Be a Responsible Dog Owner
Among companion animals, dogs are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and
friendship to humankind. Anyone who has ever loved a dog can attest to its
hundred-fold return. The excitement your dog shows when you come home, the
wagging tail at the sound of the leash being taken from its hook, the delight in
the tossing of a tennis ball, and the head nestled in your lap-those are only
some of the rewards of being a dog owner.
Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it's a responsibility. These animals depend
on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are
considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the
commitment that dog ownership entails. If you already have a dog, you need to
consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner.
Once you have decide that a dog will fit into your life style and you are committed to caring for him/her for at least 12years.
Get a Referral
You have a much better chance of being satisfied if you get your dog from a
responsible, ethical breeder whose primary concern is to produce dogs of high
quality, good health and stable temperament. The breeder referral person
in Michigan is Gini Shaw of the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Greater Detroit.
Expect Questions
A responsible breeder or rescue contact will ask you extensive questions about
the type of home you can offer a dog. These people are as committed as you are
to making the right match between you and a dog. Give honest answers to their
questions. Remember that, due to their experience in the breed, they know what
issues are important in placing one of their dogs.
Prepare to Wait
Availability varies. Be aware that a puppy or dog of the breed you've decided on
may not be easy to find. Responsible breeders do not breed often, and many times
the puppies of a planned breeding are already spoken for. Just remember that a
good dog is worth waiting for.
Avoid Pet Shops
Resist those adorable puppies in the pet shop window. Unfortunately, most
puppies sold in stores are the products of large scale commercial breeding
operations, where puppies may not have received the time and care necessary to
develop into good pets.
Get It in Writing
Information about the sale or adoption should be in writing. The contract should
include, for example, details regarding any fees, spay-neuter agreements, health
guarantees, terms of co-ownership, restrictions on breeding, and living
arrangements. It should also include instructions on what to do if the dog,
despite your best efforts, simply doesn't work out for you or your family. Most
responsible breeders will insist that the dog be returned to them.
I.D. Your Dog
Your dog should wear an identification tag with your name, address and phone
number at all times. This will increase the chances of your dog being returned
to you if he is lost or runs away.
Consider Microchips or Tattoos
Microchips and tattoos are methods of permanently identifying your dog, and can
be invaluable in recovering your dog should he become lost. You may wish to
enroll your dog in AKC's affiliate, the
Companion Animal Recovery
service, which is the nation's largest database of microchipped pets.
Teach Basic Commands
Teach your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come and down. Training your
dog will not only make your life easier, but will also fulfill your dog's desire
to learn and please you.
Go to Class
Obedience classes can be a great experience for you and your dog. You may even
discover that your dog has a great talent for learning, and be able to compete
in obedience, agility or tracking events.
Socialize Your Dog
Expose your dog to different people and settings regularly. Take him to the
park, to the pet store, on a walk through town. Praise him for accepting petting
from friendly strangers, and for behaving calmly around other dogs. The more
your dog learns of the world, the more comfortable he will be in it.
Prevent Nuisance Barking
Don't let your dog's incessant barking annoy your neighbors. Teach your dog not
to bark without real provocation. If your dog's barking is causing problems
while you're away from home, try a silencing collar.
Give Your Dog a Job
Keep your dog active and alert by giving him tasks to do. Teach him to fetch the
paper, carry groceries in a pack or empty the dryer. Make him sit before getting
a treat or lay down before going outside. Giving your dog a sense of purpose and
accomplishment will increase his sense of well-being.
Don't Let Your Dog Down
You aren't a dog owner just at Christmas, or on the weekends, or in the
afternoon, or when you have spare time. You aren't a dog owner just when the dog
is behaving, or when he's a cute fuzzy puppy, or when he's winning awards. When
you bring a dog into your family, that dog is yours for life. If you can't keep
that commitment, don't make it. And once you've made it, don't break it. Your
dog's life depends on you.
