Dog Owner's Code

[Midas]

Hi there,

I'm currently studying for my dog behaviourist qualification with Shelia Harper and for one of my coursework projects I want to put something together for the do's and don'ts of dog ownership- ranging from for example - considering dogs who are on lead and not letting your dogs race up (if possible!) to looking out for your dog and not putting them in situations they can't cope with.

I'm trying to get as many opinions from dog owners about what they wish other dog owners would do (in an ideal world) to help each other out and how we can help our dogs out ourselves to make their lives easier.

Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!  

[Emilyoliver]

Hi Sarah,

I think all puppy owners should take their dogs to puppy classes.  I think they offer a good grounding in the basics of dog ownership (obviously a decent trainer/ school is as important!)  First time dog owners (and even more experienced ones!) must find the whole experience hugely frightening and a class once a week allows new owners a chance to discuss any problems and share experiences.  And the puppies get a chance to socialise and learn the basics of good manners, which is so important later on.   

[Ian Wright]

I think ALL Dogs should be Micro Chipped 
Have up to date injections
Owners should ALLWAYS Carry poo bags and take them home or throw them in the bin NOT under the hedge 

[Top Barks]

All dog owners should learn more about dogs and their behaviour.
what qualification are you doing?
Are you intending to practice professionally with it?

[Sarah.H]

Totally agree with mark. All dog owners should have a basic knowledge of dog body language/communication.

[sharonmansfield]

To know about their bitches seasons and what to do / not to do at such times.

[Mudmagnets]

Hi, have you looked at the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme, that seems to cover the things to which you are referring.

Also it would be a good idea if there were classes for new puppy owners (for prospective new owners thinking of buying a puppy) rather like human mums to be have before having the baby - so that these new owners can be advised what to expect re toiletting, feeding, playfighting/chewing etc and hopefully how to deal with some of the probs should/when they arise.

[HeatherandBenjy]

I think that one of my pet hates is when I see another dog out on a walk. I'll recall mine, have them in sit and have the reactive ones on a lead and the other owner lets their dog(s) run into mine.
I don't mind quite so much if they're attempting to recall their dogs and its not happening, its the ones who shout over, "oh he just wants to play" and make no effort to recall them that drive me nuts!  

[burnysbird]

Having children of my own, I think it's important to know how to teach the dog (and the children) how to behave. This part of bringing the dog into the household has been quite hard for us.

HeatherandBenjy I know what you mean, Sizzles has had a fair few crazy dogs come charging at her - she hides behind my legs! Annoying thing is though she ran after some other dogs this evening and didn't come when I called...

[Sarah1985]

The most important lesson I learnt was that its much easier to train a dog if you think about the behaviour you want to see rather than the behaviour you dont want to see. Its much easier to train a dog to do something compared with teaching them not to do something.

[Black Red + Yellow]

Personally, my bug bear is actually seeing children walking dogs by themselves....I'm talking 8-10 year olds without children.....so for me it would have to be taking responsibility as an adult and not parming the dog off on your child.......grrrrr!!!

[Ninasmum]

I would like owners to muzzle dog aggressive dogs & have them on leads at all times (unless their recall is strong)
Don't let your dogs run up to unknown dogs. 
If a dog walker heading in your direction puts their dog(s) on lead then i think it should prompt the other owner to do the same.
I think a 'condition of ownership' should be to take all puppies to training/socialisation classes.
Microchipping is a must.
Personally, i think there should be a standard questionaire drawn up that all new dog owners have to complete....a sort of test/exam iyswim & those who fail can't own a dog.

Sorry thats a bit of a mish mash.   
I do think so many dogs would be saved from the trauma of being attacked & affected (in some cases) for the rest of their life.

I do have personal reasons/experience for the suggestions. one is because my 1st cocker was badly attacked by a staffy.    This was a completely unprovoked attack & sadly after this horrendous experience he hated going out for walks afterwards.    He was 7 years old at the time & for the last 4.5 years of his life it was a huge struggle to coax him out & he was very nervous of other dogs.    Just because of one irresponsible owner part of his life was ruined.    This is just one example. 

[6thSense]

All dog owners should learn more about dogs and their behaviour.

Totally agree!!! 

[JeffandAnnie]

I think that one of my pet hates is when I see another dog out on a walk. I'll recall mine, have them in sit and have the reactive ones on a lead and the other owner lets their dog(s) run into mine.
I don't mind quite so much if they're attempting to recall their dogs and its not happening, its the ones who shout over, "oh he just wants to play" and make no effort to recall them that drive me nuts!  

Oops    I must admit to assuming people want their dogs to play when on walks if they aren't on a lead and always let mine run up and meet them 

I think that all first time puppy/dog owners should have to attend a two hour session covering all the basics BEFORE they get their dog. They should then have to attend at least one positive re-inforcement training class within 8 weeks of getting their new dog.

[Danni and Freya]

I think that one of my pet hates is when I see another dog out on a walk. I'll recall mine, have them in sit and have the reactive ones on a lead and the other owner lets their dog(s) run into mine.
I don't mind quite so much if they're attempting to recall their dogs and its not happening, its the ones who shout over, "oh he just wants to play" and make no effort to recall them that drive me nuts!  

Oops    I must admit to assuming people want their dogs to play when on walks if they aren't on a lead and always let mine run up and meet them 

I think that all first time puppy/dog owners should have to attend a two hour session covering all the basics BEFORE they get their dog. They should then have to attend at least one positive re-inforcement training class within 8 weeks of getting their new dog.

I have to admit Harvey is another culprit here. His recall is improving all the time but if he sets sight on another dog and goes there is no use in me calling repeatedly. I have to see it that the other dog will tell him off if necessary and I obviouslly catch up with him asap. Hes a baby and i'm working on it. Once hes said hello or another dog tells him off he comes straight back