The Importance of Being A Responsible Dog Owner

     To many people, pets are like members of the family. They are often given gifts at Christmas and on other observed holidays, taken on family vacations, and treated like those around them. They are capable of giving back as much love as they are given, and that is why it is important that dog owners be responsible both in how they treat their pets, and in how they allow them to behave.

While it is certainly true that a dog owner cannot necessarily keep a dog from behaving a certain way, there are steps that can be taken to insure the dog will behave in an acceptable manner. Likewise, it is just as important to be sure you are responsible for how your dog reacts to various surroundings.

If you own a dog that will reside outside, be sure it is properly contained. The best way to do this is to put up a fence. This keeps the dog within specified boundaries, while allowing him or her to still walk, run, or play. If you are going to have an outside pet, try to be sure you have adequate space for your dog to play, because, like humans, dogs need their exercise. It is just as important for their health as it is for peace of mind.

If you are unable to build a fence, when outside, your dog should be properly chained so as to insure his or her safety, as well as the safety of others. If chained, the dog should still have enough room to move around, and should not be restrained in a way that is painful or harmful to the animal. Failure to properly restrain a dog can result in his or her running away, unduly attacking another person, or being injured or killed by a car.

If your dog resides mostly indoors, it is important to make sure he or she is well-behaved. This is important even if your dog resides mostly outdoors, but you do want him or her to respond favorably to commands given by you, and to get along well with all who live in the household. Give your dog as much love and affection as you can, as this helps to promote a healthy relationship between you and your pet. Treat your dog well and he or she will most likely respond the same to you.