PREREQUISITES TO BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER

POSTED COPY: RSPCA, Australia

Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it's a responsibility. Dogs depend on us not only for food & shelter also caring & maintaining for a long term commitment that requires serious thought. No different from checking your lifestyle before having a baby.
If you already have a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as an owner.

I think there has to be a strengthened laws, responsibility and capability tests law instigated for the people wanting to raise a healthy and happy dog before they obtain/buy/given/volunteer a dog or any pet as a matter of fact to ensure their suitability and qualifications for ownership.

Once they pass all assessment areas of the check point successfully, they will be issued the personal evaluations clearance certificate to show it to any person, private or retail shops responsible for dispatching the pets, to get pets of their choice. This may sound thorny and bureaucratic but it is, absolutely, the right thing to do considering the constant abuses and mistreatments we see every day and the ongoing problems the humane animal respite, RSPCA, put up with constantly. Think about it!
 
We can’t just say I like a cute dog and need to get one just like we go and buy a nice looking donut only to feel sick after. It is absolutely essential to think seriously before we consider the long term emotional & financial commitment, above all, if the dog is rightly suited with our lifestyle. All aspects of our family's life – children, hobbies, activities, personalities, schedules - should be evaluated before we make the wrong choice. Making sure the dog gets along with children and vice versa and if our place is accommodating for our new partner for life who needs our attention just like our children or every Tom, Dick, and Harry.

If you don't own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life. –Roger Caras
Consider the poos and pees around the house and undeservedly locking them up all day like soldiers of POWs until you come home. If this is the case, can you afford to get pet minder? Please, note that these comments are a genuine rapport for your information (FYI) only and should not be construed as an advertisement to get a pet minder. 
  
How do I know all these? I am exposed to multitude of dogs every week and living with one happy breed of PUGZU, Mulu (whole/ complete, see pic), born May 31, 2011, that shouts for constant attention. So, this has been painstakingly long time involvement, doggedness and non-astronomical research effort as you can imagine.

                         Mulu Holidaying in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, November 2011

Little Mulu, August 2011, checking out toy world  

So, giving our dog affection is important for us as it is easy for them to give back, but must be done at the correct times.  Although dogs do have emotions that are different than those of ours, they do require constant affection and attention. They hold no grudges, ill feelings, discriminate, whine, argue, forgive instantly, among others and love you for what is.

Nevertheless, they do not premeditate or plan ahead, and do not dwell in the past or future. They live for whatever is happening at the moment. How good is that, if we follow that precept to live by?

Dogs do not live in the past or the future, as humans do. They live for the moment. That’s how we ought to live. “Living in the present”? Yes, dogs live in the moment; it is much easier to rehabilitate dogs than humans. 

Dogs are walkers & walking is an important ritual in keeping our dog mentally stable. Just like humans they need to get out and sniff fresh air and see others not only two but four-legged creatures as well. Simply having a large backyard is not going to satisfy our dog. To our dogs, our backyard is like a large cage in which they are trapped.

For a dog to be mentally stable, as an owner, our responsibility fares to take our dog for daily walks to release not only physical energy, but also for their mental equilibrium. A lack of exercise and the mental energy that can only be released by a proper walk can cause many behavioural problems in a dog. They also need medical attention from time to time regardless of their condition to keep them in tiptop just like ourselves.

The proper way to walk a dog is with the dog walking either beside us or behind us, never in front of us. This may seem petty in our mind, however it means a lot in a dog’s mind. Dogs know that the leader goes first.

If we begin treating our dog in a very self-assured manner, giving love to it at the right times, and correcting it at the right moments, we can change our dog into a happy and mentally stable dog. The more stable our dog is the calmer and submissive s/he will become and the more we can give affectionate love and the more we get it back instantly even if we can’t please them all the time. It's a "win-win" situation.

Dogs love everyone unconditionally and they don’t see anyone as strangers. No wonder why they are very much sought after pets.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” ―Josh Billings

So, are you qualified to own one? Check yourself!