RescueMe Documentary Keep Your Pet

How to Keep your Dog in 9 Easy Steps
1 out of 10 dogs will stay with their original owner. 5 out of 10 will change owners before they're a year old. The rest will end up in animal shelters, abandoned and unwanted.

1. Make a decision before you bring a dog home. Do you have money for food, toys, chewies vet care? Do you have the patience to train a dog to follow your rules? Do you even know what your rules are? Do you have time for a dog? If the answer to any of these is no, it's not a good time.

2. Learn. Dogs bark, growl and act silly all for reasons of their own.

3. Get some training. Don't' stop at obedience, you can also teach your dog to do some fun tricks like jumping through a hoop, or sitting up. Try clicker training.

4. Fence him in. Unless you live on a quiet street (are there any left in Austin?), a leash is the only way you should take your pet for a walk. Letting your dog wander the neighborhood is dangerous. illegal and likely to land your dog at TLAC or worse.

5. Two words: City Tags. It's the law. If your dog gets out of your fence, or is stolen and ends up with Animal Control, a city tag will ensure him red carpet treatment until you come to pick him up.

6. Leave no dog behind. When you have to move, or want to move, your dog comes with you. It's hard to believe, but some people don't. There are landlords in Austin who welcome pets, find them. If you need help, check the listings on the Austin Pets Alive site. If your dog isn't trained, check with one of the local trainers about how your dog can earn a Canine Good Citizenship Certificate. This is a recognized obedience certificate and many landlords will allow pets who have this training.

7. Plan Ahead. What happens to your dog if you go first? Make sure you find your dog a safe, place to spend his last years just in case you aren't around.

8. Take a walk. If you want to lose a few pounds and get in shape, walk, your dog more. The same is true for your dog. If he's chubby, you both need to get out more. Go for a long walk, try Frisbee or fetch. Start off your morning with a brisk walk around Town Lake.

9. Make a lifetime commitment to your best friend. Whether you welcome a new family member or two or move next door to grumpy neighbor dogs, you'll find everyone can adjust. (Most trainers have programs for families expecting new babies. Dogboys will even board your dog on your due date, check with them for details.) Your children will learn about commitment and compassion, you'll always have someone to tell all your secrets to and best of all, you'll have a friend for life.