When you welcome a new member into your family it’s one thing, but once you get comfortable with the latest addition to the family, it could lead to you neglecting your responsibilities as a dog owner.
Being a responsible adult dog owner:
- It’s still a lifelong commitment.
- Give your dog his/her own space to be a dog.
- Visit the vet on a regular basis and make sure his/her vaccinations are kept up to date.
- Spend time with your dog.
- If you start a family, introduce your dog to the new member of the family (dog and children do work well together if managed correctly.)
- Include your dog in your budget.
- They say an old dog can’t learn new tricks, but that doesn’t mean it has to forget what it’s been taught. Always keep the level of discipline with your dog.
- Pick up after your dog.
- Stick to the routine you and your dog have developed over time.
- Groom your dog – like most people, dogs feel good when they look good.
- Give your dog the right diet for its age, breed and size.
- Bond with your dog.
- Keep your dog active with games and regular walks.
- Get your dog sterilized if you don’t intend to breed with him or her.
- Let your dog socialise with other dogs – take him or her for walks on the leash in a dog-friendly park.
- Take your dog to training – it’s great for the dogs and the owners.
- Microchip your dog in case he/she gets lost.
- Never leave your pet at home alone for long periods of time.