Responsible Dog Owner Coalition

About Us

RDOC

Most young boys and girls have the dream of owning a puppy, and most boys and girls are told no—at least at first. It’s because we, as adults, know exactly how much work a dog can be!

There is more that goes into being a responsible pet owner than feeding, watering, and playing with a dog. There will be lots of love and slobbery kisses, but there will also be plenty of concerns and frustration.

Even some adults don’t know what they’re in for, which is why I created the Responsible Dog Owner Coalition. Here you’ll find all the information about dog ownership you could ever need. The most responsible thing we can do as dog owners is to make sure we stay educated on our dog’s needs throughout the course of their life. That means asking questions and getting them answered.

Some intelligent questions potential dog owners might have include:

How do I pick the right dog for my family and lifestyle? Should I choose a puppy or an older dog? Should I buy from a breeder or adopt a rescue?
Will I train the puppy myself or will I hire a certified trainer?
What kind of food is best for my dog or puppy? Is there really a difference between brands?
How can I ensure my dog stays healthy? How can I make sure my dog isn’t scared of the vet?
How much exercise will my dog need? How can I provide it?
How will getting a dog affect my current pet(s)?

Some intelligent questions current dog owners might have include:

What’s the best way to introduce a new pet to the home?
How will my dog’s needs change as they become older?
How can I modify my dog’s undesirable behavior(s)? Should I hire a trainer or try group classes?
How can I prepare my dog for the arrival of a child?
Do I know how to help if my dog is injured?

Whether you’re thinking about getting a dog or you have questions about the one(s) you already have, the Responsible Dog Owner Coalition has helpful information for you—all in one place!

PICK THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOUR FAMILY

When it comes to choosing the right dog for your home and lifestyle, there are several factors to take into consideration. There are experts who can help you make the right choice, but you can also think about the following factors on your own: location, availability, and household.

Where do you live?

If you’re in a studio apartment in the city, a Husky probably isn’t the right choice for you. Oftentimes, people get caught up in the idea of what owning a certain breed of dog will be like, and they forget the reality. A large, active dog—or a puppy that will eventually become a large, active dog—needs space and room to run.

Research the breed you’re interested in to be sure it will be a good fit.

When are you home?

Do you travel often? Do you work long hours? Would you take vacation time to help get your pet acclimated to their new home?

These questions aren’t by any means to discourage a hard-working person from getting a dog, but it should get you thinking about the logistics of dog ownership. If you work long hours and you can’t count on someone being home to look in on your dog, you might not want to adopt a new puppy with a small bladder. Consider an older dog instead.

Worried about behavioral problems that can come with adopting a dog that has a past? Don’t be! Contrary to popular belief, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Do you have your heart set on a puppy, even though your work schedule isn’t ideal? That’s okay, too. Just make sure you fit hiring a dog walker and maybe even a puppy trainer.

Who is in your family?

Do you have children and/or other pets? If so, you’ll probably be looking for a mild-mannered dog.

Contrary to popular belief, a dog’s breed does not dictate how they will behave towards people and other animals. Feel free to adopt pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. Just make sure those puppies are well-trained!

If you’re looking to adopt an older dog instead, be sure you know that dog’s history, and introduce it to the other members of your family (even the pets!) before you sign any papers. Even if your new dog has some problems once you get them home, you can always tackle tough training by hiring a professional.

No matter what dog you choose in the end, basic training is always a good idea. Even a group training course can make a world of difference in ensuring everyone gets along.

PICK THE RIGHT TRAINER

People often struggle when it comes to asking for help. Some see it as a sign of weakness. In fact, seeking help when you need it demonstrates intelligence, responsibility, and strength.

Maybe you started out wanting to train your dog on your own, but it was harder than you thought it would be. Maybe you read all the books, did your research, and dedicated your time, but there are still some kinks in your dog’s behavior you just can’t seem to iron out on your own. Maybe dog training didn’t cross your mind before you jumped on the chance to adopt that adorable little fur ball you spotted in the pet store window, in the shelter, or on Facebook.

Whatever the reason, you’re looking for a trainer now. And there are plenty out there who are ready and willing to help!

How can you be sure you’re choosing the right trainer?

You’ll want to make sure that the trainer you choose is professional, certified, and experienced. If you can find one with vet references and a slew of client success stories, that’s even better.

A good trainer should have a program that makes room for your dog’s uniqueness. In-home trainers are especially desirable because they can provide one-on-one attention, tailor-made to fit your dog’s needs. In-home training also requires you to be involved in the process, so you’re learning everything right along with your dog. You’ll never feel left out!

The next thing to consider is, of course, your dog’s behavioral needs.

If your dog is having severe aggression or separation anxiety, find an in-home trainer who specializes in tough cases to help you turn that behavior around. If your dog just needs to learn a few basic commands, basic obedience classes might be right for you. If you need a little help getting through those first tough months of puppy-hood, in-home puppy training is the way to go.

It’s also important to make sure you choose a trainer who believes not only in positive reinforcement training, but also in a dog’s ability to make good choices without treats or fear of punishment. This makes for a more reliable dog and a stronger bond between the two of you!

Not sure if your dog could benefit from training? Take a quiz to find out!

PROACTIVE VS. REACTIVE TRAINING

AN 8 WEEK OLD PUPPY IS AS CAPABLE OF LEARNING AS AN ADULT DOG IS.

Proactive Training vs. Reactive Training

Whether you choose to hire a professional trainer or train your dog yourself, you’ll want to make sure you are offering your dog proactive training rather than reactive training.

What’s the difference?

Proactive training means that you are taking steps to teach your dog the rules of the household before they break them. Even the most responsible dog owners are sometimes guilty of failing to communicate clearly with their pet. It’s an easy mistake to make when you don’t speak the same language! You would think some rules are pretty much a given—don’t pee in the house, don’t jump on guests, don’t chew the windowsill—but any dog owner will tell you that no boundary comes naturally to dogs.

Reactive training is what happens after your dog has already broken a rule. If that’s what has inspired you to make changes to your dog’s behavior, then chances are you’re already feeling frustrated, and your dog is already feeling confused. It’s not the best way to start out. Any qualified trainer will tell you that you can train a dog at any age and at any stage in their behavior, and that is absolutely true! But it’s certainly easier to begin the training process if you’ve already set some ground rules and you already have that foundation and confidence that proactive training provides.

When clearly defined, the right choice is obvious: proactive training is the way to go!

What does proactive training look like?

It can look different for different families. It can be the owner taking firm, patient, consistent steps to teach their dog right from wrong independently. It can look like group training classes, designed to set a foundation with basic obedience skills. It can look like a private trainer coming to your home, either to help you prepare for an incoming dog or to help you teach the one you have.

What if it’s already too late for proactive training?

Proactive training is ideal, but it’s not always realistic. If your dog has already begun exhibiting signs of behavioral problems, we are in no way saying that training is a lost cause. Training is always helpful, and with the right trainer and a dedicated owner, it’s guaranteed to be effective.

bonding with your dog

THIS IS A RELATIONSHIP

Like all relationships, the one you have with your dog must be nurtured. Luckily, man’s best friend is pretty easy to please. Take care of them, play with them, and make them part of the family.

Dogs thrive on consistency. Consistent feedings, consistent bathroom breaks, consistent expectations. In a dog’s mind, consistency equals trust, and trust is the foundation for every good relationship. One of the most damaging things a dog owner can do is to train without adequate communication or follow through. It causes confusion for the dog and frustration for the owner.

It’s always a good idea to include professional puppy training when getting a puppy acclimated to a new environment. This simple step can give you the tools and foundation you need to continue training, oftentimes on your own, as the dog gets older. As with children, it’s almost guaranteed that your dog will test boundaries and present new challenges as they grow.

If you’ve tried training your dog yourself (or you’ve adopted an older dog) and it hasn’t gone quite as planned, it’s never too late to involve a professional. Communication is so important, and who better to get you and your dog back on the right track than a canine behavioral specialist?

Training is a huge part of the bonding process, but the fun thing about dogs is that pretty much everything is an opportunity for you and your dog to become best buds.

Playing with your dog lets you spend time with them while making sure they get the exercise they need. Take them for long walks, make them part of a dog-friendly 5k, throw a ball for them.

Just petting your dog will get them used to being touched, and they’ll also come to recognize you and other family members as safe, friendly people. Eventually, they’ll come to recognize you as family.

Go the Extra Mile

Consider giving your dog the recognition they deserve—and spend even more time together while you’re at it! See if there’s an AKC Canine Good Citizen Program near you.

BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS

BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS AND PHYSICAL WELLNESS

There is more to your dog’s health and happiness than physical wellness. Your dog’s mental health is just as important!

When we think of mental health, we might think of counseling or therapy. However, a dog’s mind doesn’t work the same way ours does, so for dogs taking care of mental health typically equates to taking care of behavioral health.

We may assume that dogs are happiest when left to their own devices—when they can run, jump, bark, chew shoes, and dig up the yard to their hearts’ content. We certainly aren’t happy when they exhibit these behaviors, but they must be. Otherwise, they wouldn’t do it, right?

The answer may surprise you. Sometimes these excessive behaviors stem from boredom or insecurity. We like freedom of choice, but dogs like to be told what to do.

It all goes back to the domestic dog’s ancestry and the fact that, instinctively, they are pack animals. Dogs crave this kind of structure. However, contrary to popular belief, the “alpha male” isn’t the one who has established dominance by proving himself to be the biggest, baddest wolf in the pack, so you never need to be aggressive towards your dog to create the structure they need. In fact, the alpha male and alpha female are better defined as simply the parents of the pack.

Many dog owners already view their pets as “fur babies” so this shouldn’t be too hard for us. How would a parent provide structure? The goal is for everyone in the household to know their role and the rules of the home, and these boundaries exist so that the family unit can coexist peacefully. Responsible dog owners should strive to provide this for their pets, as well.

Of course, there is one small detail that makes this harder to achieve with dogs than with humans, and that’s the ability to communicate. You can’t very well say to your dog: “Now, look, you need to stop peeing on the rug because it’s stinky and dirty and it’s bothering everyone. Can you please just go outside?”

So what’s the alternative? Training.

Read a book, go to group classes, or hire a private trainer; just make sure you take your dog’s behavioral wellness seriously. The structure that training provides will reduce stress in your dog’s life and make for a happier family dynamic and a healthier dog—in every sense of the word.

KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY

BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

There is a lot that goes in to making sure your dog stays healthy and lives the longest, fullest life possible. Regular trips to the vet, grooming, diet, and exercise all play an important role in your dog’s physical health.

Check-ups

Vets are trained to catch underlying health problems that we might miss. Taking your dog’s routine visits seriously is absolutely vital to your dog’s health. Most dogs don’t like going to the vet, but you can make it easier for them. Teach them what to expect, and get them used to the way the vet might handle them.

Vets will also make sure your dog is getting the right dosage of monthly preventative medications, as well as any important vaccines. These ensure your dog will never suffer from the pain of heartworms, Lyme disease, and canine parvovirus, to name a few.

Grooming

Did you know that untrimmed nails can negatively affect a dog’s joints? No dog likes having their nails trimmed or ears cleaned, but it must be done. You can get your dog prepared to visit the groomer in the same way you’d get them prepared for the vet.

A dog with itchy ears, long nails, and matted fur might be happy he’s not being touched where he doesn’t want to be—but he certainly isn’t healthy!

Some dogs might need a little extra help getting to the point where they can be properly groomed, even by their owner. Professional training should always be considered an option. If a kid is struggling with something in school, the parent hires a tutor. It’s not so different.

Diet & Exercise

If a dog is 20% more than the recommended weight for their breed, they are considered obese. For a Chihuahua, this could be the difference of just two pounds. For a Labrador, it could be fourteen pounds. It’s always important to know your dog’s breed and its specific guidelines.

Most of us have probably been guilty of overfeeding, offering extra treats, and slipping our dogs some table food. It’s hard to tell them no—they aren’t called puppy-dog eyes for nothing! But we have to be careful that we are always acting in our dog’s best interest. Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from failing joints and heart problems.

Try counteracting those extra calories with exercise. You can take your dog for a walk or a run, of course, but if that isn’t feasible, get creative! Kick a ball, throw a toy, buy a doggie treadmill. Just keep that dog active!

Go the Extra Mile

Consider taking a pet first aid course. If there is ever an emergency, you’ll be glad you did!

PROPER NUTRITION

WHAT YOU FEED YOUR DOG DOES MATTER

Do you know your dog’s nutritional needs? It’s easy to go to the store, pick out food with a happy dog on the front of the bag, and call it a day. But the truth is different dogs require different diets, depending on their age and breed.

Here are a few important food facts that apply to all dogs:

Dogs aren’t actually carnivorous animals—they’re omnivores, just like us.
The components needed to ensure a healthy diet for your dog are: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.
Low-calorie dog food with recognizable ingredients is the way to go!

Now let’s break down your dog’s dietary requirements by stage of life.

Puppy Stage

As you might have guessed, puppies require a little extra food for their growing bodies, and those tiny tummies mean they need to eat more often, too! Also, invest in puppy chow. It might seem unnecessary—it’s not like a mother dog would find a separate meal for her pup out in the wild—but if it’s good quality, puppy chow will provide important benefits like extra calcium.

To make sure you’re fully prepared for an incoming puppy, it’s always a good idea to talk with a vet, or a reputable trainer who is aligned with a vet, about your dog’s specific needs.

Adult Stage

You can switch your puppy to adult dog chow around the one-year mark. If you have a large breed dog, consider large breed dog food. Again, if the company is reputable and the food is quality, the label won’t be there just for fun; it’s a diet that is specially designed to help prevent issues like hip dysplasia and other joint disorders.

Where do treats come into play? You can absolutely train a dog without using treats, and it might wind up being healthier for them in the long run. Fewer calories mean it’s less likely your dog will become overweight. However, the occasional treat (no more than about 10% of their diet) should offer some kind of benefit, whether it’s dental hygiene or added nutrients.

Senior Stage

Senior dogs need the same thing most of us need as we get older: less sodium, fewer calories, and fewer carbohydrates. Many senior dog foods will also include ingredients designed to combat joint issues, inflammation, and senility. You could also think about adding supplements at this stage; glucosamine is especially beneficial when it comes to joint health.

Go the Extra Mile

Would you know what to do if your dog choked or consumed a toxic substance? Consider a pet first aid class to keep you prepared!

Sources: https://vcahospitals.com and https://dogtime.com

THROUGH THE YEARS

YOU ARE THE BEST PART OF THE RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER COALITION!

Some of us are lucky enough to know our dog for their entire life. Maybe you picked yours out of a litter when they were newborn, and you counted down the weeks until they were old enough to bring home. Maybe you found your new best friend in a shelter when they were just a few months old. Or maybe your story doesn’t look anything like that—maybe an adult dog stole your heart or you adopted a sweet senior.

Whatever the story is behind you and your canine companion, we all know that they grow up fast, and sometimes it’s difficult to stay on top of their changing needs.

To help you handle these transitions, we at the Responsible Dog Owner Coalition have compiled a few tips for each stage of your dog’s life.

Puppies:

This is the ideal time to start training. Bond with your dog while establishing ground rules.
Make sure your puppy gets their first check up and all necessary vaccines. Keeping your dog healthy for life starts here!
Invest in puppy chow. It’s designed specifically to give growing dogs the nutrition they need.
Your puppy may not reach their full size until about two years of age, depending on breed. The size of their parents can give you an idea of their future size.
Now is the time to look into reputable kennels and pet sitters in case you need to leave town, expectedly or unexpectedly, and can’t bring your pup with you.

Adults

Adult dogs can decide quite suddenly they aren’t pleased with the status quo. Expect behavioral changes as they get more confident and opinionated—and make sure you have a training plan in place!
Consider a noncompetitive good citizenship certification for your pet. It will keep their training fresh and reward them for their good behavior.
Make sure the food you choose is nutritious and that the number of calories complements your dog’s lifestyle.
Daily exercise, proper nutrition, regular checkups, and positive interaction are all essential to your adult dog’s health and happiness.

Seniors

If you haven’t taken one already, consider a pet first aid course so you feel prepared in case of an emergency.
Food designed to help keep a senior dog healthy, as well as supplements geared toward bone and brain health, are essential at this stage of life.
Consider asking for a senior blood screen when you take your dog to the vet.
Make room in your budget for special accommodations that a senior dog may require, like beds designed to alleviate arthritis pain or ramps and stairs to help them reach high places.
Be sure to keep an eye out for new lumps and bumps, and be aware of changes in eyesight and hearing.
Know that your dog is ever-changing and even senior dogs sometimes require a behavioral adjustment. You can teach an old dog new tricks!