Becoming a More Ethical Dog Owner

They’re man’s (and woman’s) best friend. They’re our constant companions in life. Their unconditional

adoration can see us through the worst of times while their infectious zeal for life can make the best

of times even better. Let’s face it… Dogs are awesome. They give so much to us and ask so very little

in return. It’s only right, then, that we want to do the best by our four-legged friends and the planet as

a whole. Ethics are playing more and more of a part in our lifestyles these days. After all, how could

they not? In the digital era, we’re more aware than ever. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the

impact that the decisions we make as consumers can have on the world around us and the other

people and creatures that we share it with.

Image by MaxPixel

Today, we view everything from the food we eat to how we dispose of our trash through the prism of

ethics. The way in which we adopt, feed and look after our pets is no exception. If you love dogs, here

are some ways in which you can love them even more while taking better care of them and the planet

you both share…

The ethics of pet store pups

It goes without saying that there are some ethical pitfalls to be found when finding the perfect place to

adopt your new furry companion. For starters, you should never ever buy a puppy from a pet store.

Most puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. While puppy mills don’t necessarily have

negligent or cruel practices (although some do), their very nature is inherently problematic. In order to

operate profitably, puppy mills need to churn out thousands and thousands of new pups every year.

This can only exacerbate problems with homelessness and socialization. What’s more, puppies bred

at puppy mills are more predisposed to psychological and behavioral problems.

Breeders with heart

You should also do your homework when choosing a breeder. According to the American Humane

Society the name breeder can be applied to pretty much anyone who pairs two dogs together. A little

research can go a long way. Take this example of a breeder who raises labrador puppies as a

template for what you should look for. The page positively radiates love for the breed and the

individual pups. The breeder also offers puppy training schools and will rehome your pup if you are no

longer able to take care of it, helping to reduce the number of dogs in shelters. 

Sheltered life

If you can adopt from a shelter, however, this is the ethical gold standard. If you are able, you should

consider adopting an older adult dog. These sweet natured creatures often lose their homes through

no fault of their own and are well trained with a good temperament.

Think before you feed

What you feed your dog can play a huge part in determining not only your dog’s health but the ethical

cost of your pet ownerships. For both reasons, it’s best to avoid the biggest commercially available

dog food brands. Most of these earned their ubiquity through clever marketing not the quality of the

product. Many brands, especially cheaper brands, use incredibly poor quality meat that is deemed

unfit for human consumption as well as chemicals which are known carcinogens. Always do your

homework on a pet food brand before giving them your money.

Remember, too, that animal agriculture carries an enormous ethical and environmental cost. Feeding

your dog a diet that is mostly, or even entirely, comprised of vegetables and cereals can make dog

ownership a whole lot more ethical. Remember that there ability to digest vegetable starches is one of

the few things that separates your dog from its lupine ancestors. There’s evidence to suggest that dog

s can thrive on an entirely plant based diet. Check out this recipe for home made doggie treats.

Harness the power of your pooch

By all means give your furry pal a collar, but make sure that it’s for identification purposes, only. A

leash and collar is perhaps the least comfortable way for your dog to enjoy walkies. Instead, consider

investing in a harness for your beloved pet. This distributes the force more evenly when they are

walking, so that even if they’re over excited and straining against the leash, they won’t be

uncomfortable. 

Your poop, your problem!

Finally, while none of us relish picking up our pooch’s noxious “offerings” when we take them for a walk,

we owe it to our communities to tidy up after them. Dog poop can breed harmful organisms like

campylobacter which can be harmful to any humans that tread or fall in it. You don’t even have to

contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste to attend to the matter. Just use biodegradable dog

poop bags.