A Dog Owner's ResponsibilityIt is every dog owner's responsibility to observe the laws of the community and abide by the social guidelines that help civilized people treat each other with respect. It's really a simple Golden Rule of "Do unto others as you would like them to do to you." Basically, as a dog owner, you have a social responsibility to your community. What Is Social Responsibility?The moment you step outside your home with your dog, you're no longer just a family--you're both part of your community.You could define responsibility in this situation as keeping your community safe from your dog, and your dog safe from your community. Your responsibility extends to your neighbors: To their ears (no annoying barking); to their property (their garbage, their lawn, their flower beds, their cat); to their kids (on bikes, at play); to their kids' toys and sports equipment. Every community has dog-related laws, ranging from simple dog licensing and leash laws to those holding you liable for any physical injury or property damage done by your dog. These laws are in place to protect everyone in the community, including you and your dog. Be sure Fido's dog license is current. This isn't just a good local ordinance, it can make the difference between finding your lost dog or not. Many states now require proof of rabies vaccination and that the dog has been spayed or neutered before issuing a dog license. Stay current with your dog vaccinations to protect your own dog and other dogs in the community. Hang Onto Your Dog!Another dog owner's responsibility is to always be in control of your dog. That includes when you're walking him and if you occasionally tie him up outside (which probably doesn't happen too frequently with Goldens).
Don't tie him where people and dogs stroll past, as they may not all be friendly to your dog. When you're walking him, be considerate of others by observing your local dog leash law and other dog walking etiquette. Never let your dog run loose in the neighborhood. That will not only keep you on the right side of the leash law, it also keeps your dog out of harm's way. If he's on a leash or inside your house, he can't get into dog fights, get hit by a car, knock over trash cans, dig up gardens, or get lost or stolen. Remember that you are legally responsible for your dog's activities. If your dog causes an accident, damages property, or bites a person or animal, pet owner liability dictates that you'll be the one paying the bill. The most important dog owner's responsibility (in my opinion) is to stop the production of unwanted puppies!
You may have a very nice Golden who would make a nice Mom or Dad, but there are already lots of really nice Goldens looking for good homes. Please help reduce the number of dogs euthanized every year by keeping your dog single and puppyless. Search here for more information on Golden Retrievers |
If you tie him up in the yard for brief periods of time, make sure he isn't a recreational barker, driving the neighbors crazy with his noise.
Unless you plan to show and/or breed your perfect specimen of a Golden Retriever, please have him neutered or have her spayed. 
