The Five Keys to Being a Responsible Dog Owner

Not everyone has what it takes to own a dog. Though dogs can survive on their own in the wild, responsible dog ownerships expects that you will provide them with a life slightly better than that. A dog will give you years of love, protection and devotion and never ask anything in return. It’s your job to give them all those things in return, without being asked.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your pet ownership is done responsibly.

There are simply too many abandoned dogs in the United States. The reasons for this are as varied as the owners who don’t live up to the responsibilities. The majority of these abandoned dogs end up in shelters. Though there are no-kill shelters in the United States, they are the exception rather than the rule. Do yourself and a dog a favor by adopting one of these unfortunate dogs and giving them a loving home.

Unless you are seriously considering a profession as a responsible breeder, make sure all adopted pets are spayed or neutered. There’s just no sense in increasing the number of dogs in a world already overcrowded with unwanted animals. A little money will also save you trouble in the future.

Keep your dogs healthy and clean. There is no greater indication of neglect, whether in dogs or children, than untidiness. A weekly bath, brushing the fur and flea and tick treatment is the only things necessary. Don’t forget to keep the animal’s sleeping area clean also.

Dogs do a pretty good job of protecting themselves, but sometimes they need a little help from us. This is mainly due to man made dangers such as cars and poisons. Always make sure the dog can’t find its way to the street and that chemicals are kept out of their reach.

At the very least the dog needs to have a collar and a tag identifying you as the owner. Many people go a step further and have a microchip embedded in the animal. It is now standard procedure in the United States to check a dog for a microchip before they are euthanized.

Last of all, animals have a way of becoming ignored after a time. Dogs more than any other pet need human contact and affection. This doesn’t mean for the first month, but for the dog’s entire life. They also require training to make sure they behave as they should. Dogs that are neglected suffer from mental problems such as depression and do not enjoy life.

Owning a dog is great, but it requires work and commitment. If you’re not willing to commit to both, think hard about adopting a dog.