RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP

One of your responsibilities as a dog owner is to keep your dog happy and healthy and make sure that he is well-behaved in your local community. Responsible dog ownership is a matter of common sense and common courtesy. The only one that your dog can depend on is you, so provide the best care for your dog.

THE LAWS

The laws regarding dog ownership vary from one country to another. It is common to be required to keep their dog leash in public places and certain breeds may also be required to wear muzzle. Get to know the laws where you live in and obey them. While dogs may be allowed to exercise off in certain areas, never let your dog loose without supervision.

Most town and cities in the US require dogs to be licensed or registered. The dogs will also be vaccinated for rabies. In addition, your dog should always an identification tag on his collar. In Britain, registration and rabies vaccinations are no required, although dogs must wear a collar and tag in the public at all times. For a permanent identification, you can get a veterinarian to inject a computer microchip under your dog's skin or have him tattooed. Both procedures are relatively painless.

When walking your dog in the public, make sure that you always clean up after him. In many US cities and throughout Britain, it is now an offense for not to do so. If possible, get your dog to defecate on your own property before the walk.

BE A GOOD CANINE CITIZEN

You must train your dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs from early age. All dogs should be taught to obey the basic commands and to walk on a leash without pulling. Allow your dog off leash only when the regulations permit.

Try to avoid tying your dog in the yard away from people for long periods. Such isolation can lead to barking and aggression problems. If your dog is noisy and likely to disturb your neighbors, don't let him out the yard. If your dog does bark a lot when alone, consult a veterinarian or animal behavior.

HEALTH & GROOMING

You are responsible for your dog, so you should fulfill his basic needs and make sure that he is adequately fed, housed, exercised and kept in general good health.

Your dog should be fed with balanced premium diet and provide plenty of water at all times. Try to exercise or play with your dog for at least 20 minutes a day in order to prevent your dog from feeling lonely or bored. This, in turn will help to avoid many behavioral problems.

It is your responsibility to provide regular veterinarian care for your dog. Annual vaccinations and check-ups are essential for good health and also to prevent the transmission of disease to people and other dogs. You should always keep your dog clean and groomed. This will not only keep your dog looking good but will also control skin parasites, which can lead to health problems that can even be passed on to people.