Friday, January 13, 2012

Being a Responsible Dog Owner Part Two

"Play dead, Banner."
You guys are here because you are dog lovers and obviously already know these things.  As some of you pointed out from yesterday's post we are "preaching to the choir".  But if we together can spread this message to folks that don't know any better, we can change the world for pets!

Dogs aren't for the first fifteen minutes of cuteness, they're for the next fifteen years through all of life's ups and downs.  The relationship is among the best afforded to humans, but it is not always easy.  It takes dedication and commitment.

Below is the pledge that is signed when your dog is awarded Canine Good Citizen after successfully completing the test.  It is basic but so "right on".  Feel free to share it with others!



Maizey was one of our fosters for a while.  Isn't she beautiful?
AKC CGC™ RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER’S PLEDGE®
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® OWNER’S COMMITMENT
TO RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP

I understand that to truly be a Canine Good Citizen, my dog needs a responsible owner. I
agree to maintain my dog’s health, safety, and quality of life. By participating in the
Canine Good Citizen test, I agree:

  I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs. These include:
•  routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
•  adequate nutrition through proper diet; clean water at all times
•  daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming
"Wrigley - with our handsome human, Connor"


  I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.
•  I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate,
               not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.
•  I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include
               collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).
"Parkay"


  I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.
•  I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
•  I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard,
                in a hotel room, etc.
•  I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as
               on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
•  I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on
               hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.
T-Boy


  I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.
•  I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
•  I will give my dog attention and playtime.
•  I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

Mary Kay


Have you made this pledge to yourself and to your pet?  Go ahead... your dog deserves it!!


Spirit says, "Please take me home.  Love me.  Take care of me.  I'll do the same for you"

Tomorrow we'll share some important tips about bite prevention.  We'll see y'all then!

(All pictures were taken by our mom of animals at Brookhaven Animal Rescue League.)

Photobucket

6 comments:

  1. Really good info! If I had a dog, I would follow these guidelines. Because I cannot follow all these at this time, I have chosen not to have a dog. I do hope to get one when my situation changes! (-:

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  2. Would be nice if every potential dog owner had to make this pledge. One of our local shelters posted on facebook a couple of days ago about a 15 yr old female dog who was an owner surrender. Can you imagine dropping a dog off at the pound that you've had for FIFTEEN YEARS?! Fortunately, someone volunteered to give the old girl a good home.

    Tank's Asst.

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  3. I think this is a very WELL put together post!!!
    We had to have SEVERAL Family Style SIT Down DISCUSSIONS.. before I was allowed to get my Ernie. AND even with that.. the day we went to see him.. and his brother and sister... so we could chews carefully... We actually walked away and gave it some MORE thought.
    I had to make sure that I REALLY wanted to take on a puppy and that I would be responsible fur him and his needs.. WITH mom and Dad's Help of course.
    It should not be entered into Lightly!!!!

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  4. We wish that everyone understood that having a pet is a lifetime commitment and not just for a day.

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  5. Right on! They are such easy rules to follow. The love we share and commitment we make to our dogs comes back to us a hundred... thousand... million times over!

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  6. We signed that pledge when Thunder and Storm passed their CGC's. Today I went out and got the new puppy an id tag and a new collar because the only one small enough was Storm's old pink collar. :)

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