Guide To Responsible Dog Ownership And How We Can Help

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The dog warden service for Peterborough City Council provides a Government statutory duty. This statutory duty is to provide an officer to deal with stray dogs and to prevent them roaming public areas, where these dogs may form packs, foul indiscriminately, endanger traffic and show aggression to people that they do not know.

We have put in place certain proactive approaches to reduce the level of complaints about dogs, which work alongside our enforcement role duties.

The responsibility of a dog, it's actions, behaviour, whereabouts and, if it was ever considered, its re-homing to another owner, for whatever reason, is the OWNER of the dog.

This guide is to highlight your responsibilities, our enforcement role, and also the proactive ways in which we can assist any dog owner, with the responsibility of owning an animal that has been at our side for thousands of years and is molded by our actions towards it, good or bad.

Before taking a dog on, there should be some questions which you need to ask yourself.

Can I afford to buy the dog I want?
Can I afford the veterinary bills?
I need to consider insurance for the dog
Will I be able to spend time with the dog and train it?
Do I understand the breed of dog that I am considering?
Will there be someone who will see the dog regularly during the day?
The dog will need, whatever breed, exercise, grooming and care?
Can I afford to feed the dog? It will need a stable diet every day?
Is my home/garden big enough for the dog I want?
Can I commit 12-15 years to the dogs welfare and needs?
When going on holiday, can I take the dog or can I afford kennels?
Am I getting a dog for the right reason, and not just a guard dog?
Are other pets in the house going to be affected by the presence of a dog?

OK, Great! We have got this far. The whole family are committed to dog ownership, and the cat is considering what his new friend will be like.

There are many rescue centres that will re-home unwanted dogs. With the correct understanding, approach, and introduction to the family members these dogs can make good companions. There are many re-homing centres, two of which are highlighted below. If you would like any further information we have a Kennel Club Dog rescue directory with many other rescue centres for all parts of the country.

TJC Kennels

Wisbech

01945 583177

Wood Green Animal Centre

Godmanchester

01480 830014

Dogs will also need leads, bowls, beds, a collar with a tag, grooming combs or brush and if a puppy, toys.

So, we have the dog and all of its odds and ends that it needs. The cat has been suitably introduced, and although this new dog friend is a bit boisterous, a lasting friendship is on the cards.

Inoculations

Inoculations should now be an essential next step. Check that the dog has not already had any, if it has there should be a written record available. If the dog has not been inoculated or it is uncertain that it has, then a visit should be made to a Veterinary surgery and they will suitably inoculate the dog.

At this time it is worth getting advice on worming tablets which the dog should have. For the health of your dog (and your family) pet inoculations and worming tablets should be kept up to date.

Further information is available on the following:-

So far we have your dog, hopefully from a rescue centre and it has been socialised into your family, you understand the commitment you have, the dog has been wormed and is undertaking training for basic commands.

It will wear a collar and tag and be under suitable control in a public place. It will have been socialised with other animals to accept them and not to fight. A basic understanding of dog legislation is known and you know a number to phone if you are unsure.

The next step is considering:-

Spaying/Neutering Of Your Dog

As a fully fledged dog-owner, you now need to know what to do if things go wrong:-

First Aid For Your Dog

Dog Wardens in Peterborough have also provided further information to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Dogs are good companions, beneficial to health and encourages responsibility, especially with younger persons. The commitment you show to your dog will be given back to you one hundred fold.

Finally if you do lose your dog, contact the following:-

Your local Police Station and file a lost report.
Your Local Authority and ask to speak to the Dog Warden to file a lost report.
If you border other Local Authorities do the same as in 2, with them.
Put up posters in your local shops, ask the local paper if they would run a missing item in their paper.

Ensure your dog always wears a collar and tag or is microchipped to help get your dog back.

For further information, please contact the Pest and Dog Team .