Should Dog Owners Have to Prove They Deserve a Dog?
As an Autistic Dog trainer from Perth Canine Craft, I can guarantee you I am not the only dog trainer in Perth that has hear these many times from frustrated dog owners. “Half the people out there don’t deserve their dogs.” But is it really that far off?
If you’ve ever visited an off-leash dog park, you’ve probably seen it: some dogs running riot while their owners stand around chatting, not watching body language, not advocating for their dogs, not picking up faces. Many assume all dogs are the same, and that a one-size-fits-all approach to training will work.
But every dog is an individual. And ownership comes with responsibility. So, here’s the real question:
Should people have to prove they deserve a dog?
Where’s the Accountability?
In most areas of life that involve risk, there are checks and balances. You must prove you’re competent before being given certain responsibilities:
- Firearms → Strict licensing & safety training
- Vehicles → Driving tests & registration
- Trades (Electricians, Plumbers) → Accredited training & licensing
- Aircraft → Rigorous pilot training & licensing
🐾Dogs? In Australia, we do have basic owner licensing through local councils. You pay a fee and register your dog, often showing proof of desexing or microchipping. That is all…
But there’s a massive gap:
There’s no quality control or competency check. No one ensures you understand training, body language, breed traits, socialisation needs, or even legal responsibilities. And yet, dogs are living, feeling beings capable of serious harm if mishandled; they are powerful predators.
When something goes wrong, we don’t investigate the cause the way we do with cars or firearms. We blame the dog… or worse, the breed.
A Better Way Forward: Raising the Standard
Rather than ☠️banning breeds or introducing blanket rules, we need smarter systems that promote responsible ownership before problems arise. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Ethical Breeding Practices: 🐾Dogs should be bred for temperament, nerve strength, and appropriate drive—not colour, trends, or aesthetics. Vague regulations exist, but more accountability is needed. 😁Breeders and vets are the experts, but working with groomers and trainers to get the data of the bloodlines will go a long way!
- Early Imprinting & Structured Socialisation: 🐾Puppies need the right experiences at the right developmental stages. Pet shops and general vet clinics aren’t equipped to give behavioural advice. 😁Qualified trainers should lead this space.
- Quality Training as the Norm: Training should be seen as a non-negotiable part of dog ownership, not a last resort when problems occur. The earlier it begins, the better. 😁Governments, local councils and even police can come into play here – they can also work with breeders, vets and trainers.
- Temperament Testing Over Time: Dogs change as they grow. Testing at 8 weeks isn’t enough. Ongoing assessments from puppyhood through adolescence to adulthood (up to 3 years) can guide breeders and inform owners. 😁Trainers and breeders should work together here.
- Licensing That Requires Competency: Dog ownership should come with an education requirement—just like driving. Think: online modules, fostering placements, structured workshops, or a “learner permit” style approach before full ownership. 😁Governments, local councils and even police can come into play here – they can also work with breeders, vets and trainers.
🤔What About Dog Parks?
Until we have better systems in place, we must self-regulate—especially in high-risk spaces like off-leash dog parks.🐾🫣
Before you let your dog out:
- Observe the people: Are they paying attention to their dogs? Do they intervene appropriately? Are there too many dogs per person? Are dogs mobbing the gate? 🚩Red flag.
- Observe the dogs: Is play reciprocal and safe? Are rough or anxious dogs being managed properly? Is there a variety of playstyles, sizes, and tolerance levels? If the park seems chaotic or you wouldn’t trust the other owners to intervene if something went wrong—leave. 🚩Red flag – your dog’s wellbeing comes first.
So… Do People Deserve Their Dogs? The answer isn’t black and white. Maybe instead of asking, “Do people deserve dogs?”—we should be asking:
- How do we raise the standard so that more people become the kind of owners their dogs deserve?🐾 That starts with education, awareness, and accountability. 😎The fact is that I know there is a lot of information – vets, groomers, dog trainers, rescues – we do a lot to get the info out there, but does the 🧐dog owners take learning into their own hands? Why do I ask? Because knowledge is ONLY potential power – it doesn’t work if you don’t. 😌
Let’s talk about it: Would you support competency-based dog ownership? Should potential dog owners show competency before they can buy, adopt, or raise a dog? Drop your thoughts in the comments—your voice matters, and the dogs in our communities deserve better.
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