Responsible Dog Ownership

[corgipower]

I'm going to be writing an article on responsible dog ownership. Looking for suggestions for what to include. So far, I have this ~

• confine
  • crate
  • fence
  • leash
  • verbal control
• train
  • basic obedience
  • manners
• clean up
  • pick up after your dog
• health
  • vet care
  • grooming
  • food, water
• exercise

What else should be included? Anything in there that shouldn't be?

 

[xpaeanx]

basic needs
-don't leave dog in extreme conditions(cold, heat)
-don't leave dog alone 24/7

 

[FoxyWench]

Stimulation.
training would fall under this, but id add structured play, free play, and excersize on the physical AND mental level

Socilization needs to go in there somewhere too id think

 

[Lilavati]

Well, I'd say you don't NEED a fence, but if you don't have one, you will need to take a lot more time to walk your dog. And if you DO have a fence, make sure its secure, and don't leave it to watch your dog for you (i.e. don't leave your dog in the yard when you aren't home). But please don't continue the myth that you must have a fence to have a dog.

 

[smkie]

My all time biggest worry...funds for vet care.

 

[Giny]

I know many hate to think this but what plans do you have if God forbids, something was to happen to you. Do you have someone willing to take care of them. And that would be if either you pass away or you end up at the hospital for long term critical care.

*you in a general sense*

hehe fixed the hostile!

 

[corgipower]

please don't continue the myth that you must have a fence to have a dog.

Nope, I won't. Just one of the options for ways to keep the dog from running loose.

 

[corgipower]

you end up at the hostile for long term critical care.

What if I just am hostile

A lot of good ideas, keep em coming!

 

[Giny]

Ooops, hospital..that was a bad oopser.

 

[xpaeanx]

if I go in the hospital my dogs are screwed... however, if I die they get a big fat 100K... LOL.... I guess I should be careful when a car drives by on walks huh? :rolf1:

 

[perla123]

Well In my wallet I have a card from the SPCA that says:

Important Noticelease Help My pets
I have pets in my home waiting for me. If for any reason I am unable to return home to care for my pets, please notify the flowing

I think is important to have something like this in your purse just incase something happens. You never know god forbids that you and up in a situation where u are unable to talk they will find this.

 

[milos_mommy]

I'd put something in there on choosing a dog, responsible breeders, rescues, designer dogs, etc.

 

[corgipower]

I'd put something in there on choosing a dog, responsible breeders, rescues, designer dogs, etc.

That's going to be a separate article.

 

[adojrts]

A will............figure out who will take and Keep your animals if you die and don't leave it up to chance with family members who may not know nor care.

Agreed responsiblity starts with where you get your dog and who you support.

 

[Lilavati]

Less important, but if you are allowed to, stick one of those "please save my pets" signs on your door for purposes of emergencies, AND get a "dog on premises" sign for your yard.

 

[kidsanddogs]

I'll add:
Identification for your dog - dog tags
Spending time with your dog, focused attention on him (petting, games, walks, etc)
Protecting your dog from harm
Giving your dog compassion, respect, and empathy

 

[Punkygirl0101]

I am shocked no one mentioned Reproduction. Spaying and neutering unless you are a reputable breeder, for a legitimate reason (Health, showing, etc). Not just because you think its cruel to have a dog castrated.

 

[adojrts]

I am shocked no one mentioned Reproduction. Spaying and neutering unless you are a reputable breeder, for a legitimate reason (Health, showing, etc). Not just because you think its cruel to have a dog castrated.

LOL I meant too and forgot, glad you mentioned it because that is critical.

 

[protodog]

How about some information about how to prevent your bitch in heat from getting pregnant? Sometimes it seems that there is so much focus on spaying that proper practices for dealing with a bitch in heat never get passed on to people who really need the information. I work at a kennel, and many of our clients with intact females don't know that their fence isn't adequate proctection. Or that separating a bitch in heat and an intact male with a simple baby gate isn't going to cut it.

Of course, S/N prevents unwanted litters, but people who choose to keep their dogs intact need to know how to manage them properly.

 

[MericoX]

Grooming
Picking a good dog food.