These are my opinions

Spay and Neuter all pets.  There are 10 animals for every available home.  Most “kill” shelters have an adoption rate of 20-40% and euthanize hundreds of animals every month.  “No Kill” shelters are a wonderful idea – in theory – but they fill up fast and are no longer able to accept animals.    The only reasonable solution to this horrific problem is to spay and neuter your own pets and encourage (strongly) your friends and neighbors to have their pets spayed and neutered.  Choose the non-lethal solution, Spay and Neuter Your Pets!!

The breeding of pets should be undertaken for one reason only – to better the breed.  A responsible breeder educates themselves on how genetics works and they invest a great deal of time researching the genetics of the animals they plan to breed.  They strive to match the breeding animals to produce sound and healthy animals.  A responsible breeder takes time to allow their animals to mature and has all the appropriate and necessary health testing done with the animals they intend to breed to reduce the risk of passing along health issues to the offspring of a breeding.  A responsible breeder does not breed their females often.  A responsible breeder does not breed for profit.

Do not chain or tether dogs.

Walk your dog often and vigorously.  A mentally stimulated and regularly exercised (a big back yard is not the same as a walk!) dog is less likely to have unwanted behaviors.  

Basic obedience training is vital to a healthy relationship between you and your dog.

Take the time to properly socialize your dog to both people and other animals.  Remember that socialization is an ongoing process and that it needs to be done for the life of your pet.  This is for the safety and protection of your dog as well as yourself.

It is your responsibility to keep your pets safe – Fido is not here to protect you, you are here to protect him.

Rawhide bones are dangerous – especially to dogs that chew them until they are a gooey mess and then swallow them.  Try a Nylabone  - they are safe and there are lots of sizes, shapes and hardnesses and while they are very expensive they last FOREVER!  Nylabones are an acquired taste and if your dog will not chew them try drilling holes in it and stuffing it with peanut butter to get them started.