General advice for dog owners

Below you will find a few tips on how to be a responsible dog owner:

• Make sure your dog always wears a collar with a tag or disc which has your name and address on
• Do not allow your dog to wander and stray
• Train your dog to ‘come’, ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. Consider attending local dog obedience classes
• Keep your dog under control and on a lead
• Remember the Countryside Code and never let your dog worry livestock. Even letting your dog walk in the same field, as farm animals may be considered as ‘worrying’. Remember the farmer is entitled to kill your dog if it is worrying livestock
• Do not let your dog be noisy and so disturb your neighbours
• Do not let your dog foul footpaths, pavements or verges
• If your dog fouls in a park or open space clean it up
• Register your dog with a local vet
• Have your pet vaccinated against diseases and then have the regular booster vaccinations at least once a year
• Roundworm and tapeworm can affect dogs at any age so make sure they are wormed every six months
• If your dog gets fleas treat with a reliable spray, dusting powder or wash. Also make sure that you clean the areas your dog uses and sleeps in
• Ask your vet about having your dog neutered to avoid unwanted pups
• Keep your dog clean by grooming at least once a week and bathing sporadically
• Feed your dog regularly from its own bowl
• Never leave your dog alone for long periods
• Make proper arrangements to have your dog looked after when you go away
• Do not leave your dog in the car for long periods of time particularly during summer months
• Never take your dog into a food shop