Owning a dog can be an extremely happy and life-changing decision, but it’s important to learn how to be a conscientious owner. Making sure your neighbors are happy is a big part of it, as even if they are dog-owners themselves, they may not appreciate having your pet running into their yard or barking when they’re outside. Teaching your dog manners will help you both stay on the good side of your neighbors and will give you peace of mind when you have guests or are out in public with your pet.
Another side of being conscientious is making sure your dog stays safe, both for his own sake and for the safety of other animals and people in his radius. Ensuring that your dog is up-to-date on his shots and making sure he is tick, flea, and disease-free is as much a part of being a responsible dog owner as making sure he’s trained.
Keep reading for more tips on how to be the best dog owner you can be.
Install a fence
Installing a fence is the best way to help your dog stay happy and healthy while making sure he’s also safe and not a nuisance to your neighbors. Even the most well-behaved dogs get excited and roam or bark at times, and may be unwelcome for a family who has young children or works long hours. A fence will ensure that everyone stays happy and safe and that your dog can run around and get in some exercise without being in danger of slipping out of the yard. In Glendale, the average price to install a wood fence is between $773 and $2,000, according to HomeAdvisor.
Make sure he has the proper I.D.
Part of keeping your dog safe is ensuring that he has the proper identification tags on at all times, and that they are up-to-date with your name, number, and address on them. If he’s had recent shots, ask your vet about special tags that will let a stranger or animal control employee know he’s free of rabies and other diseases.
Train him well
Even if your dog is well-behaved and gives you no problems, that doesn’t mean he won’t engage in behavior that upsets the people around you. Training him not to whine when you leave, not to bark at the neighbors, not to jump up on visitors, and not to dig beneath the fence in your backyard will help everyone stay happy and will keep your dog safe. Go over basic commands first just to give him a refresher and to make sure he knows who is in charge. If you’d like to hire a professional trainer, that will run you between $75 and $250 in Glendale.
Keep him healthy
Keeping your dog healthy is a huge part of being a responsible pet-owner, not only for his benefit, but for the benefit of everyone who spends time with him. Stay current on his vet visits and make sure his exercise habits and diet are in line with his needs. In warmer months, make sure he gets preventative medication for fleas and ticks.
Spend time with him
Spending time with your pup will keep him happy. When dogs don’t get the love and attention they need, they can act out or become destructive, so make sure you spend some time with him everyday, even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time.
Learning how to be a conscientious dog owner will help both you and your pet live your best lives, and it will keep you in the good graces of your neighbors and members of your community as well. It can also help you keep your pup healthy and safe so he’ll live a happy, long life.
Featured photo via Pixabay by Nata-Ap
Writted by: Cindy Aldridge of OurDogFriends.org