How To Be A Responsible Pet Owner

How To Be A Responsible Pet Owner

DO YOU RECOGNIZE EITHER OF THESE FAMILIES?

Perhaps you remember the Jones Family. They lived in a fiiendly neighborhood with their four young children and four well-mannered dogs. The dogs were very well-liked in their neighborhood. They never left their fenced-in backyard without a leash firmly attached to their ID collars; they never left "calling cards" on their neighbors' lawns; they were always clean and brushed. Furthermore, their owners made the rounds of their backyard twice daily with their pooper-scooper. Because the dogs were so friendly and good natured (no doubt due to their obedience training and good upbringing), neighborhood children were often seen playing with the dogs in the Jones' backyard.

The Smith family lived next door to the Jones. They had two toddlers that loved to play with the Jones' dogs. In time, the Smiths became so impressed with their neighbor's dogs that they brought home an 8-week old puppy for their own children. The Smiths had problems housebreaking their puppy, but felt too embarrassed to ask for advice. After a few weeks their house began to smell "funny". They decided to limit the puppy's house time to very short periods and made him stay in the garage and backyard.

After a few more weeks, the backyard began to smell "funny" too, and they had a few more flies than usual for that time of year. At this point the Smiths began to let their 3-month old puppy run loose in the neighborhood during the day. The puppy would come home at mealtime, and after his dinner they would shut him up in the garage for the night. Sometimes they forgot to feed him and sometimes they forgot to put him in the garage at night. Why couldn't he be in the nice warm house to be loved and cuddled? Why did they forget to feed him so often? Why did they allow him to be so alone and unhappy? The poor puppy barked and cried all night. But when the toddlers came out to play each day, their puppy was there to greet them. He was also free to roam the neighborhood, to get into garbage cans, to play in the nearby muddy creek and to get incredibly dirty. Before long, the puppy was completely banned from playing in the house. The puppy didn't understand why no one loved him. He just wanted to be close to his family.

When he was only four months old, he was accused of biting a neighbor's little boy. All the neighbors made a big fuss. He didn't want to hurt anyone. He was just trying to stop the little boy from running away from him so they could play together. The neighbors now threw rocks at him if he went near their garbage cans or stopped to leave his "calling card" on their lawns. He began to distrust people. He also began chasing Mr. Smith's car every day as it came out of the garage, hoping that the man who used to care for him would stop and play with him. Of course, since he wouldn't tell Mr. Smith's car from any other car, he began to chase lots of cars. None of them ever stopped.

Mrs. Jones was very upset at the way Mrs. Smith was raising their puppy, but was hesitant to interfere. Mrs. Smith didn't understand why all the neighbors liked Mrs. Jones' four dogs and not her one puppy. Over coffee one afternoon, Mrs. Smith brought up the subject saying, "I think it's really unfair to your dogs to keep them penned up in your backyard. Dogs were meant to run free." To which Mrs. Jones replied, "My dogs have over half an acre of grass and trees in which to run and exercise. Besides they go on lots of walks with our children, on leashes, of course. And we take them to the park, the beach, obedience training classes, and camping. I think it's unfair to us and our other neighbors for you to let your puppy run loose. He leaves his "calling cards" on our lawns, and he cries all night, you know. In a few months he will be old enough to sire more unwanted puppies, and even now he could be hit or run over by a car. Your toddlers would be heartbroken to lose him." Mrs. Smith hastily finished her coffee and left.

The next week, Mrs. Smith's two toddlers were outside watching their puppy chase cars when he was hit by one and thrown twenty feet. He died within a few minutes. The toddlers saw the whole thing and ran home crying. In anguish, they asked their mother how this could have happened to their puppy. They said Mrs. Jones' dogs were never hit by a car. Mrs. Smith was unable to respond, and she could never bring herself to face Mrs. Jones again.

Mrs. Jones heard about the Smith's loss from the other neighborhood children. She told them, "There is something I want all of you to remember, so listen carefully. . . Owning a puppy or a dog is a big responsibility. It's expensive and takes a lot of time, effort and love. Well-behaved dogs are not born, they are the result of care, attention and training. In return for all these things, your dog will give you a lifetime of devotion, companionship, and loyalty."

Here are some handy DO's and DON'Ts. They are very important steps toward enjoying your pet and becoming a truly

Responsible Pet Owner

DO's

DO give your dog lots of time, attention and love. Make him a family member.
DO fence in your yard (or an area) to keep your dog home and safe.
DO use your leash whenever your dog is off your property.
DO pick up after your dog ifhe leaves a "calling card" on public or private property.
DO teach your dog good manners and attend local obedience training classes.
DO have your dog checked by your veterinarian regularly.
DO consider spaying/neutering.

DON'Ts

DON'T acquire a pet on the spur of the moment! Be sure you have the time and the money, and are willing to provide daily care.

DON'T let your dog bark at night or for any extended period of time.

DON'T let your dog leave his "calling card" on your neighbor's lawn.

DON'T forget to bmsh and bathe your dog regularly.

DON'T forget to provide ample food, water, and shelter for your dog.

DON'T be embanassed to ask for help with your dog or puppy.

DON'T FORGET

YOUR DOG IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY