Responsible Dog Ownership

All dogs deserve and require responsible ownership. However, large or strong breed dogs, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Cane Corsos, Huskies, Mastiffs, pitbull-type dogs, and many other strong breeds and mixes, require responsible ownership to ensure everyone's happiness and safety. Almost all serious dog bite-related incidents across all breeds stem from failures in responsible ownership. Below, we provide key factors that are critical for responsible ownership.

Key Areas 🐶

Vitals

  • Regular (at least yearly) veterinary checkups and all required vaccines.
  • Adequate food and water (a hungry dog is an unhappy dog).
  • Strongly consider spaying or neutering (the majority of serious incidents by male dogs are by intact males, and unfixed female dogs can have higher rates of aggression).

Exercise

  • Adequate exercise (walks, playtime) appropriate for the dog's age and energy level.
  • Exposure to both indoor and outdoor activities.
  • Exercise should be provided at least twice daily for younger dogs (under ~5 years).

Training

  • Teach basic obedience commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come."
  • Use positive reinforcement (reward good behavior with treats).
  • Avoid negative (punishment-based) training as it can lead to undesirable results such as increased aggression.
  • Socialize dogs at a young age (if possible) with other people and dogs.

safety

  • Always supervise dogs around infants and young children — no exceptions.
  • Tag and chip (dogs should always wear a collar with tags, and all dogs should be microchipped).
  • Always use a leash on walks (or in any situation where a dog could escape from its owner or guardian).
  • Never allow dogs to run loose (unless in a secure or fenced-in area). The only exception to this recommendation is in a designated off-leash area where the dog is under full voice and sight control.
  • Provide a secure, fenced-in yard for playtime and potty breaks.
  • Always follow all local laws and ordinances regarding dogs (e.g., leash laws, registration laws).

Bite Prevention

Most dog bite-related incidents can be prevented by heeding the basic warning signs of canine aggression and problematic behavior. A veterinarian, a professional dog trainer, or a licensed canine behavioral specialist should immediately assess any severe aggression or unsafe behavior. While all dogs may exhibit aggression in certain situations, any unsafe dog-on-dog or dog-on-human behavior should be evaluated immediately and professionally. In most cases, aggression and problematic behavior can be managed with professional training, avoiding specific situations (such as dog parks), using devices like muzzles during walks, or through veterinarian-prescribed medication (such as anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives). Warning signs can include:


  • Any previous incidents, aggression, or behavior issues that have not been addressed.
  • Any snarling, dog-on-dog aggression, dog-on-human aggression, or "non-playful" biting.
  • Any anxiety or fear that leads to aggressive or unsafe behavior.

Additional Information ℹ️

The factors for responsible ownership listed above are only recommendations — all situations are different, and all dogs are individuals that require different levels of care, attention, training, and commitment. Dogs rely entirely on their human companions for everything in life, from proper care and training to happiness and safety. Great dogs are created when they are properly and responsibly cared for. When they are, humans are rewarded with a loyal best friend that will provide companionship, happiness, and unconditional love. Links to additional resources on topics related to responsible ownership are provided below:


It is the human’s responsibility to teach our dogs the behaviors that we find appropriate, and reward them when they do the things we like. Just as importantly, it is our role to show them which behaviors are not appropriate in a constructive and compassionate manner that does not lead to further anxiety on the dog’s part.


The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

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