5 STEPS TO RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP

1)  SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG. 

An estimated 13 to 15 million dogs are euthanized in the United States annually.  That is equivalent to 3 times the entire human population of the state of Missouri. 

2)  MAKE YOUR DOG AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR LIFE. 

Dogs are, by nature, pack animals.  Subjecting your dog to total outdoor living condemns your dog to a life of loneliness and boredom.  Lack of human companionship and mental stimulation often result in undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking, digging, and destruction of property. Socialize you dog so that he/she is comfortable around other dogs and strangers. Make sure that your dog knows basic commands, sit, down, stay, come.  

3)  VISIT YOUR VET REGULARLY. 

Your dog should be immunized annually for Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Coronavirus and Bordatella.  In the Midwest, your dog should be kept on Heartworm preventative year-round.  The annual cost for the care and feeding of a large breed dog can average $500 to $600.  Small illnesses can quickly turn into major health problems if left unchecked. 

4)  MICROCHIP, TATTOO, OR PROPERLY COLLAR AND TAG YOUR DOG. 

Microchipping and tattooing are the most reliable methods of identifying your dog.  Chips should be checked regularly to insure that they have not migrated.  Tattoos should be placed on the inside rear leg, not in an ear.  Collars should be leather or nylon buckle type collars.  Never leave your dog unattended while wearing a "choke style" training collar.  Tags should consist of current Rabies tag and a tag with your name, address, and phone number.  For advice about finding a lost pet, please click here.                         

5)  PROVIDE YOUR DOG WITH ADEQUATE FOOD, WATER AND SHELTER. 

The best place for shelter is inside your home.  Never leave your pet unattended outdoors or in a vehicle for long periods of time.  Dogs do not perspire and are extremely susceptible to heat exhaustion.  In 90 degree weather 5 to 10 minutes in a closed or partially ventilated vehicle can result in death.  In extreme cold, dogs can suffer frostbite to ears, tails, paws, and underbelly.  If you are experiencing discomfort from extreme heat or cold, so is your dog. 

THINK BEFORE YOU COMMIT

Never purchase or adopt a dog on impulse.  A healthy well-cared for dog can live 13 to 15 years.  Please take the time to consider every aspect of responsible pet ownership.  Purchasing or rescuing a dog should be given the same consideration as raising a child--their needs are much the same.  If you do not have at a minimum 3-5 hours per day to interact with an adult dog, or 5-7 hours per day for a puppy, you may wish to consider a different type of pet. 

Please do not buy a dog as a gift.  The recipient may be much happier with an item that can easily be returned. Buying your child a pet to "teach them responsibility" is inadvisable. As children grow their interests change their horizons broaden, and their pet may be "left in the lurch".

Do your homework.  If you are thinking about purchasing a purebred dog, research the breed you are considering.  Due to indiscriminate breeding, some very popular breeds are showing an ever-increasing propensity for genetic illnesses.  Juvenile cataracts, idiopathic epilepsy, SAS (subaortic stenosis), allergies, and hip dysplasia are all becoming more common in poorly bred large dogs. 

It is ill-advised to purchase a dog from a pet store or backyard breeder.  Know which health clearances your puppy's parents should have, and do not be shy about asking for proof.  In Goldens, a well-bred puppy's dam and sire should have OFA, or PENN (hips), CERF (eyes) and SAS (heart) clearances.  Before purchasing a puppy, you may wish to consider adopting an older dog from a reputable Rescue group or a local shelter.  There are many wonderful older dogs in need of loving homes. 

No matter which you choose--puppy or adult--treat your dog with affection and respect.  Enroll in an obedience class.  A well-mannered dog is a happy dog and a joy to own.  Make a commitment for the life of your dog.  Pets should not be considered "disposable." 

We at Golden Recovery-Retrieving Retrievers Rescue Midwest, wish you many happy, loving years with your canine companion. 

To contact us with any questions you may have, please email Pat ,or one of the volunteers listed here.  For more information about our adoption procedures, please click here .  

Copyright Pat Campbell 1999