I am a dog lover. Owning a dog has brought a sense of enrichment into my life that I never could have imagined. She is my best friend and helps me strive to be a better human each and every day.

Still, pet ownership comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. The love of a pet also comes with extensive training, patience, and a lot of money spent on toys, training materials, and replacing chewed-up household items. Still, we love our pets, and if you are thinking about adoption, consider the following traits that responsible pet owners try to adhere to every day.

Get Them Spayed or Neutered

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There are thousands of overpopulated animal shelters across the country, and many of them are desperate to find homes for their animals. One of the main reasons these shelters are overwhelmed with cats and dogs is the lack of pets being spayed or neutered. The result is more dogs than quality homes to take them in.

This is why it’s so essential for responsible pet owners to have their furry friends fixed. As the great Bob Barker used to say, “Help control the pet population; have your pets spayed or neutered.”

Give Them the Best Nutrition Possible

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Bringing a dog home is bringing home a new member of the family. From the day you sign their adoption papers, you are responsible for their health and feeding them high-quality food. Sure, it might be cheaper to buy their food from a discount store, but would you feed your family the same type of garbage?

A dog’s diet helps control your pet’s weight, the quality of their coat keeps them active and gives them the best nutrition for a long, fulfilling life. Be sure to check with your pet’s vet to determine the best meal plan for your pup’s breed, weight, age, and medical history.

Provides Adequate Exercise

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One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is cuddling up with my dog on the couch and watching a movie. But, as a responsible owner, I understand the importance of giving my dog the proper time for exercise and playtime.

All dogs are different, but all dogs need some form of energy release. This can include a brisk walk, playing fetch in the park, letting them run around with other dogs, or letting them have a swim. Giving them daily exercise will help them calm down during the evenings, curb mischievous behavior, and sleep through the night.

Makes Time for Their Dogs

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There is a saying about dogs that I love. It says, “Your dog is a part of your life, but to them, you are their whole life.” Think about that next time you leave your dog for an extended period of time.

Forming a strong bond with your dog, much like other relationships, requires time. You didn’t adopt a dog to keep them outside, or sheltered in another room in your home. No! You got a dog to have a companion, show them you love them by dedicating time to let them know they are a part of the family.

Clean Up After Their Dogs

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One of the biggest pet peeves of responsible dog owners is when others leave their pet’s waste in public. Not picking up after your dog uses the bathroom might be one of the rudest acts. Now, the rest of the people on your block or in the park have to dodge your pet’s waste and deal with the foul smell.

Seriously, how hard is it to carry around some plastic bags? I understand cleaning up after they use the bathroom is gross, but it is your responsibility as an owner. If you fail to do this, understand the rest of the owners at the park hate you, and cannot wait to turn you in.

Train Their Dogs

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Puppies are like four-legged toddlers. They need constant guidance and training to become well-behaved adults. This requires patience and commitment from parents. It is never easy, but raising these little guys is part of your responsibility.

Additionally, dogs crave the stability of training exercises. They stimulate their brains and give them a sense of purpose. After all, dogs aim to please, so constant teaching is one of the best things you can do for your pet.

Proper Socialization

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Like humans, dogs enjoy and thrive from interactions with the same species. Think of taking your dog to the dog park the same way you meet up with your friends for a happy hour or game night. Sniffing each other’s butts and chasing each other around a park is just like us humans catching up over a coffee or adult beverage.

That being said, we must slowly teach our dogs how to behave around others. Some dogs are not as social as others, so it is essential to know how your pet is around others and teach them how to act in public situations.

Getting Them the Correct Identification

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Imagine getting lost without your cell phone, wallet, or GPS system in your vehicle. It sounds terrifying! What would you do? I guess if you are in an unfamiliar area, you would wander aimlessly until someone stops to help you.

Luckily, the odds of you being lost without a phone or wallet are pretty slim. But this could be the case if your dog were to accidentally get out of the yard and find itself lost. That is why you should make sure your pup has a proper collar, a registered tag, and a microchip to help it get home safely.

Takes Them to the Vet

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I don’t know very many people who enjoy a doctor’s visit. Often, you are sitting there naked, getting poked and pinched, all while answering uncomfortable questions and praying not to hear bad news. It’s a very unpleasant time. Still, it is a part of life, and it is the same even if you are a dog.

Even though the vet might be scary, it is the best way to keep your pet healthy and live a long life. Be sure to take your pet in regularly, follow the doctor’s advice, and give your pet a treat afterward—they deserve it after such a traumatic vet visit.

Providing Good Hygiene

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Dogs are generally pretty good at grooming and cleaning themselves. But while they are great at licking their bum, they need help with other basic hygiene acts that come easily for humans.

Dogs do not need to bathe as much as humans, but depending on their coats and how dirty they get, a bath every now and then is required. They also need help trimming their nails, cleaning their teeth, and brushing their hair.

Give Them Preventative Care

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Unfortunately, dogs are more susceptible to diseases, viruses, and pests that humans never think about. After all, when was the last time you worried about fleas jumping on you and setting up colonies all over your body?

Sadly, fleas love dogs. Their fur is prime real estate for these itchy biters to set up property and raise their thousands of children. And for those who have dealt with fleas, you know how miserable they can make your pup. That is why responsible owners stay on top of medicine to keep our pets happy and disease-free.

They are Forever Owners

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Lastly, responsible owners understand that when they bring a dog into their home, it is now the dog’s home as well. Dogs are the most loyal animals on the planet, and letting them bond with you, only to take them back to the shelter, can break their little furry heart. They don’t understand what they did wrong; they only know the abandonment.

Please think long and hard about the massive commitment of owning a pet. There is nothing like the love of a dog. Treat them well, give them a good life, and I promise you your life will be better off having them a part of it.