Are You Responsible for Your Dog?
Sep 16, 2025
You know I’m a dog person, right? This isn’t coming as a shock to anyone who knows me, or most of the people who just know OF me. I have two dogs now, (just in case you’re counting, they are dogs number 16 and 17) and since I got my first Siberian Husky, I’ve been enthralled by all things dog – dog shows, dog training, dog competitions, and of course, the actual dogs themselves.
Tomorrow is Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Every year, dog clubs, dog training centers, and dog enthusiasts share our passion for dogs as we share our passion for helping dogs be the best companion possible.
If you share your life with a dog or dogs, read on to see how easy it is to not only be a responsible dog owner, but to help your dog live their best life!
- Take your dog places with you. Take them to the park, on errands, into places where dogs are allowed (and not where they’re not, please!), and to pick up the kids from school. Dogs love going to different places because they get to smell new smells, and it’s with their nose that they learn and enjoy the world.
- Teach your dog fun tricks. When you teach your dog tricks, you’re actually doing far more than creating a dog that’s fun at parties, you’re building your own relationship with your dog. Your dog is learning to look to you for fun and for what’s going to happen next.
- Take your dog to a training class. If your dog is a baby puppy, look for a Star Puppy class, and if your dog is a bit older (or even a LOT older) look for a basic training class focused on earning a CGC, or Canine Good Citizen title. Again, the process of taking a class together builds a stronger bond with your dog, plus you learn skills you’ll use as a dog owner for the rest of your life. And it doesn’t matter how old your dog is, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
If all you’ve ever done with your dog is share your house with it, you have no idea how much fun you’ve been missing! To get recommendations to good training classes (because there are a LOT of not-so-good trainers out there!) Google “(your city/region name) kennel club” and see what shows up. Look for the list of officers – there’s usually a corresponding secretary or a breeder referral person listed, and if so, they’ll be a good source of information for you. You can also ask your veterinarian about training classes – someone on their team is bound to know about local trainers and classes.
And if you’re like me and have been involved in the world of dogs and dog sports for years, maybe today, reach out to your friends with pet dogs and invite them to come and play with you.
Every dog deserves to lead a rich, fun life!
