| Bean Town Dogs A Service Guide for New England Dogs |
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Copyright BeanTownDogs.net 2003 - 2005 All Rights Reserved Site Created by: Perkins & Company
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| How To Be A Responsible Dog Owner |
KEEPING YOUR PET HEALTHY
REGISTER YOUR DOG WITH YOUR LOCAL VET
Don't wait for an emergency. Details will be in the Yellow Pages
For additional information or advice on the following, consult your vet or
pharmacist.
VACCINATIONS AND WORMING
Every dog should be protected against potentially fatal diseases.
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 that
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.
GROOMING
It is important to keep your dog clean by grooming at least once a week and
bathing sporadically. Start at puppy stage so it becomes a pleasure not a chore.
FLEAS
If your dog gets fleas treat him with a reliable spray, dusting powder, or wash. Also
clean the areas your dog uses and sleeps in.
NEUTERING
Unless you are sure you want your bitch to have puppies and you can find good
homes for them, you should have her spayed. Your vet will also be able to give
you details on hormonal control of seasons. Ask your vet about whether your dog
should be neutered.
REGISTER YOUR DOG WITH YOUR LOCAL VET
Don't wait for an emergency. Details will be in the Yellow Pages
For additional information or advice on the following, consult your vet or
pharmacist.
VACCINATIONS AND WORMING
Every dog should be protected against potentially fatal diseases.
- First vaccinations are given at about eight weeks. Puppies should not be
allowed on the street or mix with other animals until your vet advises. - Always keep your dog's vaccination certificates. You may need them in the
future. - Regular booster vaccinations are necessary, at least once a year.
- Roundworm and tapeworm (intestinal parasites) can affect dogs at any age,
so they should be treated regularly for worms. Worms can cause sickness
and diarrhoea in young animals but adult dogs may show no signs. Worming
is easy, effective and costs little using a worming preparation obtained from
your pharmacist, vet or pet shop. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
carefully.
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 that
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.
GROOMING
It is important to keep your dog clean by grooming at least once a week and
bathing sporadically. Start at puppy stage so it becomes a pleasure not a chore.
FLEAS
If your dog gets fleas treat him with a reliable spray, dusting powder, or wash. Also
clean the areas your dog uses and sleeps in.
NEUTERING
Unless you are sure you want your bitch to have puppies and you can find good
homes for them, you should have her spayed. Your vet will also be able to give
you details on hormonal control of seasons. Ask your vet about whether your dog
should be neutered.
DOGS AND THE LAW
Dog owners and non-dog owners have the right to live
side-by-side. There are, however, several rules which should be
followed. Most are straightforward and many are concerned with
safeguarding the environment - for the benefit of everybody.
ALL DOGS MUST WEAR A COLLAR AND CLEARLY-DISPLAYED
TAG
The tag must bear the name and address of the dog's owner.
DANGEROUS DOGS
Dogs bred for fighting, such as pit bull terriers, must be kept
on a lead by someone who is sixteen or over and muzzled in
public. No-one may keep these breeds without registering them with
the police.
STRAY DOGS
You must keep your dog under control at all times. Make sure
you know the telephone number for your local authority so that you
can contact the dog warden if your dog goes missing. The local
authority has the responsibility to collect strays and will charge you
for kenneling a dog, so act quickly to ensure you aren't put to
unnecessary expense. If a dog is not claimed within seven days the
authority has the right to find him a new home, or destroy him.
Going on holiday. When you give your dog to the person who will
be caring for him while you are away, make sure you also give them
the number of your local authority in case he strays.
PENALTIES
Penalties for breaking dog rules can be tough and in extreme cases
may allow for the destruction of the dog. The courts and police have
a range of powers to deal with offenders. For example, owners who
allow their dogs to get dangerously out of control - can be
imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact your local dog control at your local council office.
Dog owners and non-dog owners have the right to live
side-by-side. There are, however, several rules which should be
followed. Most are straightforward and many are concerned with
safeguarding the environment - for the benefit of everybody.
ALL DOGS MUST WEAR A COLLAR AND CLEARLY-DISPLAYED
TAG
The tag must bear the name and address of the dog's owner.
DANGEROUS DOGS
Dogs bred for fighting, such as pit bull terriers, must be kept
on a lead by someone who is sixteen or over and muzzled in
public. No-one may keep these breeds without registering them with
the police.
STRAY DOGS
You must keep your dog under control at all times. Make sure
you know the telephone number for your local authority so that you
can contact the dog warden if your dog goes missing. The local
authority has the responsibility to collect strays and will charge you
for kenneling a dog, so act quickly to ensure you aren't put to
unnecessary expense. If a dog is not claimed within seven days the
authority has the right to find him a new home, or destroy him.
Going on holiday. When you give your dog to the person who will
be caring for him while you are away, make sure you also give them
the number of your local authority in case he strays.
PENALTIES
Penalties for breaking dog rules can be tough and in extreme cases
may allow for the destruction of the dog. The courts and police have
a range of powers to deal with offenders. For example, owners who
allow their dogs to get dangerously out of control - can be
imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact your local dog control at your local council office.
WHAT ALL DOG OWNERS SHOULD KNOW
Owning a dog brings great happiness but is also a lifelong
responsibility to the dog. You will need to care for him
properly and responsibly including staying within the law.
This leaflet gives some essential tips to current and
prospective dog owners.
DECIDING TO GET A DOG
Before getting a dog, consider the following:
LIFESTYLE
Do you have the time, suitable accommodation and willingness to
care properly for a dog?
ENVIRONMENT
Are there suitable facilities near you to exercise a dog?
BUDGET
Dogs need a nutritionally balanced diet and will have to visit the vet
for vaccinations and possible emergencies. Do you need additional
insurance to cover vet bills or in case your pet causes an accident
or damage to property? Can your budget cope with these costs?
TRAINING
A well trained dog is a happy dog and, he will not be a nuisance to
others if he's under control. You must never allow your dog to be
dangerously out of control-he must not injure anyone or frighten
anyone into thinking that they might be injured, it is an offence to let
your dog behave in this way.
WHEN DO I START?
Preferably when he is a puppy. It's never too late to train but an
older dog may need professional help from a dog training class. The
Kennel Club can supply a list of clubs or look in your local
newspaper or ask at your vet or library.
HOW DO I START?
The basic first lessons are:
CORRECTIONS AND REWARDS
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 foil in a public place, be
prepared to use a "poop-scoop" to clean up the mess.
Owning a dog brings great happiness but is also a lifelong
responsibility to the dog. You will need to care for him
properly and responsibly including staying within the law.
This leaflet gives some essential tips to current and
prospective dog owners.
DECIDING TO GET A DOG
Before getting a dog, consider the following:
LIFESTYLE
Do you have the time, suitable accommodation and willingness to
care properly for a dog?
ENVIRONMENT
Are there suitable facilities near you to exercise a dog?
BUDGET
Dogs need a nutritionally balanced diet and will have to visit the vet
for vaccinations and possible emergencies. Do you need additional
insurance to cover vet bills or in case your pet causes an accident
or damage to property? Can your budget cope with these costs?
TRAINING
A well trained dog is a happy dog and, he will not be a nuisance to
others if he's under control. You must never allow your dog to be
dangerously out of control-he must not injure anyone or frighten
anyone into thinking that they might be injured, it is an offence to let
your dog behave in this way.
WHEN DO I START?
Preferably when he is a puppy. It's never too late to train but an
older dog may need professional help from a dog training class. The
Kennel Club can supply a list of clubs or look in your local
newspaper or ask at your vet or library.
HOW DO I START?
The basic first lessons are:
- walk beside you on and off the lead "heel"
- stay when told "sit" or "sit and stay"
- come when called "come"
- toilet training "clean" or "busy"
CORRECTIONS AND REWARDS
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 foil in a public place, be
prepared to use a "poop-scoop" to clean up the mess.
- How to start: A puppy goes to the toilet very frequently so
begin by putting him outside in a suitable spot as soon as he
seems to want to go. Keep repeating this and praise him when
he finishes his business in the right place. - Regular times: Build up regular times to take him out - in the
morning, after a meal and at night. - Going on command: Once your puppy can use the garden,
you need to train him to go on command there so he won't
foul in undesirable places. - Use a commend word 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. - Your council is responsible for keeping public places clean,
which means that any mess not cleared by dog owners
becomes a cost to the community.
12 BASIC TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE DOG
OWNERSHIP
OWNERSHIP
- Train your dog in elementary obedience
- Feed your dog at regular times and with a
nutritionally balanced diet. - Feed your dog from his own dish.
- Keep your dog on a lead anywhere near a road,
or where there are other animals. - Train your dog not to foul in public places - if it
does, "Scoop the poop"! - Remember your dog's bark can be a nuisance.
- Provide your dog with his own bed.
- Never take your dog into a food shop - always tie
its lead to a post. - Keep your dog clean and regularly groomed.
- If you do not want your dog to have puppies,
obtain advice from your vet. - Make sure someone is caring for your dog when
you go on holiday and that he knows the local dog
control's telephone number. - Register your pet with a vet of your choice.
