerate of the dogs individuality as well as provide the dog's basic needs. These basic needs follow.

1. Nutrition

A dog must be fed a balanced diet and have clean water available. The many quality foods now available may seem more expensive than supermarket brands, but they are superior in nutrition resulting in better overall health for the dog.

2. Health Care

A veterinarian supervised preventative health care program of routine health examinations, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, deworming and flea control is advised. Spaying and neutering of all dogs not in a breeding program is strongly advised.

3. Housing

Kennel runs, fenced yards, and dog crates should all be considered. Dogs need shelter from wind, sun rain and snow.

4. Safety

When travelling in a vehicule, the dog should always be securely contained with a crate or a doggy seat belt. Dogs lose in the back of a truck are easily injured and killed. Also consider safety around the home, keeping poisons, poisonous plants, and electrical cords away from home.

5. Grooming

Regular grooming keeps the dogs skin, coat, feet and teeth in optimum health, feels good for the dog, and provides a 1:1 time for dog and owner.

6. Education

At the very least, dogs should be housetrained and have basic house manners. Teaching the basic novice exercise (heel, sit, down, stand, come and stay) makes a better companion. Training classes and books about dog training and behaviour are available. Dogs enjoy learning new activities with their owners. There is no excuse for a spoiled or ill-mannered dog. Dogs need and want to learn what is expected of them. Without "pack rules" to follow, the dog will assume there is no leader and take over the job. This translates into "behaviour problems" and "out of control dogs". Sadly, many of these dogs are abandoned or killed because their owners didn't take the time to educate them properly. Such an owner must be responsible for killing his own dog.

7. TLC (Tender Loving Care)

Like people, dogs have feelings and need to be needed and loved. One of the nicest benefits of sharing your life with a dog is the companionship and closeness that develops.


To the Community


Every dog owner must become a considerate owner. In these days of anti - dog legislation and animal rights activist activities, dog owners must present a positive image of dog ownership at all times. Consideration of others is extremely important. Not everyone "loves" your dog like you do. Some people are fearful of dogs; others dislike dogs. Ultimately, being a responsible dog owner will help ensure that we will be able to freely enjoy our canine companions for many years to come.

1. Control/Containment

Dogs should be under physical control (fences, leashes) or under direct visual/mental control at all times. This is for the dog's safety, other people and/or animals' safety, and to conform to local laws. There are a wide variety of fencing materials and leashes available. For example, the retractable leads (e.g.Flexilead) can give a dog enough room to run and play (24 feet in all directions) on a pleasure walk yet the dog is still under physical control.

2.Neutering/Spaying


All dogs should be neutered or spayed unless they are being shown in conformation and/or part of a breeding program. For more information on the subject, click here.

3.Local Laws

Respect local laws regarding leash control, areas where dogs are/are not allowed, and licensing. Do be aware that licenses for altered dogs are cheaper.

4. Stoop and Scoop

Train your dog to eliminate in your yard -- not your neighbour's. Clean up after the dog wherever you are. Small plastic bags are easy to carry in a pocket for clean up. Dispose of the manure appropriately.

5. Noise Control

Noone appreciates a noisy dog. Generally, neighbours appreciate appropriate warning/alert barks or occasional Northern dog song fests but a continually barking/crying dog is extremely irritating. If you must leave your dog alone outside when you're away from home, be certain (by asking your neighbours) that it is quiet. Ifd the dog isn't, then consider leaving the dog inside. Be aware of your dog's voice.

6. Be a considerate traveller

Travel with a clean, quiet, well-behaved dog. Exercise your dog in appropriate places and then, stoop and scoop. Always leave any place (e.g. motel) clean and undamaged. Thanks to inconsiderate owners, many hotels/motels refuse to accept pets.