(In conjuction with a few other threads we've had about responsible dog ownership)

Responsible dog ownership means more than adoring your dog. Dog ownership is a serious commitment that consists of vital duties. Before you decide to get a dog, you must pledge to be responsible. Here are some of the most important rules of conscientious dog ownership.

Commit for the Long Haul
When you get a dog, it is not like getting a car loan. When your dog misbehaves, you can’t just trade him in. If he gets sick, it is your job to help him get well. If circumstances in your home environment change, you must consider the toll it will take on your dog and make every effort to help him along.


Make Time For Your Dog
Bonding is not something you can do once and assume it's finished. The bond with your dog is built during the first few weeks to months of ownership, but maintaining the bond is a lifelong process. Remember that while you are at work, out with friends, or running errands, your dog is usually just waiting for you to come home.

Provide Proper Identification
Your dog should wear a collar at all times with current identification. Consider microchipping your dog for an added layer of protection. Proper identification can help you become reunited with your dog if lost rather than letting your dog become one more homeless pet in an overcrowded shelter.

Spay and Neuter
Millions of pets are euthanized each year because of pet overpopulation. If you do not have your dog spayed or neutered you are contributing to this problem. If your dog is suitable for breeding, be a responsible breeder. You can help save lives – please sterilize your pets!

Do Not Be a “Backyard Breeder”
If you choose to breed your dog, be sure to follow the proper protocols. Your dog should be a quality, healthy purebred with no congenital or hereditary problems. Educate yourself about breeding standards, become involved with a network of responsible breeders and find a veterinarian who can be involved along the way. Reputable breeders have years of experience and education. Breeding dogs is not just a hobby.

Keep Your Dog Healthy
Because of their survival instinct, dogs are not as likely to show pain or illness as humans. Regular visits to your veterinarian, healthy diet and exercise are all important aspects to help your dog stay strong and content.

Train Your Dog
Proper etiquette not only benefits you and your dog; it also benefits others. A well-behaved dog is less likely to upset people and pets in public places and will be more welcome at gatherings. If your dog's misbehavior results in any sort of accident, injury or similar incident, you must take full responsibility for that behavior.

Respect Others, Be Respected
This may seem like common sense to some of us, but there are still dog owners out there who do not "get" it. Please help give dog owners a good name by following these rules:

Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in yard when outdoors. Even if you live where it is legal to allow your dog off-leash, you should supervise him at all times. Do not let him wander the neighborhood or get out of your sight.

Do not leave a barking dog outdoors. Continuous barking is not only unfair to your dog, it is rude and annoying to neighbors.

Pick up after your dog. No one wants to step in or smell that "gift" your dog left behind. Please pick it up right away and dispose of it properly. For convenience, try a bag dispenser, like the N2N Poop Patrol Bags.

http://dogs.about.com/od/caringfordogsandpuppies/tp/Responsible-Dog-Ownership.htm?nl=1

Lots of great info here!!!

*thumbs up!*
definitely important , useful, and great info!