The 10 Commandments for Dog Owners: A Guide to Harmonious Living Together

Does your dog jump on every stranger, pull on the leash as hard as it can – or bark at midnight in the garden while the neighbours shake their fists? It’s not just you who gets annoyed. Dog ownership is more than just two walks a day and a bowl of dry food.

The following ten commandments are not theory from a drawing board. They are rules that work in real everyday life – for fewer conflicts and a dog that actually feels comfortable.

How do I learn to understand my dog properly?

Dogs are constantly talking – just not with words. A stiff body, a tucked tail, an apparently groundless yawn: these are not moods, they are stress signals. Panting without prior exercise? Excitement, not heat.

Try this: observe your dog consciously for two weeks. Write down when it dozes relaxed and when it becomes nervous. A dog that jumps up and spins immediately upon seeing the leash is not happy – it is simply over-excited. Impulse control helps: only put the leash on when it sits calmly. Sounds simple, but works surprisingly quickly.

What makes up a safe dog environment?

Safety starts with the equipment. A harness distributes pulling force across the chest rather than the throat – for dogs under 15 kg, it is legally required in many Swiss cantons anyway, with no collar as an alternative.

Dangers lurk at home that are easily forgotten: chocolate, grapes, onions – all three can be fatal. Cleaning products belong behind locked doors. And a balcony without a net? For small dogs that can squeeze through the bars, it is a real death trap.

How do I socialise my dog properly?

‘It meets other dogs’ is not enough. Socialisation does not just happen because two dogs stand next to each other. A poorly socialised dog can carry this with it for life.

The crucial phase lies between the 4th and 16th week of life. But adult dogs still learn – more slowly, but they do learn. Organise calm, controlled encounters with well-behaved dogs you know. Dog parks in the first months? Better not. There is often chaos that does more harm than good.

Let your dog observe other dogs from a distance initially before rushing towards them. A dog that sprints off immediately mainly learns bad manners in the process.

How much exercise does my dog really need?

‘As long as it’s tired’ – this idea seems logical, but is a misconception. A Border Collie needs around two hours of mental and physical stimulation daily. A Pug is done after 30 minutes. These are not recommendations, this is biology.

What many underestimate: mental work costs more energy than trotting for hours. Ten minutes of search games correspond roughly to a 30-minute walk. Hide treats in the garden, or feed a few pieces individually from your hand – let it search afterwards.

You can recognise overexertion by excessive panting, refusal or sudden irritability. A tired dog lies there relaxed and sleeps. An overstimulated dog spins in circles and finds no peace.

Which health checks can I do myself?

You don’t have to be a vet to notice early that something is wrong. Check ears, teeth and paws weekly. Foul smell from the ear? Could indicate an infection. Yellowish plaque on the teeth turns into tartar over time.

Weigh your dog once a month. If it loses more than ten percent of its body weight within four weeks, that is a warning signal. For small dogs, a normal bathroom scale suffices – simply step on it together, then subtract its own weight.

Create a health file: vaccinations, deworming, abnormalities. In an emergency, this saves valuable minutes – sometimes more.

What does neglect in dogs mean concretely?

Neglect begins long before anything is visible from the outside. A dog that is alone for eight hours a day develops behavioural problems – not because it is difficult, but because it is a social animal. The rule of thumb: maximum four to six hours alone, depending on age and habituation.

Social neglect is more subtle. A dog that only gets attention during walks and otherwise lies next to the sofa while you look at your phone withers emotionally. Plan at least 30 minutes of conscious interaction daily – phone away, distractions away.

What everyday dangers must I protect my dog from?

Road traffic is one of the most common causes of death in dogs. A reliable recall is therefore not optional, but vital for survival. Practise this exclusively in fenced areas before taking off the leash – really.

In winter, two underestimated dangers come into play: road salt and antifreeze. Both can be fatal. Rinse your dog’s paws after every winter walk. And rat poison in parks and gardens is a danger many don’t have on their radar – recognisable by bloody diarrhoea and sudden weakness. Go to the vet immediately, don’t wait a minute.

How do I show consideration for other people?

Not everyone is happy when a dog jumps on them – even if it’s well-meaning. Children and older people, in particular, can be severely startled. Keep your distance and ask briefly before your dog makes contact.

On buses and trams, your dog belongs on the floor, not on the seat. A blanket you bring along protects against dirt and shows that you are thinking of others.

And the faeces? Always dispose of it – even in the middle of the forest, even if no one is watching at the moment. Feel free to pack more bags than you think you’ll need.

What does responsibility in dog ownership mean in practice?

Legally, you are liable for any damage caused by your dog. Dog liability insurance is mandatory in Germany and Austria, and highly recommended in Switzerland.

Responsibility also means being honest with yourself. A dog that growls at people has no place at a children’s birthday party – no matter how well-behaved it is on the sofa at home. Get professional help before something happens. After that, it’s usually too late for simple solutions.

How do I become a role model for good dog ownership?

Your behaviour shapes how people perceive dog owners in general. A well-trained dog convinces more than any conversation. People who have had bad experiences with dogs change their minds almost exclusively through positive encounters – not through arguments.

If you see someone struggling with their dog: help discreetly. Show how loose-leash walking works without lecturing. A relaxed walk next to someone who is pulling and scolding says more than ten well-meant pieces of advice.

Can my dog come with me everywhere?

No. Restaurants, grocery stores and many public buildings are off-limits for dogs. Find out beforehand – a quick look at the house rules saves unpleasant situations.

How often should I take my dog to the vet?

Once a year for preventive care, every six months for puppies and seniors. Immediately if there are abnormalities – don’t wait until it gets worse.

What do I do if my dog becomes aggressive?

Get professional help from a certified dog trainer immediately. Aggression doesn’t resolve itself, it escalates – usually at the worst possible moment.

How long can I leave my dog alone?

Adult dogs for a maximum of six hours, puppies and seniors significantly less. Plan regular breaks or organise care – this is no exaggeration.

Does my dog have to stay on the leash?

In residential areas, almost everywhere. Even in the forest, a leash requirement often applies during breeding season. Find out about local regulations – ignorance doesn’t protect you from fines.