February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month
It’s Responsible Pet Ownership Month, and there are lots of “good ownership” lists out there that include things like spay/neuter, microchip, and training. While it’s true that responsible owners do those things, there is so much more that I wish those lists included.
Rescue volunteers see things every day that we wish were common considerations, but your average pet owner may never have had a reason to think of.
This is our list:
Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. Dogs come with various levels of energy, socialization, and drive. Some people want to compete in agility trials. Others want to cuddle in front of the TV. Make sure the dog you choose will enjoy doing those activities with you.
Never walk your dog on a retractable leash. It is impossible to control your dog when he’s 16 feet away from you. Standard six foot leashes are the safest option.
Stand up for your dog. Don’t allow anyone to force your dog to endure things that upset them. Rough handling when he doesn’t cooperate at the vet, a trainer using fear tactics, people or other dogs invading your dog’s space are not okay, and it’s your job to tell them so. You might have to say something more than once, but stand your ground. No one has the right to invade the boundaries of you and your dog.
Just say no to prong/choke/shock collars. There is no reason to use these. Ever. If the person teaching you how to train your dog tells you to use these, and then justifies using them by saying they don’t hurt, fire them immediately. Find a force/fear/pain free trainer. If you don’t know where to find one, you can start with The Pet Professional Guild. (If you’re currently using one of these, we will trade you your collar for a Freedom Harness. Email solutions@vindicatedrescue.org.)
Plan ahead for emergencies. Animals get sick or injured, and it’s almost always at the most inopportune time. Invest in pet insurance, obtain care credit, or put money aside now. Not having to scramble to find a way to pay for medical care in a life and death situation saves precious time, and gives you peace of mind.
And last, but not least:
If your dog starts to display negative behaviors, be sure to seek help from the right kind of professional. As a nonprofit organization, we don’t have unlimited funds to consult with multiple professionals when it comes to our adoptables. We start with an evaluation with a veterinary behaviorist to find out why they act the way they do, and follow a treatment/management plan that will support their needs so they can be the best family pet they can be. This has been so successful for us that we encourage everyone who comes to us for help to go this route.
We know you love your pets and we hope our list keeps you from ever being unsure of how to keep your pet safe. Remember, you are not at the mercy of vets, trainers, or anyone else who are “old school” and use aversive methods.
P.S. If your dog’s teeth haven’t been cleaned in a while, schedule a dental because February is also National Dental Health Month for people and pets.