Responsible Dog Ownership

A dog that has been taught a few simple rules will become a well adjusted and well behaved family pet. Just as with children, puppies and dogs need to be taught manners and the rules of the house.

From the time you bring your new puppy home it must be taught not to chew household items or bite- even in play. It must also be taught that unnecessary barking is not allowed.

Always make the puppy obey the command 'sit' before being petted or fed.

The key to training your dog is to realise that it really does want to please you. Praise and reward your dog for appropriate behaviour and use a stern 'no' when you wish to correct behaviour.

As the puppy grows you should seek assistance with more formal training. Contact your local obedience club for details of their training classes. Joining such a club is inexpensive and not only provides instruction on training your dog to obey basic commands such as stay, down and to come when called, but also allows it to socialise with other dogs.

Training will not only make your dog a more pleasurable companion but it may also one day save its life.

 

Neighbourly manners

Dogs that are allowed to bark excessively disturb the neighbourhood and neighbours will be unlikely to investigate a disturbance should something be amiss. Constant barking can often be sign of boredom and dogs need regular walking for physical and mental stimulation. When walking your dog it should be kept on a lead and you must observe all council regulations.

You must also comply with the regulations re registering your dog with your local council and be sure that your dog wears his council registration tag and identification at all times.

Your dog should never be allowed to wander or roam. The consequences can be severe, ranging from a fine from your local council to the dog becoming lost or even injured or killed by a motor vehicle.

 

Grooming

Regular grooming is a must to keep your dog looking and feeling its best. Naturally, long-haired or densely coated breeds require brushing more frequently than short haired dogs. Some breeds require regular professional clipping. Puppies should be accustomed to being brushed and combed from an early age. Your veterinarian can assist with cutting nails and cleaning teeth.

 

Breeding

If your dog has puppies it is your responsibility to find uitable homes.

If you are not planning to breed from your dog it is advisable to have it desexed by the age of six months.

 

Lost dogs

Unfortunately dogs sometimes do get lost. You can help prevent this by making sure your dog always wears a collar and identification tag with your telephone number or is microchipped.

Confine your dog during thunderstorms and fireworks displays. If your dog is lost check with your neighbours, your local veterinary clinics, animal welfare organisations, the pound and the local council. Check with these organisations in the neighbouring suburbs as lost animals may travel vast distances.

 

Holidays

You will need to consider how best to care for your dog while you are absent from home. Your veterinarian can possibly recommend a reputable boarding kennel. You should make arrangements well in advance if you intend boarding your dog during school holiday periods. The dog's vaccinations will be required to be up to date. If you are only absent for a few days you may arrange for a neighbour or a home feeding service to visit and feed your dog.

Never leave your dog in the car, as cars can become very hot even on moderately warm days and the dog can quickly die from heat exhaustion.

 

Dogs and children

A dog can truly be a child's best friend if the child and the dog are taught how to play together. Running and chasing games with children and the dog should always be supervised by an adult until an understanding has developed between the dog and child. Most dogs are loyal and trustworthy companions but if your dog is not used to children it should be introduced to them under careful supervision and should not be left alone with them. Supervision with young children and dogs is advised at all times.

 

Cleaning up after your dog

Responsible dog owners must ensure that their dog does not soil parks, gardens, beaches or streets by giving the dog every opportunity to relieve itself in its own backyard before being taken for a walk. Accidents may happen and it is your responsibility to be prepared by carrying plastic bags or commercially available 'pooper scoopers' to clean up and dispose of your dog's faeces.

 

 

 

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