How to be a Responsible Dog Owner

Q. I have just agreed to have a new dog in my family, but have never owned a dog before. I know each dog will be different, but hoped that you could give me a basic few lessons

Once you have decided to get a dog, you have a responsibility to both that dog and the public.

An important part of being in control of your dog involves good training of your puppy while it is still young. It's never too late to train but an older dog can be more ‘set in its ways’. The Kennel Club can supply a list of clubs or look in your local newspaper or ask at your vet or library.

The basic first lessons are:
• walk beside you on and off the lead "heal"
• stay when told "sit" or "sit and stay"
• come when called "come"
• toilet training "clean" or "busy"

Dogs learn by linking actions and results so if you praise your dog immediately after he does something well, he'll learn to repeat it to get the same result

Toilet Training
Dog owners should not allow their pets to foul indiscriminately in public areas. Toilet training at puppy stage is therefore vital. If, however, your dog should foul in a public place, be prepared to use a "poop-scoop" to clean up the mess. Not picking up after your dog can be a chargeable offence as well as the public health issue – ensure your dog is regularly wormed.

To start with toilet training, remember that a puppy needs to go to the toilet very frequently. Put your puppy outside in a suitable spot when he first wakes, after eating and every couple of hours inbetween. When he starts to go to the toilet, use a one word association with the action such as "clean" or "busy" just as he is about to go to the toilet. Always use the same tone of voice and praise him when he has finished.
 
Ideally your dog should be trained to go "at home" but when out in public places, remember to take a "poop-scoop" and clean up after your dog. Many local authorities make these available and provide disposal bins in special dog walking areas.

Keep Your Dog Healthy
Every dog should be protected against potentially fatal diseases. First vaccinations are given at 8-10 weeks with a second 2-4 weeks later. Puppies should not be allowed on the street or mix with other animals until your vet advises. Regular booster vaccinations are necessary at least once a year.

Roundworms and tapeworms (intestinal parasites) can affect dogs at any age, so they should be treated regularly for worms. Worming is easy, effective and costs little. Always use a veterinary recommended wormer such as Drontal or Panacur.

Adult dogs should be wormed at least every 6 months. Pregnant bitches and bitches with young puppies should be wormed more frequently. It is essential the puppies are wormed when they are about 2 weeks old and then treated at regular intervals until they are at least 6 months old. Always seek veterinary advice before worming your puppy.

Regular flea treatment with a product such as Frontline should be carried out.

All Dogs Must Wear a Collar and Tag
The tag must bear the name and address of the dog's owner and be clearly displayed.

Local Dog Control Measures
Local authorities are empowered to make local rules known as bye-laws. Dog control bye-laws can require dogs to be held on leads in certain areas and ban dogs altogether from other areas. In England and Wales bye-laws can also require you to clean up after you dog.

Countryside Code
The main countryside rule is - Dogs Must Never Worry Livestock. Always you’re your dog on a lead if they are around lifestock.

Dangerous Dogs
Dogs bred for fighting, such as pit bull terriers, must be licenced and kept on a lead by someone who is sixteen or over and must be muzzled in public. No-one may keep these breeds without registering them with the police. All dogs, whatever their breed, must be ‘under control’ in public places.

By Company Of Animals (Professional Advisor)

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