8 Things Every Responsible Dog Owner Must Know

XX Things Every Responsible Dog Owners Knows (AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month)

Having a dog in your life is one of the biggest joys you can have. The love of a dog is one of life’s greatest things ever and therefore we should give serious consideration to about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails.

Commit for the Long Haul – getting a dog is a commitment. You have to be sure you want a dog and can provide for him/her.

Make Time for Your Dog – dogs will love you no matter what. But they need and deserve that time and attention. Ensure to give it every day.

Provide Proper Identification – get your dog a collar with a name tag with your contact information. Consider micro-chipping your dog as well.

Spay and Neuter – If you do not have your dog spayed or neutered you may be contributing to the problem of millions of unwanted stray or pound dogs.

Don’t Be a Backyard Breeder – If you choose to breed your dog, be sure to follow the proper protocols and don’t just let the dogs birth in the backyard so you can make some money.

Keep Your Dog Healthy – regular vet visits and checkups. Stay off the foods that the vet says to keep them away from. Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water and an appropriate amount of quality nutrition for your dog. A place of shelter and comfort is also important for your dog’s physical and mental wellness, and exercise is a must.

Train Your Dog – some training is always good. Canine etiquette is not just for our benefit.  well-trained dogs are more content because they have been given a sense of structure. A well-behaved and properly socialized dog is less likely to upset people and pets in public places and will be more welcome at gatherings.

Respect Others – don’t let your dog bar throughout the day or worse at night. Pick up after your dog when you take him/her for a walk. Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in yard when outdoors.

Prompt from 100+ Writing Prompts & Blog Post Ideas for September at Pretty Opinionated