Handy Tips

The companionship and love of a dog or cat can be a delightful experience. As you enjoy, the pleasure of your pets company, a little extra effort on Your part will leach your pet to be a good neighbour, as well.

Your pet reflects your own sense of civic responsibility and consideration for others. Ask yourself, "Would I want my pet living next door to me?"

Training your pet to be a good neighbour is not difficult, especially if you begin when it's young. Your efforts will he rewarded with a pet that is a joy to you and a good neighbour in your community.

This article offers suggestions how you can be a good pet owning neighbour.

A Good Dog Neighbour

"Love me love my dog" is what every, responsible dog owner wants people to do. How lovable your dog is to others depends upon the knd of training and care he received from you. If you acquire a puppy, start training immediately while his habits are in the formative stage. If you acquire an older dog you should allow both time and patience to train him to adjust to your life style and become a welcome neighbour.

The time you spend training your dog will be rewarded by long hours of loving companionship free from worry about your neighbours.

Walking Your Dog

Dogs need daily exercise. Depending upon their age and temperament, they should have freedom to play in a fenced area or he walked on a leash.

A daily walk with your dog can be a treat for both of you when the dog is trained to walk quietly at heel or a loose leash. Teaching your dog to walk at your side this helps you control him so he won't jump on people, frighten, or possibly injure them. It also keeps your dog from jumping on other dogs. Walking a well trained dog can be relaxing for you and a safe exercise for him.

Local Laws

Know your local laws about dog owners responsibilities. Many municipalities have laws requiring owners to clean up after their dogs. Failure to do so may result in a fine or jail sentence. Other municipal regulations require that dogs be walked on a leash. Roaming dogs may be picked up and their owners must pay fines to reclaim them. To learn about your local laws, contact your police department or animal control department.

Curbing Your Dog

When you walk your dog be sure to curb him. This means that you should guide him into the street next to the curb when he is about to relieve himself. Dogs learn this procedure quickly.

Many cities have laws claiming public right over grassy area between the sidewalk and the street. However, the property owners are required to maintain this area. Dog owners who allow their dogs to soil this area are not making friends for themselves or their dogs by this thoughtless act. Walkng a dog,or keeping him in a fenced yard, helps prevent the problem of roaming dogs. Once a dog becomes a roamer, this annoying habit is hard to break.

Obedience Training

A dog trained to obey five basic commands; "come", "sit", "heel", "stay" and "liedown" is a dog you can trust almost anywhere. The best way to teach your dog basic obedience is to attend an obedience school. Courses which consist of ten to twelve weekly sessions can teach you how to train your dog. Obedience schools are often operated by organisations such as YMCA'S, kennel club and humane associations.

There are many good books on obedience training available through pet shops, book stores and libraries.

Yard Manners

It is not normal for a dog to want to soil his own yard, but to seek some other area. He may choose you neighbours yard. Even the friendliest neighbours can become angry when your pet wanders unchecked over their lawns, soils their yards, and dig up grass or flowers.

To keep your dog at home, teach him to use a certain portion of your own yard. Place some of his droppings in this area, then take him to that spot when you know it's necessary.

When he relieves himself, praise him. Meanwhile, spray other locations he previously used with good commercial dog repellent. The odour will keep your dog away from 'off limits' places, and he will start using the location you selected for him.

Fences and Things

If your yard is fenced, containing your dog should not be a problem. Keep the area clean by disposing of droppings regularly. Various scoop-type gadgets are available which make it easy to pick up droppings for disposal.

If your yard is not fenced, there are a number of ways you can keep your dog contained. One of the best and easiest things is a swivel stake that screws firmly into the ground. A chain of any desired length can be purchased with a clasp at each end. One clasp hooks to the stake, the other to your dogs collar. Your dog now has freedom to run without becoming entangled around a tree or post.

Another device is a tree to tree wire with a pulley that holds the chain. A visit to a pet supply or hardware store, plus a little ingenuity on your own part will provide an outside exercise and relief area for your dog while keeping him at home.

By Colin Curtis