Next Question.

[Steve]

In 50 words or less what constitutes a responsible pet owner.

[Agility Dogs]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

[Fevah]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

x 2

:D

[dandybrush]

agility dogs that is very well put

a responsible owner provides the right stimulation to keep the dog entertained when home alone, provides - warmth, shelter, love, training (even just basic), and exercise

[Sandra777]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

X3 :D

[Dame Aussie]

In my mind a responsible pet owner is someone who researches their breed of choice before buying a puppy. It is preferable that the owner buy said puppy from a registered breeder, having said that though, I do know people who have pet shop pups and are still responsible dog owners and have learnt not to go back!

A responsible owner trains their dog, socialises their dog, does not withhold vet treatment/grooming if needed, ensures their dog is fully contained and cannot escape when they are not home and gives their dog the mental and physical stimulation it requires.

How far that person takes things like training/grooming etc is up to them but a good level of care is required. Obviously the dog needs basics such as food/worming/affection/shelter etc.

I could go on! :D

[persephone]

A responsible owner provides for the dogs' physical and emotional needs to the best of their ability . A responsible owner also takes care their dog does not act in a manner which may cause problems to another person or animal. A responsible pet owner will take steps to prevent breeding of their dog/s .

[whiskedaway]

A responsible pet owner makes certain that their pet is a part of their family, that any needs they have are not withheld (whether those needs be mental or physical) and makes certain that their pet is not a danger to any other person/animal or itself.

[W Sibs]

A responsible owner is an owner who is fully committed in fulfilling their pets needs daily.. meaning physically and mentally.

[poodlefan]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

I don't think we'll get a better definition than that! :D

[Loving my Oldies]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

I don't think we'll get a better definition than that! :D

Excellent and succinct.

[kinsella]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

Pretty much says it all.

[Staranais]

I'd add, a responsible owner also ensures their dog is not a nuisance to the community - e.g. by picking up its poo, not letting their it roam, and not breeding irresponsibly.

[Agility Dogs]

I'd add, a responsible owner also ensures their dog is not a nuisance to the community - e.g. by picking up its poo, not letting their it roam, and not breeding irresponsibly.

:D Good point. I just assume that a responsible pet owner does not 'breed'. I really like the bit about not being a nuisance to the community.

[Howl]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

I don't think we'll get a better definition than that!

Excellent and succinct.

But who decides what a dog's needs are to ensure physical and mental well being? It's all very subjective really.

[poodlefan]

But who decides what a dog's needs are to ensure physical and mental well being? It's all very subjective really.

So is the concept of "responsible dog ownership". The RSPCA definition seems to go no further than providing food, water and shelter at the moment.

[Simply Grand]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

How does a rescue puppy of unknown origin and breeds fit in with that definition? You won't know whether the dog it grows into will be appropriate for your lifestyle. Not having a go, I think it's a good definition, but as with, I suspect, all of these questions, there are always grey areas.

[Agility Dogs]

But who decides what a dog's needs are to ensure physical and mental well being? It's all very subjective really.

So is the concept of "responsible dog ownership". The RSPCA definition seems to go no further than providing food, water and shelter at the moment.

It's also very hard to go into in less than 50 words. It varies depending on the dog, it varies depending on the breed, it varies depending on where you live, it varies depending on whether you are happy to see your back yard resembling the surface of the moon or not.

Yes, very, very subjective.

In my case, IMO - if you are not working a working dog in some meaningful way (not necessarily on stock) then you are not meeting its needs. Others rightly disagree - they don't have to live with my girl!!

I think the RSPCA is the absolute minimum you need to provide to avoid physical suffering, it does not necessarily mean that you are responsible.........(and I know for a fact they would agree.)

[poodlefan]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

How does a rescue puppy of unknown origin and breeds fit in with that definition? You won't know whether the dog it grows into will be appropriate for your lifestyle. Not having a go, I think it's a good definition, but as with, I suspect, all of these questions, there are always grey areas.

Not easily is the answer. If you have very definite lifestyle requirements of a dog, then a rescue pup of unknown origin is not what I'd call a safe bet. An adult rescue is a better one.

Edited June 29, 2010 by poodlefan

[Agility Dogs]

Simple:

An owner who chooses an appropriate breed for their lifestyle and then cares for the dog in a way that meets its needs for physical and mental well being for the period of its life.

How does a rescue puppy of unknown origin and breeds fit in with that definition? You won't know whether the dog it grows into will be appropriate for your lifestyle. Not having a go, I think it's a good definition, but as with, I suspect, all of these questions, there are always grey areas.

I personally would not rescue a puppy for that exact reason, but I like pedigree dogs so that's just me.

To answer your question - if you are going to rescue a puppy of unknown breeding then you need to be VERY sure that you can cope with ANYTHING. I don't think there is any grey about that one. Unless you know you can cope wit the demands of the dog, don't get it.

I know this is harsh, but I just hate seeing dogs in poor situations.