100 Ways to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

Exercise and Enrichment

  1. Exercise daily.
    Walks, runs, and playtime burn energy and stimulate the mind.
  2. Provide mental stimulation.
    Puzzle toys, scent games, and training challenges keep your dog sharp.
  3. Offer a variety of toys.
    Rotate them to keep your dog interested and prevent boredom.
  4. Encourage safe exploration.
    Allow time to sniff, wander, and experience new environments.
  5. Create fun indoor activities.
    On rainy days, play hide-and-seek, obstacle courses, or tug-of-war indoors.
  6. Take hikes, if your dog is able.
    Nature is great for both you and your dog’s health and happiness.
  7. Schedule dog playdates thoughtfully.
    Choose friendly, compatible playmates and supervise their interactions.
  8. Teach fun tricks.
    Mental workouts like learning “roll over” or “spin” build confidence.
  9. Allow time for independent play.
    Dogs need self-directed activities too.
  10. Respect when your dog needs rest.
    Downtime is important, especially for puppies and seniors.

Training and Behavior

  1. Teach basic obedience commands.
    Sit, stay, come, down, and leave it can literally save your dog’s life.
  2. Use positive reinforcement methods.
    Rewarding good behavior works better — and builds trust.
  3. Be consistent with commands and rules.
    Dogs learn best when expectations are clear and steady.
  4. Avoid punishment-based training.
    Fear damages the bond between you and your dog.
  5. Socialize your dog early and often.
    Positive experiences with people, pets, and environments create confidence.
  6. Enroll in obedience classes if needed.
    Professional guidance can set both of you up for success.
  7. Focus on short, positive sessions.
    Frequent five-minute lessons beat occasional hour-long marathons.
  8. Be patient with mistakes.
    Learning is a process, not a one-time event.
  9. Address problem behaviors early.
    Nipping issues in the bud prevents bigger problems later.
  10. Celebrate victories, big and small.
    Puppy sat instead of jumping? That’s a win! Praise it!