September is Responsible Dog Ownership month. What does it mean to be a responsible dog owner? I believe there are many components, some that go beyond simply meeting a dog's basic needs. Responsible dog caretaking means you are responsible to and for your dog, including the impact they have on others.
Here are some of the basics I would include for pet dogs.
Nutrition
Responsible pet owners feed their dogs foods that meet the nutritional and health requirements of their dog. Responsible caretakers may choose to feed “people food” or not. They may choose a single food or a variety of foods, however they ensure that they are feeding food that matches the current needs of their dog to the best of their ability.
Health
Responsible dog owners ensure their dog's health through proper veterinary care. This includes keeping up with vaccinations, controlling parasites, and scheduling regular checkups and treatment when needed.
Maintaining their dog’s health helps protect the health of others as well. Working with their vet to choose vaccinations tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and location helps prevent the spread of contagious illnesses to other pets and people. Some dog diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can transfer to humans. Controlling parasitic infections also limits transmission between dogs, other animals, and humans.
Responsible dog owners pick up their dog's waste. Properly disposing of their dog’s feces reduces environmental contamination and disease transmission. Dog waste contributes to water pollution through runoff when not cleaned up. It also spreads parasites in areas where dogs frequent. Staying on top of waste removal also keeps responsible dog owners aware of any changes in their dog’s bowel movements that could indicate a health issue.
Safety
Responsible puppy owners create safety through management of their environment. In the home, that means making sure their puppy can’t access things like electrical cords, plastic bags, outlets, medication, chocolate, etc. If a puppy can access it, it is going in their mouth. That’s just how it is. Even older dogs might have some difficulty making safe choices on their own and need environmental management.
Safety also means concepts such as containment, monitoring and teaching.
Containment, such as fencing or leashes handled by a person, helps keep dogs secure. By fencing, I mean a physical barrier. In addition to other reasons I am not a fan of electric fences, electric fences may fail to contain dogs and do nothing to exclude other animals. Proper containment protects dogs from risks like cars, altercations, and getting lost. It also reassures people or other animals anxious around unrestrained dogs. A leashed dog in a park is far less concerning than a loose one.
Monitoring means closely supervising their dog, especially a puppy or dog new to a home as they may not recognize safe versus unsafe choices. Responsible dog owners also monitor anytime their dogs interact with other animals or people. They watch out for unsafe behaviors like insect chasing or inappropriate play and also watch for fear, anxiety, or escalation signaling a need to intervene.
Teaching builds skills for safety. Responsible dog owners teach their dogs to trade items, distinguish what is okay to chew vs not okay, to come when called, and interact appropriately with others. They also teach skills like avoiding chasing, jumping, or unsolicited greetings in order to increase other’s sense of security.
Wellbeing
Responsible dog owners go beyond simply providing nutrition, health, and safety. They strive to enrich their dog's physical and emotional wellbeing through activities like play, exploration, social interaction, sensory experiences, chew time, and mental stimulation.
Responsible dog owners know that as social animals, dogs require positive interactions with their families. Responsible owners teach dogs and family members how to interact in ways that are rewarding for both dog and human.
Responsible dog owners are safe, respectful partners who will do their best to help their dogs be safe and feel safe in the world. That means respecting their dog’s boundaries and preferences. Responsible dog owners protect their dog in situations where they might become overwhelmed, including allowing the dog to walk away. In a situation that can’t be avoided, like a trip to the vet ,responsible dog owners help their dog navigate by making it as positive as it can be.
Responsible Dog Ownership
What does it mean to be a responsible dog owner? Meeting basic survival needs is just the starting point. In essence, truly responsible dog guardianship requires enriching a dog's life, respecting their social needs, and safeguarding their emotional wellbeing. The most caring owners go further to ensure their dogs can thrive both physically and psychologically.
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