06/14/2025
So true!
Accountability in Dog Ownership: Responsibility Isn’t Optional
Let’s get one thing straight from the start: owning a dog is not just about cuddles on the couch, posing for Instagram, and picking out cute collars. It’s about commitment. Real, daily, sometimes muddy, often challenging, deeply rewarding commitment. And at the heart of that commitment lies accountability, a word far too many dog owners seem to forget the moment the lead gets clipped on.
The Myth of “He’s Friendly”
We’ve all heard it—usually shouted across a field as a dog charges over, ears back, eyes wild, no recall in sight: “He’s friendly!” As if that’s supposed to be a magic phrase that excuses the chaos that follows.
Here’s the truth: it doesn’t matter if your dog is friendly, saintly, or descended from the Dalai Lama himself. If your dog is out of control in a public space, the responsibility lies squarely on your shoulders. Full stop. That means training your dog to be under control, not just hoping for the best and shouting vague reassurances while your Labrador launches itself into someone’s pram.
Training Is Not a One-Off Event
Dog training isn’t something you tick off a to-do list like changing the boiler filter. It’s not a six-week puppy class followed by a lifetime of crossed fingers. It’s a lifestyle. A habit. A part of how you interact with your dog every single day.
Yes, that means continuing to work on obedience after the trainer hands you back a calm, well-mannered dog. It means reinforcing recall, refreshing lead manners, and proofing behaviours in real-life situations, not just your garden at tea time when the birds are the only distraction.
If your dog’s training slips, it’s not the dog’s fault. It’s yours. Dogs don’t suddenly “forget” their training; they behave based on what you allow, reinforce, and model.
Public Spaces: Not a Free-for-All
We live in a society. A civil one, ideally. And that means shared spaces require shared responsibility. Your dog’s freedom should never come at the expense of someone else’s safety, peace, or dog’s wellbeing.
A lead is not a punishment, it’s a tool of respect. Respect for others who may be afraid of dogs, who may have a reactive dog on lead, who may be training, walking elderly dogs, or simply enjoying a stress-free stroll. Respect also for your own dog’s safety. No matter how brilliant your recall, all it takes is one squirrel, one unexpected noise, or one unfamiliar dog for a situation to turn south.
There is a time for off-lead freedom, when recall is reliable and the environment is appropriate. But there are also plenty of times for a lead. And knowing the difference is a hallmark of a responsible owner.
The Dog Trainer Isn’t the Daily Handler
Dog trainers can teach, coach, guide, and support. But they aren’t the ones holding the lead at 7am on a cold Tuesday when your dog decides that chasing joggers is the new Olympic sport. That job is yours. The phrase “train the owner, not the dog” exists for a reason.
A good trainer equips you with the tools and understanding to maintain your dog’s training. But if you ignore the structure, ditch the boundaries, and let things slide because “he knows it, he’s just being stubborn,” you’re not being fair to your dog or anyone else.
Your Dog Is Your Responsibility—Always
Whether it’s a cockapoo in a café or a collie in a countryside car park, your dog is your responsibility. That means:
• Ensuring they’re under control.
• Keeping them on a lead where appropriate.
• Picking up after them.
• Respecting other people’s space.
• Maintaining their training.
• Seeking help when things go wrong (and yes, they sometimes do).
And if you’re a trainer reading this, our job isn’t just to train dogs. It’s to teach owners that consistency, accountability, and effort don’t stop when the session ends. If anything, that’s when it starts.
A Final Word (With a Wink)
If you’re nodding along thinking “this doesn’t apply to me,” it probably does. If you’re feeling mildly attacked, good. That means you care. And if you’re reading this while your dog is halfway through digging to Australia in your flower bed… well, maybe it’s time to grab the lead and get back to basics.
At the end of the day, dog ownership is a privilege. Not a right. And if you’re going to take the leash, you’ve got to take the lead, responsibly.
www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk
