What are the *real* requirements for responsible dog ownership?

Question

I've seen the two extremes, so I'm looking for opinions. Some people think it's providing food and water on a fairly regular basis. Others think you must live in a house, with a large fenced yard, no children under a certain age and someone home at all times.

My personal feeling is that there *are* minimum requirements, but they aren't the same for every dog. Dogs deserve good homes - but they also *need* homes, period. The blind 12 year old Lhasa Apso who sleeps all day but likes to cuddle in the evenings, who's last owner died of old age, needs a home, too.

But, what are *your* thoughts on this?

ETA: Just to clarify. This is a hypothetical question. We are experienced dog owners. However, I want to hear want other people think about this issue.

ETA: Thanks, everyone, for the many thoughtful answers.

ohnuttz40, I like to think of a dog as a 20 year commitment. I know that it's unlikely that a dog will live that long, but we have had dogs live well into their second decade.

Many of you mentioned finances. I agree this is important. We believe in having a savings/investment account for our dogs. It grows as the dogs age, because the large expenses are often in the last years of their life. We never want to be in a situation where we have to ask "Can we afford this treatment?" when the real question should be "Is this treatment in the best interest of the dog?"

Answer 1

Just personal opinion here. This is the minimum *I* require before placing a rescue or pup::

1) Whole household should at least be accepting of the dog. If only one person really wants it, and the other(s) don't, what happens if the main caretaker is no longer able to care for the dog? Who will, if no one else likes it?

2) Must be a primarily indoor pet. If a family works longish hours, and will have a well-kept, shaded run with plenty of shelter and water provided for the dog while they are working, I think that is more humane than leaving the dog inside with nothing much to look at and no where to potty. As long as the dog is with the people whenever they are home and all night, I see no problem. None of mine EVER go to a tethered out home. A ten minute tie out to potty while I shower for work is an acceptable situation, but all day, or 24/7 is a no-no for my pups. As far as someone home at all times, a few dogs have seperation anxiety issues and need that, but most don't.

3) Kids are according to the individual dog, and NO dog is placed with children who haven't any respect for and manners with the dog. I had to call police once because a woman whose child was so rough with my puppies that I refused to place one with her flipped out and wouldn't accept "NO!" for an answer.

4) Of course, food water and vet care. I point out what the average costs of owning the specific dog will be, including any special needs some of the rescues have.

5) All MUST sign a contract that outlines the above, and states the dog MUST come back to me if it cannot stay in it's new home regardless of reason.

6) If an adopter is a renter, I must have both written permission form the landlord, and a phone number which I call to talk to the landlord.

7) I personally don't absolutely require a fenced yard, as fences can provide a false feeling of security. Dogs can, and DO get out of fences. I explain the need for exercise for the dog, fenced yard or no. Some dogs are just not safe for an unfenced yard, and I will insist on one. Others are mellow and fine with one, although I require a leash or tie-out at all times on them. Others will do anything in their power to get out of a fence, so they have to be kept on a regular leash in direct supervision when outdoors at all times. It is on a dog by dog basis.

8) I must be allowed to do a home check to see where the dog will be kept, and to get a better feel for whether the dog will fit the expectations of the new family.

9) If the dog is not ready to be spayed or neutered by the vet's recommendation, the owner must have it done when age appropriate. Most who leave me are already done. It's also a point included in the contract.

Those are what I can think of now. I'll edit this if I come up with anything else. Good question, by the way. Made me think.

Answer 2

As a prospective dog owner, you need to realize this will be a long-term relationship (can be over 10 yrs) and unless you are willing to make such a commitment; don’t get one.

Yes, the basics are important (food and water) as are the other factors (small children for example); however there are other issues to ponder when making such a life changing decision.

Will you have the time to play/exercise with your dog? What about training them? Will you have the patience (some ‘tricks’ take longer to learn)? Fenced yards are not necessary if you are willing to leash the dog when you take it out. Are you going to be a good owner and clean up if your dog makes a mess in a neighbor’s yard? Will you be able to afford the yearly (some places bi-annual) exams?

These are just a few of the questions you must seriously examine and study when looking to accept a dog in your life.

As I pointed out earlier—if you cannot make a long-term relationship commitment, don’t adopt. A dog is not a toy that can be shelved and taken down only when you feel like playing with it. It is not fair to the dog.

Answer 3

For me it goes well beyond the food and water. Before someone even gets a dog they need to research the breed so as they have a very good idea what to expect before the dog comes home.

A dog needs love and loves nothing more than to give love in return. Somewhere safe and warm to call home. He needs training. A trained dog not only is a better companion for you, but he's happier too. Most of all he needs vet care as and when he needs is. I would rather go without if need be than to let any of my babies suffer.

Yes all dogs need different things. You have to be prepared for anything just like when you have children. A dog maybe perfectly healthy when it first comes home, but just like kids things can happen on the blink of an eye. Illness can strike accidents happen. You would not kick your child out if it became diabetic for instance. You should not do it with a dog either. You love it and care for it all of it's life. It may not be human and should not be treated as such, but the basic requirements are the same. I do have a credit card that is kept for emergency vet bills only. I may not always have the cash in hand, but I do know they will always be taken care of.That's all it asks and gives so much more in return.

I could go on forever. Great question!

Answer 4

First and foremost, being intelligent enough yourself to tell the difference between a dog and a human. Providing the dog with food and water, a safe place to live and medical care as needed are just the basics and apply to every dog.
I have lived in an apt with a 90 pound malinois so I do not buy that you have to live somewhere special to have a dog crap. I have a family and I always put their needs over the dog's so that fantasy goes down the tube too. My dogs work for a living and I respect their abilities and I know that I have to train them to be able to do what I want.
They get all the attention and respect they deserve, as DOGS, not humans. A structured environment is what all dogs crave, but unfortunately do not get most of the time.

Answer 5

I'm sorry however I simply ought to say that I have visible ears and legs reduce off of cherished stolen pets when you consider that they'd tattoos, so it DOES occur. So that's no longer anything to roll you are eyes at. For such a lot puppy thieves, the very first thing they'll take off is the collar, after which if they're relatively observed they'll seem for tattoos. While they cannot see the microchip so they're none the wiser, so in the event that they take the puppy in to a vet or the puppy leads to a safe haven they'll get scanned and again (in entire). You have already been given the hyperlink, and it kind of feels the stand is iffy. But critically I ought to agree basing you are vote off of that is form of ridiculous whilst there are a lot more urgent disorders within the UK.

Answer 6

The absolute minimum requirements for owning a dog are: Having the financial means to provide food,vet care, and equipment for the pet.
Having somewhere to live that is good not only for you but for your dog IE don't put a St. Bernard in a 600 sq. ft. apartment.
Having the time and energy to invest in your pup. Taking the pup to training and taking him for walks. ( by the way I have a wheelchair bound grandson who walks his dog)
I believe that the absolute most important thing to have to be a good owner is the ability to love unconditionally. That is all a puppy really wants is your time and your love in return they will love you.

However, if you think the proper way to train a puppy is to hit it or rub its nose in a mistake. Don't get a dog.
If your idea of a walk is to go to the mailbox 10 ft. from the front door, don't get a dog.
If you have lost the ability to play don't get a dog.
If the only reason you want a dog is your favorite actor or actress has that kind of dog, don't get a dog.

Dogs are wonderful creatures that can teach us how to be better people.As far as I am concerned they are the perfect expression of God's love of us.

Answer 7

You know, this really depends on the dog, the type of breed/size and level of health. I LOVE animals and my dogs recieve only the best because I consider them part of our family. For me, requirements would include: high quality food such as Natural Balance, fresh water that is changed a couple times a day especially in the summer both in the yard and inside the house, a soft bed and blanket inside each kennel,chew toys,fenced yard,frequent visits to a vet as needed but at least yearly,bathing and grooming which we do ourselves,walks and play time and of course lots of love.

Small dogs are content living in an apartment with frequent walks but are much happier having a backyard. I really think large dogs need the yard to run in and are too confined in an apartment.

It breaks my heart to see pet owners not care for their pets, to see them starving or just neglected. I hate to see homeless animals and I know people think it is wrong but it is better for the pet to be put to sleep than to be homeless or neglected.

Answer 8

All dogs, regardless of age, history or breed need care, food, water, as much exercise as they can handle and companionship.
No dog should EVER be abused = hitting an animal as punishment or as part of a "training" regimen is not only cruel, but a complete waste of time in the end. It achieves nothing but a fearful and unpredictable subject.

No dog should be left alone for extended periods of time.

No dog should be chained or crated for extended periods of time.

Dogs are social creatures. They ask very little and give much in return. I agree that requirements vary according to age and situation, but they all need companionship.

Answer 9

Food, water, a good/loving home, loads of love & attention from his human family,proper training, medical attention ALWAYS when needed. You are right, ANY / All living & breathing animal, no matter what his health issues may be deserves the same as any healthy dog!!! Whoops: Forgot the $$$$, if you don't have that how can you provide for the dog.

Answer 10

There are lots and lots of requirements for having a dog responsibly... You must have a proper place for the dog to live in, feed it, keep it clean, spend time with it, take it for a walk, love it, have a place to leave it when you go on a holiday... These are general requirements... Having a dog is a HUGE responsibility, it's the same as having a baby and maybe even harder...