Are you a responsible dog owner?

Owning a dog is rewarding but it also comes with its responsibilities to both your dog and to society as a whole.

Take a look at the list below and see if you are a responsible dog owner!

A Responsible dog owner will:

• Realise that owning a dog is a lifelong commitment and that many dogs live over 16 years
• Understand what is involved in owning a dog before purchasing their dog
• Socialise their new puppy with other dogs, people and situations whist it is very young ensuring that their dog has good social skills
• Train their dog, so that they will come back when called, not jump up at people and that they will walk with their owner - not pulling their owner along!
• Ensure their dog has a suitable diet for its size, age and activity levels
• Ensure their dog has a fresh clean supply of water
• Ensure their dog has sufficient exercise
• Ensure the dog is registered with a vet and sees the vet at least once a year
• Take their dog to the vet as soon as possible if the dog is unwell
• When walking their dog along a public highway do so with their dog on a fixed (not flexi) lead so that they have complete control of their dog
• If their dog fouls in any public place ensure that they pick up after their dog and dispose of the poo in a safe way (use dog bins where possible)
• Realise that no matter how cute their dog is, some people don't like dogs, so they won't allow their dog to harass people
• Ensure that their dog has a collar with a legal ID tag fixed to it. In the UK a dog must wear a tag with the owners name and address on it - see here for more information
• When out in the countryside obey the country code and ensure that their dog is on the lead near any livestock

For more information see the CEDTS Good Citizen Dog pages and the Kennel Club