Dogs can bring great joy to a person’s life, but they’re also a big responsibility. Whether you have a dog or you’re just thinking about adding one to your family, this month is for you. September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, and learning how to be the best pet guardian you can be will help you give your dog the best possible start.

Committing: Getting Off on the Right Foot

Responsible pet ownership begins with a commitment. You might feel like the commitment part is easy: You love your dog as a cherished family member. However, commitment requires more than love. You need to commit to being a responsible pet owner, too, which includes:

• Choosing a pet that fits your needs, family, home, and lifestyle
• Keeping only pets for which you can provide adequately
• Providing ample and appropriate physical and mental activities
• Socializing your dog with people of all ages and ability levels as well as other animals
• Investing time and money to ensure your dog is properly cared for, including budgeting for emergencies
• Identifying your dog through tags, microchips, registration, and other tools
• Spaying or neutering your pet to avoid contributing to pet overpopulation and reduce the risk of reproductive cancers

Commitment to your pet also means committing to be a responsible pet owner in your community. This includes following all licensing and leashing requirements and cleaning up after your pet.

Preparing: Planning for Your Pup’s Future

Whether you’ve gotten a new puppy or adopted an older dog, some planning and preparation are needed. Dogs don’t need a lot in the way of material goods, but they do need some things, including:

• Collars and leashes
• Booties to protect sensitive paws from hot pavement and road salts
• Food and training treats
• Toys
• Comfort items, such as beds or blankets

Dogs also need a veterinarian. Once dogs reach adulthood, they should have a vet checkup at least once a year. As they age, they might need more frequent visits. When looking for a vet, look for one that has convenient business hours, after-hours or emergency care, an easy-to-reach location, and prices you can afford. For the best health, your dog should be on flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and appropriate vaccinations. Your dog might also need periodic grooming to maintain healthy skin and coat.

Finally, your dog needs a routine. Much like small children, dogs thrive on routines and predictability. Set times for walks, exercise, meals, training, grooming, and sleep to help promote security in your dog.

Settling In: Your Dog’s Home

Whether you have a new pup or a long-time, well-loved furry family member, your home should be dog-proofed. Dogs are often inquisitive creatures, and many enjoy eating and chewing. They don’t necessarily discriminate between peanut-butter Kongs and electrical cords, nor do they place any particular importance on Great Aunt Sarama’s hand-stitched quilt.

Dog-proofing keeps your pup safe and minimizes emergency vet bills. Keep all potentially dangerous items out of their reach. Use cabinet locks as needed. You might also need to place covers on door handles, depending on your dog’s breed, to protect them from unexpected adventures outdoors. Keep poisonous plants out of your home, and block doorways with gates. Check the fence periodically to ensure it is in good shape without any holes along the bottom or loose boards. If you don’t have a fence or dog run, be sure to use a leash for outings.

Dogs also need rules, so make your expectations clear and ensure your pup has the tools needed to meet those expectations. That means training your dog and being consistent. For example, train your dog to sit upon greeting new people if you want to avoid him jumping up on them. Remember that in the eyes of your dog, what you permit, you promote, so be firm and consistent with your rules, and your dog will behave better for it.

At Beach for Dogs, we offer dog daycare, training, grooming, and dog boarding! Contact us today to schedule a free temperament evaluation or stop by to check out our facility!