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Properly love and care for your dogs
The human-dog bond stretches back into pre-history. Though the dog
was probably domesticated for utilitarian purposes (hunting and
protection) it didn’t take long before humans began to value these
animals for their companionship. It is difficult to imagine human
life without dogs. We take them for granted. They inhabit our
landscape, permeate our cultural images, wander through our stories,
take part in our conversations and even invade our language. Our
lives would be very different if they weren’t there. Dogs have
evolved with us.
A basic knowledge and understanding of the dog’s origins, natural
behaviors and habits together with the owner’s ability to satisfy
those needs are very important aspects of planning for the
acquisition of a dog. Dogs derived from, and including, working
breeds, large breeds and breeds with a history of aggression need an
extra measure of responsibility to ensure they adapt correctly to
suburban life and that their ongoing care is not going to be too
demanding. Breeds with long or dense coats require more time and
effort spent on their grooming requirements.
Breeds of dogs and individuals within breeds vary in their
reactivity, aggressiveness and trainability. Advice should be sought
on the type of dog suitable for your situation and on the amount of
training and exercise required.
The more time and effort you are willing to invest in training and
interacting with your dog the greater the reward you will receive as
a responsible owner. Lack of training and socialization frequently
result in a destructive negative behavior that makes the dog less
desirable as a pet. This is a common reason for many thousands of
animals being euthanized each year.
Dogs must be provided with the following basic requirements
• human contact for a reasonable length of time each day;
• adequate exercise;
• accommodation designed to suit the dog’s age, anatomy and
behavioral patterns;
• adequate protection from rain, wind, direct sunlight and extremes
of temperature;
• bedding and sleeping quarters; and
• protection from other animals and humans if contact with them is
likely to cause distress or injury.
In addition to the above, dogs with indoor access should be provided
with adequate and appropriate
• ventilation; and
• lighting.
Tethering dogs for long periods or on a regular basis is not
recommended.
Dogs should be provided with a raised sleeping area that insulates
them from cold surfaces. Examples that may be considered are
trampoline beds or wooden pallets. Bedding materials such as a
blanket or a sheepskin should be provided. The bedding material
should be kept clean and dry.
Winter can be quite severe for dogs kept outdoors. Extra
consideration must be given to the bedding materials and warmth of
the kennel with regard to the condition of the dog, including age,
length of coat and health. Kennels must be selected to suit the size
of the dog. The kennel must provide adequate protection from rain,
wind, direct sunlight, and extremes of temperature. Non-insulated
metal shelters or kennels are not sufficient for most breeds of dogs
during winter months. When outdoor enclosures are used for more than
3 or 4 hours at a time, the enclosures should include a sleeping
area and a run. Floors of enclosures should be made of an impervious
material to assist cleaning and drainage. Grassed or landscaped
sections may form part of large outdoor runs but must be adequately
maintained to reduce the risk of pests, parasites and disease.
The dog's environment should be maintained in a clean state. Feces
should be removed daily. Cleaning and disinfecting agents for
enclosures and kennels should be chosen on the basis of their
suitability, safety and effectiveness. Bedding should be changed at
least weekly, or more often if soiled or damp.
When dogs are confined in outdoor enclosures they must be exercised,
preferably for at least one hour daily. Dogs must also be provided
with human contact for a reasonable length of time each day. Dogs
must have the opportunity for adequate exercise to promote good
health, to provide mental stimulation by change of environment, to
maintain muscle tone and fitness and to give them contact with
humans. When a dog defecates in a public place, the keeper or
caregiver of the dog is responsible for the immediate removal and
hygienic disposal of the feces.
Dogs require a healthy, well-balanced diet. Dogs benefit from a
range of foods that should contain all the proteins, fats,
carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins and minerals to maintain good
health. This may be provided by complete commercial dog food.
Quantities and type of food to be fed vary according to the age,
size, stage of growth and activity of the dog. Dogs living outside
may require additional food in winter. Overfeeding of dogs can cause
obesity, and create serious health problems.
A sufficient supply of fresh, clean drinking water must be available
at all times. Sick dogs should be fed in accordance with veterinary
advice. Food and water bowls should be maintained in a clean
condition.
It is the responsibility of the owner to monitor a dog's health and
to seek veterinary advice where appropriate. Regular grooming should
be carried out to maintain a healthy coat and skin and assist in
detection of external parasites and other health problems.
Obedience training is a major factor in sound dog management and
when properly carried out, results in an improved relationship
between the dogs, their owners and the community. Dog behavior and
safety is the responsibility of the owner. Obedience training
assists owners in managing behavior of dogs. Positive reinforcement
is the recommended method of training.
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