You love your dog and there’s no denying that your dog loves you back. The two of you adore each other; but would you consider yourself a responsible pet parent? September may be associated with football, fun and back-to-school, but the month has also been dedicated to understanding what it means to be a responsible dog owner. So it’s time to ask yourself, “Have I been fulfilling my duty to my dog as a pet parent?”

To be a responsible dog owner, you should go beyond just ensuring that your dog is healthy and sees the veterinarian yearly. Make them into an upstanding canine citizen by doing your doggy duty of providing the best care, experiences and relationship you can give to your best canine friend. Check out eight ways to help make you the best responsible dog owner your canine companion has ever had:

1. Microchip your dog and get him a collar that fits; make sure there is a tag on the collar with your name and phone number.

2. Exercise your dog daily! On average, dogs need about 30-45 minutes of exercise each day; so take that walk, get that playtime in or run around like a crazy person with your dog to help them stay healthy. → Need help in this department? Contact Going Mutts Pet Services to set up daily dog walks or daily playtime to make sure your canine friend is getting their exercise even when you’re busy!

3. Groom your dog regularly. A bath and nail trim should be done routinely, but some breeds need monthly grooming. Know what your dog needs and make sure you stick to their grooming needs!

4. Keep your dog on a leash. Obey all rules and regulations when you’re at a park or on a trail because seeing an un-leashed dog running towards you and your own dog is usually a scary experience for all. 

5. Teach them basic commands - this could be a great tool to utilize in an emergency situation or to just keep your dog calm and in control.

6. If you have dogs that spend extended periods of time outside, you need to make sure they have access to food, water and shelter from extreme conditions. Required habitats outside need to protect their health, safety and welfare.

7. Make them part of the family. Dogs, especially, need companionship because they are traditionally pack creatures that need the warmth and love that comes from living with someone. So mesh them into your schedules, make them part of your routines and know that they will always be an honorary member of the family.

8. Socialize, socialize, socialize! Get your dog out into the world and let them experience other dogs and other people. This will help to boost their confidence and meet some new friends that can help get the zoomies out.  

Giving your dog unconditional love and support should be your number one priority once you become a pet parent, but keeping these other points in mind can help you make the most of your time with your dog. It’s a privilege to own a dog, but it’s also a big responsibility. They are our companions and constantly need love, care and devotion; so let’s make sure we give back more than what they give to us.

We at Going Mutts Pet Services know how busy life can get as a pet parents, which is why we want to help you reach your true potential of being a responsible pet parent by walking your dog while you’re away from the house. Having a daily dog walker will give you the peace of mind knowing your favorite furry friend is being taken care of AND getting their daily dose of exercise while you’re at the office. Email us (info@goingmuttspetservices.com) or fill out our contact form to see how we can help you with your pet care needs.

Sources:

https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/learn-about-responsible-dog-ownership-september