ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER ?

Points to Consider Before You Buy

In today's crowded and changing society, the right to keep animals is being seriously threatened by those who are inclined to be intolerant of our "four-footed friends". This situation has been greatly magnified by the practice of some citizens who keep attack-trained dogs to fight (unlawful, at that) or to guard their property without proper facilities or attention. Moreover, the tremendous escalation of "cash-crop" puppies bred in so-called "puppy mills" solely for the purpose of financial gain from sales through commercial pet stores has contributed to an overabundance of unfortunate and unsound dogs. Such animals are in turn, bought on impulse by individuals who have not prepared themselves or their families and surroundings for responsible dog ownership.

The best way to discourage these practices and diminish intolerance for those of us who own dogs is to be RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS. Here are several things to consider:

1) Before you buy, be sure that you can assume the responsibility of owning a dog for quite a number of years. Find out if you are allowed to have a dog (or dogs) where you live. Do you have a fenced yard, so the dog can go out safely? If not, can you afford to install fencing? Are there allergies in the family?

2) Prepare yourself and your family for responsible dog ownership. Contact reputable breeders and visit the kennel or home where your prospective puppy has been raised. Whatever you do, never purchase a puppy on impulse. DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE OR PUPPY MILL.

3) When buying a dog, try to choose a breed that is compatible with your own temperament and home situation. If you are a "softie", do not acquire a breed that needs fair, but firm discipline.

4) Know where to get professional help with training, if necessary, before there is a problem. Enrolling your dog in an obedience class can be a lot of fun and very helpful in establishing a benevolent but effective master/dog relationship. Other types of pet behavior training or in-home services are also available. Your veterinarian, local kennel club or other dog owners can usually assist you in finding such classes/services.

5) Resolve not to tolerate sustained barking. It is annoying to almost everyone, and sound carries farther than you think. Some breeds do bark more than others. Take this into consideration when making your choice. We all want our dogs to announce strangers at our door or around our property, but train your dog to be quiet once safety has been determined. Once a bad habit is established, it is hard to break without professional help. Appropriate behavior should be taught from Day One.

6) Remember that dogs should not be left unattended in hotel/motel rooms, or in other public places. Be a responsible dog owner, and keep your dogs off your neighbors' property. When exercising your dog in public, use the curb and come prepared to clean up after him or her.

7) Plan to keep your dog in good physical health by following your vet's advice, especially regarding necessary inoculations.

8) Ask yourself: If I should suddenly get sick, have an accident, or even die, what will happen to my dog? Many dog lovers are now drawing up legal papers appointing someone to provide for their animals in case of illness (which could be extended) or death. That person must have the legal authority to see that your dog is taken care of in the manner that you wish. Failure to do something about this eventuality could result in your dog suffering from neglect, being sent to a pound or shelter, or being euthanized needlessly. Consult with your lawyer about these possibilities.

9) Check with your veterinarian about the AKC's Companion Animal Recovery (CAR) program which utilizes a state-of-the-art, grain of rice-sized implantable microchip ID system, and provides dogs and their owners with an international twenty-four hour, seven days a week identification and recovery service. Alternatively, consider tattooing your dog for positive identification in the event your pet is lost or stolen.

10) DO NOT BREED YOUR PET without consulting a serious breeder for assistance in evaluating your pet according to the breed standard, and getting a clear understanding of what is involved in standing behind the puppies you hope to place into responsible, qualified homes.