On a recent outing to a nearby park that had recently undergone extensive renovations, we pondered whether to bring our dogs along. This picturesque location nestled by the river offered a splendid setting with wooded trails, meandering boardwalks through marshy areas, and a variety of amenities including picnic spots, benches, grills, and even a little free library. There were restrooms, swing sets, accessible play structures, a zip line, slides—you name it.
As we contemplated bringing our dog Cooper along, we ultimately decided against it, deeming it too risky.
Why, you might wonder?
Sadly, our decision was influenced by the regrettable reality of encountering irresponsible dog owners far too often at parks, trails, and pavilions across town. As we strolled down one of the paths, our fears were confirmed when we spotted a carelessly off-leash doodle dog causing chaos in an area clearly designated for leashed pets.
“Glad we left Coop behind,” we remarked.
Yet, how unfair is it that irresponsible dog owners frequently spoil the experience for responsible ones, leaving our beloved pets to bear the brunt of the consequences?
What Does Responsible Dog Ownership Entail?
Before delving into the key aspects of responsible dog ownership, it’s worth noting the contentious nature of the term “dog ownership.”
I understand the debate. Some prefer to identify as a dog mom or dad, a dog guardian, a pet parent, a dog’s partner, or various other designations that aim to diminish the notion of dogs as property. However, for the sake of this discussion, we’ll use the term “dog owner” because, from a legal standpoint, that’s precisely what we are.
According to Law Insider, a “Dog Owner” is defined as “any person 18 years of age or older who owns, controls, keeps, harbors, has custody of a dog or any person who allows a dog to remain on or about his/her premises; or the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18 years, who owns, keeps, controls, harbors, has custody of a dog or any person who allows a dog to remain on or about his/her premises.”
Since all these components contribute to whether someone is responsible or not, we’ll stick with “dog owner” for this discussion. Let’s face it: Being an irresponsible dog owner can lead to serious legal ramifications.
So, what defines responsible dog ownership?
1. Meeting Your Pet’s Basic Needs
You might have expected me to jump right into reminders about picking up after your dog and keeping them on a leash, but that’s not where we should start. We must begin with addressing your pet’s fundamental needs.
These are the basics that many of us take for granted to the point that we hardly think about them anymore. It involves providing your dog with food, water, and shelter. While debates exist about the ideal dog food, the foundation here is ensuring that your dog is adequately fed, hydrated, and protected from the elements.
Some pet owners struggle even to meet these basic requirements, and while this certainly characterizes someone as an irresponsible pet owner, it often stems from mental health and related challenges—a topic deserving its own discussion. Suffice it to say, you are, at the most basic level, a responsible dog owner if your dog is well-fed, hydrated, and sheltered.
However, taking it a step further, caring for your pet’s physical well-being also encompasses their health. While debates persist about vaccines, preventatives, and other aspects of pet health, a responsible dog owner schedules regular vet checkups. For most healthy pets, an annual visit suffices. As your dog ages or if they contend with health issues, more frequent visits might be necessary. The crucial factor is ensuring you make those vet appointments.
2. Caring for Your Pet’s Mental Health and Well-Being
A responsible dog owner enhances their dog’s quality of life by providing both security and stimulation.
Safety first: This extends beyond physical safety, though that’s undoubtedly important. It harks back to the Five Freedoms, the fundamental principles of animal care and welfare (read the full post here):
Freedom from hunger and thirst
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
Freedom to express normal behavior
Freedom from fear and distress
A responsible dog owner addresses the first three freedoms, as previously discussed, as a baseline. However, to responsibly care for your pet, you must also consider freedoms four and five. As we’ve come to realize, mental health is an integral component of overall well-being.
Fear and Distress: A responsible dog owner refrains from scaring, hurting, intimidating, threatening, or otherwise distressing their dog. For dogs naturally inclined to fearfulness, a responsible person works to mitigate or manage those fears in a gentle, positive manner.
Normal Behavior: Your dog requires exercise, such as walks or runs, and opportunities to exhibit typical behaviors like sniffing or barking. While loose leash walking is crucial for safety, providing time for sniffing is essential for your dog’s mental health. Of course, barking can be vexing or disruptive, but it’s a standard canine behavior. Whenever possible, allow your dog to express themselves through barking. Train a quiet cue as necessary, but strive to let your dog be a dog on occasion. Nothing makes a dog prouder than feeling they’ve safeguarded their family by barking away the UPS driver. If there’s no sleeping baby or a conference call in progress, let them have their moment!
Taking it a step further, contemplate how to enrich your dog’s life with brain games, food puzzles, and novel experiences. These elements all contribute to a happier, healthier life for your dog—and, as an added bonus, they’ll enrich your own life too.
3. Ensuring the Safety of Others Around Your Pet
A responsible dog owner does this even when it necessitates making sacrifices or encountering moments of unhappiness. What does this entail?
If your dog isn’t at ease in a bustling cafe (or at a sidewalk sale, a hardware store, a festival, etc.), it’s best to leave them at home. Your dog’s discomfort shouldn’t outweigh your guilt about leaving them behind. They’ll be happier and safer in their familiar environment.
If your dog doesn’t relish the presence of guests, locate a secure area to place them while visitors are over. Alternatively, consider meeting your friends at a restaurant or their homes to socialize.
If your dog accompanies you to an on-leash park or trail, keep them on a leash, even if you believe they possess the most reliable recall imaginable.
If your dog is especially friendly, outgoing, and amiable, but you expect small children to be present, think your plan through carefully. Don’t assume your dog will behave perfectly around kids, even if they do so elsewhere. While you might argue, as I do, that parents should instruct their children on proper behavior around dogs, you cannot always rely on that. Consequently, you must make wise choices for your dog in the presence of children, even if it means leaving them at home or abstaining from an event altogether.
And, this goes without saying, but sadly, we continually find uncollected waste at parks, playgrounds, and trails: Pick up after your pet!
4. Responsible Dog Ownership Doesn’t Require Extravagance
Did you know that the pet industry is projected to generate $143.6 billion in sales in the United States, as per the APPA?
That’s an abundance of dog-related products.
Amidst the myriad fancy bowls, toys, treats, bandanas, and costumes, you might feel compelled to shower your pup with lavish gifts to qualify as a good dog owner. However, this is simply not the case.
Indeed, there are numerous products that can aid you in providing exemplary care for your dog. Food puzzles, for example, can elevate meal times significantly. Nevertheless, you can achieve the same enrichment for your dog with cost-effective methods, such as rolling up kibble in towels or concealing it around your home.
Your dog can sip water from a basic stainless steel bowl or a filtered fountain, and they’ll remain hydrated either way.
Fancy leashes with multiple adjustable functions are available, but a simple nylon leash performs the job just as effectively.
You can offer your dog high-quality food, cater to their physical requirements, schedule regular vet visits, and enhance their life without splurging on an array of products. Frankly, it’s more prudent to economize on bowls and costumes to reserve that money for potential vet bills!
In Summary: 5 Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership
A responsible dog owner assumes accountability for their dog’s well-being, as well as the safety of those around them.
Provide your dog with the highest quality food within your family’s budget. Ensure their water bowl remains fresh and clean, and wash their dishes regularly.
Schedule annual checkups for your dog with the veterinarian, and collaborate with the vet on preventative health measures, vaccinations, medications, and any other necessities to keep your dog content and healthy. This encompasses oral health and nail care.
Safeguard your dog from potential dangers, and protect others from your dog. Abide by the rules and maintain your dog on a leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area. Avoid taking your dog to places where they might feel uncomfortable. If necessary, employ crates or relocate your dog to a different space if you cannot guarantee their safety and comfort. And always clean up after your dog.
Avoid using force or fear to compel your dog to comply with your wishes.
Remember that you don’t need to spend extravagantly to provide exceptional care for your dog. Maintain their healthy weight, ensure they receive enough physical exercise and mental stimulation, and prioritize their overall well-being.
