Be A Responsible Dog Owner

A few days ago I happened to look out the kitchen window just at the precise moment that a dog wandered up my driveway and began defacating on the grass by my garage.

I raced out the door and chased it away yelling angrily. I love dogs and could never imagine being without them, but that doesn't make it ok for any old mutt to take a dump on my property.

I recognised the dog as one from a few doors up the street and I marched straight round there to tell the owner. He apologised profusely, saying he hadn't even realised the dog was outside.

There are occasions when, with the best will in the world, it is possible for you not to have realised your dog's gone missing. But in my opinion if you're a responsible dog owner that's going to be a mighty rare occurence. With this particular owner it just seems to be a normal part of pet ownership - that's not the first time his dog's used my garden as a toilet, and I frequently see the dog wandering around the village unaccompanied. On one occasion I drove past the park (which is supposed to be a completely dog free zone) to see it taking a dump right in the middle of the children's play area.

That really made my blood boil.

Please don't be like that dog owner. Dogs get a bad enough press from some quarters as it is. And every time incidents like that occur it just provides a little bit more ammunition for those people who would impose yet more regulation on dog lovers like you and me.

Always be sure you know where your dog is. If it's left outside make sure there are no holes in your fences and that the gates are secure.

If it's in a kennel make sure it can't get out. And if it's supposed to be in the house be sure it can't sneak out through a door or window you've overlooked.

Never ever just turn the dog loose to wander the streets as it pleases.

And always clean up after your dog when you're out walking.

It's all common sense really isn't it?

Recommended reading "Dog Training Blueprint To Success".

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