Responsible dog ownership starts BEFORE you purchase or adopt your new dog. You should spend as much time as possible researching the different breeds to find which is most suitable to you and your lifestyle, as well as individual breeders before deciding on one that will provide you with a healthy, happy puppy, and as much after sales assistance as you require.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Prepare for the arrival of your new pup or dog BEFORE you bring him home ie: make sure you have the food that he is used to eating, a collar, a lead, food and water bowls, appropriate toys and a bed for him to sleep.
Obtain the telephone number of a local vet (preferably one with references from another dog owner) and stick it to your fridge permanently. It is also a good idea to have your new puppy vet checked as soon as possible as some breeders health guarantee’s, particularly for communicable diseases are only for a few days.
Contact your local council to get your dog’s licence tags(so he doesn’t get destroyed just in case he escapes and is picked up by a ranger) and for details as to Dog laws in your area. The council will also be able to advise you of areas which are suitable for exercising dogs, on and off lead.
Make sure your dog is wormed regularly (every three months for intestinal worms, as directed for heart worm) and is vaccinated yearly.
Make sure your dog receives good quality food and that fresh water is always available.
One of the most responsible things that you can do as a dog owner is take your dog to OBEDIENCE classes. Not only will your dog respond to you better, but you will also be able to socialize your dog with other dogs which is very important, and it may well save your dogs life if he gets loose on a busy street and you are able to call him back.
If you are not planning to show your dog or breed from it PLEASE have it DE-SEXED regardless of whether it is male or female. This will not only decrease the number of unwanted and abandoned puppies but can also prevent your pet from developing life threatening health problems, including infections and cancer that affect BOTH sexes.
Do not breed from your dog unless you have received an unbiased judgement on your dogs suitability from at LEAST one EXPERT breeder. The breeder you purchased your dog from would be a good place to get a judgement from and they should also be able to suggest a suitable partner (particularly a Stud dog if you have a bitch) IF your dog is suitable for breeding. You should only breed in order to improve the breed - NOT for any possible monetary gain, or because it would be a good experience for the kids
Never leave a dog in a car unattended. Dogs can die in less than ten minutes in a hot car.
If you cannot completely control your dog at all times (even if a cat runs under its nose!!) please keep it on a lead unless you are in an approved off-lead area. You may prevent your dog from being hit by a car, mauled by another dog or from being a nuisance to another person.
If your dog makes a mess in a public place - please clean it up, particularly if it is on someone’s front lawn!
Don’t let your dog wander around your neighborhood- it might get hit by a car, picked up by a ranger, mauled in a dog fight or eat poisoned bait, not to mention picking up worms and diseases.
Be courteous to other people - just because you don’t mind Rover jumping and slobbering all over you, does not mean that other people will appreciate the same treatment.
Ensure that you have a secure, well fenced yard for your dog with adequate shelter from the elements. Regularly check the fencing and repair any damaged areas that may allow your dog to escape or injure itself - also check behind shrubbery along the fence line in case your dog is digging under the fence.
The best identification is a micro-chip so that even if the dog looses his collar, he can be returned to you. Collar identification should include your local council tag, as well as an identification tag with contact information to allow for quick return if he/she gets lost. The information tags should have at least ONE telephone number, but preferably two - yours and either a friend, relative or vet in case your dog is injured - and your address (make sure you keep these current!). If your dog requires medical treatment, this can be inscribed on the tag if there is enough space and is likely to ensure your dog is returned to you quickly.
Include your dog in your will. By this, I mean you need to make provisions for the welfare and continued care of your dog in case anything happens to you. Another good idea, particularly if you live alone, is to keep a message in your wallet/purse (with your own ID) advising that you have a dog at home that needs to be cared for in case you are involved in an accident. If alternative care is unavailable for your pet, the RSPCA or other rescue organization will be able to help.
If you know that your dog is aggressive or unfriendly to people or other dogs do something about it. Keep your dog on a lead when you take it for a walk, warn other people before they get too close and seek professional training advice. In many cases, dog aggression can be avoided by proper socialization and obedience training during the puppy stage, but older dogs may need help from a canine behaviourist.
By following the simple suggestions above will help you be a responsible dog owner. And remember, as with most things a little common sense goes a long way!
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Tags: animal rescue, artist, artwork, Cat Art, Dog Art, dog rescue, pet portrait, pet portrait artist, pet portraits, puppy, responsible dog ownership
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August 24th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Hi Michelle,
Just wanted to let you know i stopped by your blog, added your link to the squidoo and love you work you have lots more stuff happening since last time i was here
great job 
August 25th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Thanks Belinda! I sent you a few more links for the squidoo blog as well.
August 25th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Wow, what a fantastic blog you have here! I love the art.
I’m adding you to my new blogs I’m reading list. 
Thanks for commenting on my blog, I may never have found you otherwise.
Are you a part of the Australian Blogs Community at Bumpzee? You should join if not.
Snoskred
http://www.snoskred.org/
August 25th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Thankyou:) No i wasn’t, but after receiving your comment I wandered over there and have joined, it looks like a great community, thanks for letting me know about it.
August 26th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Great blog, enjoyed the visit.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:11 am
[...] Wrighton presents Article: Responsible Dog Ownership posted at Pet Animal and Wildlife Art By [...]
August 31st, 2007 at 7:20 am
Hi Michelle
found you via the Carnival of Australia.
Thanks for joing us all. We hope to see you every fortnight.
Great art work here.
August 31st, 2007 at 11:58 am
Congrats on joining us!
Snoskred
October 20th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Quote: Responsible dog ownership
Well yes, this info is … good is not the correct word. Awesome is more accurate.
Bookmark it!