Adding a dog to your family can be one of the most fun, rewarding things that you can do. However, many people don't see past the cute puppy and realize that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment with certain responsibilities. Responsible dog ownership goes far beyond just keeping the animal fed and watered. Your dog depends on you to feed him, care for him, keep him healthy and spend time with him. It isn't fair to just stick your dog outside or in his kennel and never spend any time with him. Dogs are very social animals and they need time with their family. So before you bring that cute little puppy into your home, know what you are getting into and what your responsibilities will be.

Vaccines

There are certain vaccines, such as rabies, that are required by law and you must get them for your dog every year. Other shots that are highly recommended include Distemper, Adenovirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Corona virus, Bordetella, Lyme Disease, and Giardia. These vaccines help to keep your dog healthy so that he will be with your family for a long time.

Vet Care

Your dog should have a check up by a veterinarian at least once a year. If you have a special needs dog or a dog that is older, you may need to see your vet more often. Certain breeds also have specific health risks that may be associated with them. Larger dogs, for example, can be prone to hip dysplasia which can cause a great deal of pain for the dog. It is important that your dog see the vet regularly so that you can ensure he is receiving the best possible care.

Spay or Neuter

Unless your dog is going to be bred, you should have him or her altered. Males are neutered and females are spayed. This means that they can not reproduce. There are several reasons for doing this, the number one being more altered animals means fewer unwanted animals. The pet population explosion, as it is called, leaves countless dogs and cats at the mercy of a very cruel world because there just aren't enough homes to go around. If every pet owner would do the responsible thing and spay or neuter their pet (even inside animals) we would have fewer unwanted strays, the shelters would not be overcrowded and the pet owners would have healthier animals.

Nutrition

Of course you need to feed your dog and make sure that he always has clean, fresh water, but it really goes further than that if you want a healthy dog. There are many different types of dog food on the market, some are high quality, and some are not. Ask your vet for recommendations on food so that you can be sure that you are getting your dog the best possible food with the most nutritional benefits. Better yet, ask your vet what he feeds his dog.

Education

A well behaved dog is a happy dog. If you have a dog that is out of control, jumping on everyone and being a nuisance, no one will want to spend time with him. He will be a very lonely animal. You owe it to your dog to train him. Obedience schools are located in just about every city. Many pet stores offer dog obedience training, as do some vets and animal welfare groups. Make sure that your dog is pleasant to be around so that he will not be isolated due to undisciplined behavior.

Time and Attention

Bottom line, your dog needs your time and attention every day. Walk him, play with him, pet him and give him your attention. Dogs need socialization and they need attention. If you can't devote at least an hour out of your day to spend with your dog, maybe you should think about getting a goldfish or turtle.