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Responsible dog ownership

Owning a dog brings great happiness but is also a big responsibility. Not only will the dog take up your time and cost you money, you must also make sure that it is well behaved and doesn't cause a nuisance to other people or dogs. 

You can find out how the Safer Southwark Partnership delivers services to promote the value of dogs and encourage responsible dog ownership across the borough including those dangerously out of control in our Dog Strategy (PDF, 919kb).

Southwark Council is introducing a Public Space Protection Order to tackle dog-related anti social behaviour, which will be effective from 19 March 2018. You can find out more here.  

Follow these basic tips to prevent your dog from becoming a nuisance:

  • train your dog in elementary obedience and make sure it is under control at all times
  • don't let your dog to foul in public places. If it does, make sure you clear up the mess and dispose of it safely - this means either double wrapping it and disposing of it in a bin, burying it deep in the garden or using a chemical loo
  • don't allow your dog to bark constantly - this will upset your neighbours and is also a sign of a badly trained and unhappy dog. If your dog barks too much, get advice from a dog trainer
  • Don't leave your dog alone for long periods. Dogs are sociable animals and need companionship. If you're going on holiday, make sure someone is there to care for your dog or else take it to a kennels. If you want to take your dog on holiday with you will need a pet passport
  • take your dogs for regular supervised walks - only let it off the lead when it is away from other animals and in a safe environment away from roads
  • make sure your dog is microchipped. This is a legal requirement and failure to do so could lead to a fine. Also, your animal should always wear a collar with the owners name and contact details when out of the house
  • never take your dog into food shops
  • make sure your garden has a suitable fence so that your dog cannot escape or cause a nuisance to passing people or to neighbours
  • register your dog with a vet and take it for regular check-ups. Your vet will advise you on worming, flea control, vaccinations and any other health issues
  • make sure your dog always has access to fresh drinking water and has a healthy diet
  • make sure your dog has a clean, dry, warm place to live and sleep

Page last updated: 19 February 2018

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