Basics of Responsible Pet Ownership

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PHOTO: ANIMALS ANIMALS/ZIG LESZCZYNSKI
Animals in environments that don't suit their natures can't be happy, and you can bet that will manifest itself in behavior problems. If you provide an appropriate and loving home, you can expect your pet to be content and eager to please.

The moment you take a pet into your home, you become responsible for its needs. Most pet owners do a decent job of providing the essentials–food and shelter, and medical care when their animals are sick or injured. But all too often, other responsibilities are overlooked–and what a shame, for responsible pet ownership yields great rewards, not least of which is a happier pet.

Social Training for Pets

Surveys show that a majority of dog owners report behavior problems in their pets and that fully 40% of all dog owners are dissatisfied with the way their canine chums behave.

In many cases, that dissatisfaction is the result of unrealistic expectations from the outset. I tell my clients that when they opt to have a dog around the house, they’ve essentially decided to take in the equivalent of a permanent two-year-old child terror. I advise them to take a good, hard look at a “normal” two-year-old’s personality and realize that most dogs will stay at that intense level of erratic, get-into-trouble behavior and will retain the joyous attitude of “I think I’ll do something stupid today because it’s so much fun,” for the better part of their lives. Most dogs require just as much time, patience, and training as a toddler.

Likewise, it’s important to realize that most of what we humans consider proper pet behavior is entirely contrary to an animal’s natural urges. No biting allowed. No leaving a mess in the yard or playground for the kids to step in. No barking at all hours (or any hours, for that matter). No chasing the neighbors’ cows or cats. And no raiding the neighbors’ bird feeders.

  • Published on Jan 1, 1990
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