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Do you take a plastic bag to “pick
up” after your dog and throw waste in a trash can? Do you pickup at home, in
parks, hotels, and on vacation? Do you keep boulevard and trash cans secure?
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Do you use a “flex lead”? Do you
allow your the dog to run at will through yards and out into the street? Do
you secure your pet during July 4th, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and various
holidays?
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Do you monitor your dog or do you
allow it to jump on smaller dogs walking with other dog owners? Do you
address aggression issues?
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Do you care for your pet’s coat or
do you take it to a groomer and expect the groomer to restore your pet’s
coat or a minimal fee? For “breed specific” cuts, enlist a certified
groomer. Do you know hygiene cuts “ward off” kidney infections, maggots and
flea infestations?
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Do you allow your pet to jump on
people with health issues? Do you allow your pet to jump on strangers? Does
your pet stand back when company enters your house?
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Do you REALLY think everyone loves
dogs?
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Does your dog bark consistently if
tied or fenced in the back yard? Do you address your neighbor’s complaints?
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Do you know an underground fence
protects only YOUR dog and does NOT prevent larger dogs from entering your
yard? This may cause serious damage to your pet.
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Do you leave your pet or child
inside a hot car in summer?
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Do you allow your pet to run free in
the veterinarian’s office? (STOP THAT) Consider others with their pets and
understand dogs go to the vet because they are SICK!
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Do you leave your dog unconfined for
long periods of time and allow it to cause damage to personal plants and
items?
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Do you allow your dog to “mark at
will”? Do you respect another’s property?
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Do you spay or neuter your pet or do
you fill the humane society with unwanted animals?
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Do you wash bowls or do you feed
rotten food carried over from prior feedings?
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Do you make sure clean water is
accessible?
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Do you allow your dog to run the
fence between houses, thus aggravating other pets and owners?
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Do you keep proper bedding for your
pet both summer and winter?
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Do you socialize your pet?
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Do you realize using severe collars
or tie outs damages your pets vocal chords and neck?
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Do you place your pet in a proper
home if you are required to relocate?
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Do you keep immunizations current?
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Do you clean the immediate area your
pet resides in or do you allow feces and dirt to build up in your run?
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Do you respect rental property,
clean up vomit, feces, and urine? Do you notify your landlord you have a pet
and pay your pet deposit?
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Do you have an insurance policy to
protect you regarding pet damage?
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Do you pick a pet that fits your
lifestyle or do you discard your pet if it doesn’t “work out”?
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Do you leave a choke collar on your
pet at all times to be caught on protruding objects which may cause death?
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Do you obtain permission before
taking the pet to another’s home or activity?
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Do you cut toe nails periodically so
your dog doesn’t become crippled?
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Do you check for and address health
issues in a timely manner?
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Do you take care of dental hygiene
for your pet?
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Do you clean ears and eyes
periodical?
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Do you use flea protection and heart
worm preventative?
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Do you have an overweight pet due to
eating foods “NOT fit for a dog”?
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Do you accept responsibility for the
pet you “could not live without” when you seek another source of
entertainment?
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Do you monitor small children with
your pet or do you make sure your children accept responsibility for their
care?
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Do you pick up clothing and other
items from the floor or do you reprimand your pet when it is destructive?
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Do you pick up dropped medication?
Do you keep household cleaning items secure?
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Do you seek permission when
introducing your pet for closer inspection or affection? (Some children and
adults are terrified of dogs)
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Do you visit a dog park? Do you keep
your pet on lead until compatibility is established?
PETS ADD TO OUR EVERYDAY LIVES AND WELL BEING. ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER? ASK YOUR NEIGHBOR, ASK YOUR VET! ASK YOUR PET!!
Take this quick quiz to learn WHY pets are not welcome in many hotels, neighborhoods, and parks and if YOU are partly responsible for rejection of the dog you love.
