What is a responsible dog owner?

A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER...

1. Trains their dog to an acceptable level of sociable behaviour.
2. ALWAYS picks up after their dog, regardless of the by-laws or better still teaches them to go in the garden before a walk but still carries a plastic bag or suitable poop-scoop in case of accidents.
3. NEVER walks their dog off lead near a road (however minor) or near livestock.
4. Vaccinates and worms their dog regularly and keeps him well groomed and clear of fleas.
5. Does not allow their dog to be a nuisance by barking constantly and . annoying neighbours.
6. NEVER allows their dog out of their own property unaccompanied.

FOR ANYONE THINKING OF BREEDING FROM THEIR DOG OR BITCH.

REASONS FOR BREEDING..

1. To further and better the breed. The ONLY reason for breeding and should then only be carried out by someone with an in-depth knowledge of the breed and genetics.
2. To make money. The only people who make money out of dog breeding are some professional breeders who can realise good prices for good stock and who are also sponsored by pet food manufacturers and puppy farmers who subject their brood bitches to a life of misery and who usually produce puppies of unsound health and temperament. If your bitch has ten puppies and no complications requiring veterinary treatment throughout her pregnancy and labour AND you can sell them all, then you may just cover your costs. But what if she only has one or two puppies? What if she needs a caesarean?
3. To allow the bitch to experience motherhood before she is spayed. Your bitch will not be unfulfilled if she does not have any puppies. In fact once the puppies have left she will never think of them again.
4. For the children to witness the miracle of birth. To give the children a biology lesson is not a reason to add to the population of unwanted dogs. What if it happens at 2 am on a school day? What if a puppy is born dead or deformed and the bitch eats it? What if the children are disgusted by the sight of all that blood?
5. Because friends/family/neighbours think she’s cute and would like one just like her. There is no guarantee that the puppies will be ‘just like her’. If in two years time it becomes apparent that their not as cute as mum, what will your friends/family/neighbours do? Give the dog away and come back to you for another try?