....if it were practicably possible, you should only be able to buy a dog from a licenced and reputable breeder or rehoming centre and that in order to qualify for a dog you have to take a test?
Like a driving test only perhaps not that complex, but to be able to answer the basics of responsible dog ownership.
2007-12-03 20:48:37 · 56 answers · asked by Scoundy 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
EIDT:
Thanks everyone for answering. There are so many great answers and it is obviously a subject that you feel strong about, so I've extended the question.
Please keep the answers coming in as I am really interested to read them.
2007-12-05 18:47:21 · update #1
Agree 100%, as any RESPONSIBLE prospective dog owner would have researched dog ownership and what it entails in advance. Also, the new owners would HAVE to attend a COMPULSORY basic obedience course with their new dog at a future date. Dog ownership is a responsibility and should not be taken lightly.
2007-12-03 23:53:20 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A test?.. not really..
As a person who really does not do well with tests, I do see a problem with that. I could know something backward and forward, you put me in front of a test and I will completely blank. I am also dyslexic, and when I am nervous (which tests make me) I am even more likely to have problems.. I have had dogs my whole life.. if I did not qualify because of dyslexia I would be ticked off.
What I believe is that people should be interviewed.. (I don't do THAT well with interviews either, but it's a little easier)
Tests would automatically disqualify anyone who hadn't always lived with dogs.. so what about the 20 yr old who lives on her own now and wants a dog when her parents would never allow it.. There is no way to know EVERYTHING about dog ownership from a book.. especially with each breed having specific necessary info. For Example.. as a person who grew up with Schnauzers, I can tell you almost anything about them or their likelyhood of certain diseases.. but as a first time beagle/basset mix owner I am learning things daily.
2007-12-03 23:19:35 · answer #2 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, interesting question.
I believe that MOST (not all) people should know just how much responsibility owning a dog actually is when they think about getting one. Yes, taking 'like' a test would be a good idea, to make sure that you are physically, and ready to take care of a dog. Questions should be like:
1. Do you work? If so how many hours a week?
2. Are you able to care for the pet, and pay for it's needs?
3. Do you have a 'dog friendly' home?
4. Do you have NO allergies to dogs/cats?
ETC,,
It would be a great idea, talk to someone to see if it may be a possibility in the future. To make sure the person wanting the ownership of the dog doesn't want to use the dog for animal cruelty, animal testing, or just to be a lunitic to it.
Good Luck.
2007-12-03 21:00:51 · answer #3 · answered by x. Mommy Kate .x 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Ye-es. The test sound like a fine idea mainly for breeds which can potentially be bred into dangerous animals, or fighting dogs, but the breeders bit doesn't really. What if someone wants a dog ofmixed breed? No pedigree, just a plain old country dog? And what if my dog quite unexpectedly got pregnant and had puppies? What would I do with them?
And besides, the test should be a psychological one, not based on simple questions, because everyone can learn how to answer a few questions correctly, but it's much harder to cheat on a psychological test.
2007-12-03 23:42:32 · answer #4 · answered by Jana 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most reputable breeders DO ask 101 questions that amount to such a test. But the big problem is there are often opinions on what constutes a good home - is fenced yard required, should the person be allowed to work, how much money is needed to care for a dog (this one is heavly weighted by how much of their budget people WILL spend on the dog so is a poor guide) so on
2007-12-04 00:21:55 · answer #5 · answered by ragapple 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On paper, having to take a test before being able to own a dog is a spledid idea, but let us not forget, people do not have to take tests to have children and alot of them do not come from reputable breeders!!! lol
The other problem is that who would be classed as an expert, I have qualifications in animal welfare and canine behaviour and training yet most rescue charities would not give me a dog as I work full time (in canine welfare), however I think the dog I do own could want or need for any more than I give him.
2007-12-03 23:50:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think everyone who has a pet should be able to show they are responsible owners and know something of the particular animal they are getting along with the general upkeep etc of it.
im not sure a "test" would work but i think the breeder who is selling the animals should also check to make sure how compatable the dog and people are - living situations etc. i think some the problem is some of the breeders not giving a stuff who they sell the pups to as long as they get their money.
so i deffo think that they should have a reputable breeders list with the kennel club if they dont already!
2007-12-04 21:18:09 · answer #7 · answered by bebishenron 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No i dont, there are too many dogs out there needing a home that arent from reputable breeders, Both of my dogs came from other means, both were "free" as far as a fee to buy them and both are great dogs that wouldnt have been able to have had a home under your proposed rules.
As far as a test to own a dog, I think there should be a test to have kids first. You have to have a license to hunt, fish, or drive, but any idiot can have a baby...go figure.
2007-12-03 23:05:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the reason they did away with the licence is it cost more to produce then what it cost to buy. If you made the cost realistic the people you are talking of wouldn't bother with a licence and would probably buy from back street dealers. Dogs rescue would not have so many takers therefore more dogs would be put down. Pedigree dogs cost in excess of £500 to £5000 but I doubt they all go to good homes. All we can do is support the RSPCA and report people who abuse their pets not just dogs.
2007-12-04 01:03:44 · answer #9 · answered by Paddy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree also. We had a dog licencing system here in the UK many years ago, but there was no test. You just applied and got one - it used to cost 35 pence and less than half of dog owners got one, so a system where you would have to take a test of your knowledge of basic requirements and care of the dog would be great.
The neraest that we have to this is the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme which is not a requirement but a voluntary thing - but still quite good.
2007-12-03 21:09:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋