The Responsible Owner

All dogs deserve a responsible owner. They did not choose to be with you, you chose them.

You as a dog owner need to pledge, this very basic pledge, for the sake of your beloved pet.

Pledge the following:

I agree to maintain my dog’s health, safety, and quality of life.

I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs both emotional and physical. These include, but are not limited to:

• Routine veterinary care including check-ups, tick and flea treatment, deworming, and vaccines.
• Adequate nutrition through proper diet and access to clean water at all times.
• Daily exercise, regular bathing, grooming, enrichment as well as any special care that your breed/age of dog may need.
• Provide soft comfortable beds to sleep on.
• Provide shelter that is away from extreme weather conditions (we genuinely advocate for indoor sleeping to avoid your dog’s being stolen or poisoned).

I will be responsible for my dog’s safety and yours.

• I will ensure that my dog is safely fenced in my property and ensure that my dog does not run loose.
• I pledge to use a leash, with properly fitted equipment, which does not cause pain and discomfort, when in public spaces, as this is the law.
• I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).
• I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.
• I will ensure that my dog will no infringe on the rights of others.
• I will ensure that my dog will not run loose in the neighbourhood.
• I will ensure that my dog will not be a nuisance to others by barking throughout the night or the day.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as the training grounds, promenades, sidewalks, parks, etc.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, on campgrounds, and in designated off-leash parks

I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.

• I understand that puppy socialisation and further basic training are beneficial to all dogs.
• I will use kind training methods and seek out assistance if my dog is showing signs of aggressive behaviour, anxiety, fear and phobias.
• I will not loose my temper, shout, scold, point my finger in a threatening manner, push and shove my dog to do things they are not happy with, or instil any form of fear into my dog.
• I will give my dog attention and appropriate playtime.
• I understand that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment.