National Dog Day 2018… is a dog the right pet for you?

National Dog Day 2018 is this coming Sunday 26th August, which is great timing given Series 3 of Pooches at Play is launching the following Saturday 1st September on Channel TEN at 3pm!!

Given our love of all things dogs here at Pooches HQ it might seem a bit strange then that I’m using National Dog Day 2018 as the opportunity to urge some people NOT to get a dog.   Yes, you heard me right, but before you stop reading in protest there is good reason why I’m taking this stance.

Each year around 100,000 surrendered or rescued dogs and cats that are treatable and adoptable are killed in Australia*, whilst in 2016–2017, over 135,000 animals were taken into care by RSCPA alone.

Whilst there are many reasons for this, I truly believe this number would be dramatically reduced if Australians looked beyond the cute puppy  stage, chose the right dog for their lifestyle or considered another pet for their household other than a pooch pal.

Having a dog is a big financial and emotional commitment given they have an average life span of 10 years, and many even reaching the high double figures.  Sadly though,  there are still many people making impulse decisions to get a puppy (especially at times like birthdays and Christmas) without thinking about the long term needs of the dog and whether they will be able to provide the exercise, training, nutrition and care that every dog needs and deserves over its life.

Not only is the economic and emotional investment a factor, but it’s important that potential pooch owners carefully consider their family situations, living space, work and social lives before choosing a dog as their next family pet.

Dogs are not programmed to be left alone all day, yet far too many are left alone for long periods of time without the exercise, companionship and other environmental enrichment factors that they need to cope. This is why so many owners complain about behavioural issues like barking, digging, chewing, anxiety and even aggression.

Too many people only consider their own emotional needs rather than the mental and physical needs of a dog when deciding to purchase a puppy, resulting in far too many dogs being given up later in life.   That’s why it is so important to do your homework before committing to a dog, or buying one for a friend or family member.

Not all dogs are the same or have the same lifestyle and care needs, so a potential owner should  fully understand any breed-specific exercise and nutritional needs, the long-term costs associated with having a dog, and which breeds are best suited for families with children, for the elderly, active and non-active lifestyles and many other factors.

I also believe that people who work long hours and who can’t, or are unwilling to provide their dog with the daily companionship, exercise, training and mental stimulation that they need, should consider choosing another pet that is better able to cope being on its own, or has less need for daily exercise and companionship.   Otherwise, if the dog’s basic mental and physical are not met there is a good chance that a dog will start to chew, bark, dig and develop other habits that can turn into serious problem behaviours that affect the wellbeing of the dog, the household and even the local community.

So, as we celebrate the wonderful joy and companionship that dogs bring us on National Dog Day 2018, please remember that a dog is not for everyone and that there are many other furry, feathered and scaly friends that may be more suitable instead and looking for a forever home.

On that note, we look forward to sharing some fun and informative stories on how to care for a range of other pets in our third series of Pooches at Play, so make sure you don’t miss our first episode on Saturday 1st September at 3pm on Channel TEN, or the encore on Sunday 2nd September at 4:30pm on ONE.  You can catch us live on TENplay as well!

Oh, and if you’re able to watch TV or TENPlay this Friday morning 24th August, I’ll be on Studio 10 with some furry friends at 9am on Channel TEN with more information about what’s in store for our third series!!!

Till next time…

About the Author: Lara Shannon is co-Host of Pooches at Play and has completed a Certificate III in Dog Behaviour & Training with the National Dog Trainers Federation. Lara also runs her own dog training, minding and walking business in Melbourne’s Bayside area.