Dog make good companions for people, as they
are intelligent,
playful and fun. However, this mutually benefiting relationship takes
up time and energy a dogs can be expensive to look after and they need
space. A dog is not a good pet in busy households or for owners who are
out all day. Having a dog is a long tem commitment and dog owners must
be prepared that their dog can live up to 10 years or more. Owning a
dog is a lot of fun and it can bring a lot of joy to the owner, but
prospective owners should have some knowledge about the animals that
they are going to keep.
LIFE SPAN
This depends on the size of the dog, usually 12-14 years.
CHARACTERISTICS
All dog should be alert and responsive. A dog's temperament
depends on its upbringing and environment; it is a product of its home
life, handling, socialization and heredity. Dog can be aggressive
towards strangers; therefore control must be exercised when a strange
dog meets unfamiliar people. To reduce a dog's human-aggressive trait,
walks in the park and other socializing activities can be carried out.
BEHAVIOUR
The dog is a pack animal and will be upset if left on its own
for long periods of time. Different breeds have different temperaments
and abilities, but all dogs need the company and attention of their
owners. Basic training is important and puppies should be house trained
and behavioural training from 8 weeks of age. Formal training should
begin at three to four months.
HANDLING
Lift a puppy by scooping it up gently with one hand under its
chest. Lift a dog by standing sideways to it and taking its weight at
the chest and hindquarters. Dogs may bite when surprised or when teased
so they need to be handled gently. There are also some dogs that, as a
result of bad experience, behave unnaturally or even bite in fear, or
due to pain. Anyone who adopts an adult dog should first get some
information on the dog's background and peculiarities.
BREEDING
Thousands of unwanted puppies are born every year and the SPCA
strongly advises that dogs be neutered to stop them from reproducing.
Neutering is a simple operation that can be arranged through a
veterinarian. The operation is done under general anesthesia and it is
a simple, safe procedure, from which the dogs recover quickly. The
neutered dog also has the added benefit of lowered risk of suffering
from uterine infections, mammary tumours. Female dogs that have not
been neutered come into season up to twice a year and they can have up
to 12 puppies in each litter. Puppies should stay with their mother
until they are at least 8 weeks old.
HEALTH
Puppies must be vaccinated against certain serious diseases
and given regular boosters throughout their lives. Your veterinary
surgeon will be able to advise you on this. Many dogs suffer from
external parasites such as mites or ticks or internal parasites such as
worms. Treatments for these conditions are available from your
veterinarian. A good diet and exercise is also important for proper
growth and maintenance of the dog at its optimum weight. Generally if
you have any concerns about your dog's health, ask your veterinarian
for advice.
So, if you want to own a dog, you need:
1. Commitment - a dog' life is likely to last 10 years or
even longer.
2. Space - you have your work, friends and other commitments but your
dog only has you. Don't tie or cage your dog the whole day. Dogs need
exercise. Leash your dogs when they are out with you.
3. Budget - provide your dogs with adequate feed and you should take
them for annual visits to the veterinarian.
4. Welfare - dogs don't need to reproduce and unwanted litters are a
nuisance to the community. You should avoid dumping dogs anywhere.
5. Time - Care for your dog. Talk to your dogs, even though they don't
understand your words. They know your voice when you speak to them.
Make sure you give them time to understand what you want from them.
6. Be Aware - Before you scold dogs for being lazy or uncooperative,
ask yourself if something might be bothering them. Perhaps they are not
getting the right food, or they are unwell.
7. Companionship - No matter how busy you are, your dogs need a little
of your time, company, love and attention.
8. Consideration - Never let your dog be a nuisance to your neighbours.
Never let them foul in public places.
9. Observation - It is the law that dogs should have a collar with
identification when they are in public places.
10. Be Humane - When your dog is sick or pain, do not leave it to
suffer and die from starvation or disease. Take it to the veterinarian
if it is ill.
Important Advise to Dog Owners
Animals have as much right to live as we do. Have respect for
them and give them these 5 freedoms. They should be entitled to:
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst - enough good food and water to keep
them healthy.
2. Freedom from discomfort - comfortable cages or resting areas.
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease - rapid veterinary treatment
if they are ill.
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour - so they have enough space and
company.
5. Freedom from fear and distress - treatment that avoids mental
suffering.
Before getting a dog as a pet, you should ask yourself:
1. Do I have the time?
2. Do I have the space?
3. Do I have the means?
