RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP Part 1

Among companion animals, Bulldogs are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to humankind. Anyone who has ever loved a dog can attest to its hundred-fold return. The excitement your dog shows when you come home, the wagging tail at the sound of the leash being taken from its hook, the delight in the tossing of a tennis ball, and the head nestled in your lap-those are only some of the rewards of being a dog owner.

Owning a dog is not just a privilege - it's a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails.

The BCA is is committed to helping dog owners raise happy, healthy dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC), a dog registry for purebred dogs, has prepared a list of 101 suggestions for dog owners of all breeds. Their list, restated for Bulldog Owners or those considering to be Bulldog Owners, is presented on the first 10 sub-pages in the tabs below. The list is not exhaustive, so we are adding additional pages at the end of the section so you have the information to be the best dog owner you can be.

Think before you buy or rescue

• Recognize the Commitment
  Bulldog ownership is not something to be entered into lightly. Owning a bulldog is a long-term emotional and financial commitment. Before deciding that a bulldog is right for you, you must make an honest assessment as to whether your home is right for a bulldog.

• Evaluate Your Lifestyle
  If you get a bulldog, he (or she) will become a part of your life. You need to make sure that he's suited for your lifestyle. All aspects of your family's life - hobbies, activities, personalities, schedules - should be evaluated before you get a bulldog.

• Make a List
  Based on your evaluation, determine what qualities you want in a bulldog. Consider size, energy level, grooming needs, trainability and temperament. Is it important that your bulldog get along with children? If you rent your home, are there restrictions on height, weight or breed? Answer these questions now - once you bring a bulldog home, it can be heartbreaking to realize that you made the wrong choice.

• Choose a Breed
  Once you have made your list of ideal characteristics, do some research to find which breeds fit that profile. Go to your local library, attend a dog show, and visit the AKC website. Narrow your choices to the breed that seems right for you.

• Get a Referral
  You have a much better chance of being satisfied if you get your bulldog from a responsible, ethical breeder whose primary concern is to produce bulldogs of high quality, good health and stable temperament. See Breeder Referral.
   

• Make Contact
  Get in touch with the bulldog breeders in your area. Let them know that you are interested in acquiring a bulldog. Be able to demonstrate that you have put thought into your choice. Don't be discouraged if the first breeder you talk to does not have puppies available right away. That person may know another breeder in the region.
   

• Ask Questions
  Ask the breeder any questions you can think of about the breed. When you find a breeder you're comfortable with, ask to visit the kennel and view the bulldogs on the breeder's premises. Inquire about health problems of the breed, and what can be done to prevent or control them. Find out what kinds of activities, including competition, the breeder's bulldogs participate in and enjoy. The breeder's bulldogs are a preview of what your bulldog will be.

• Consider an Older Bulldog
  Puppies aren't for everyone. If an older bulldog better fits your lifestyle, check with Long Island Bulldog Rescue.  These organizations rescue purebred bulldogs that have been lost, abandoned or surrendered due to the death or illness of their owners. Most rescue bulldogs have been spayed or neutered and are screened for health and temperament problems. Rescue is a not only a great source for purebred bulldogs, it's also a way to save the life of a bulldog in need.

• Expect Questions
  A responsible breeder or rescue contact will ask you extensive questions about the type of home you can offer a bulldog. These people are as committed as you are to making the right match between you and a bulldog. Give honest answers to their questions. Remember that, due to their experience in the breed, they know what issues are important in placing one of their bulldogs.

• Prepare to Wait
  Availability varies. Be aware that a puppy or bulldog of the breed you've decided on may not be easy to find. Responsible breeders do not breed often, and many times the puppies of a planned breeding are already spoken for. Just remember that a good bulldog is worth waiting for.

• Skip the Holidays
  Many people try to buy puppies as Christmas gifts for children or other family members. Most breeders do not recommend this. You should be prepared to give a new puppy your undivided attention, and that is rarely possible during the busy holiday season. A better idea is to give bulldog-related gifts - toys, leashes, grooming tools - and then bring your puppy home when all the excitement has died down.

Make the Commitment

• Pick Your Pet
  When the time has come to select your pet, consider your options carefully. Respect your breeder's input about which puppy is right for you. If you are rescuing an older bulldog, ask your contact person for information on its health, temperament, behavior and history.

•  Get It in Writing
  Information about the sale or adoption should be in writing. The contract should include, for example, details regarding any fees, spay-neuter agreements, health guarantees, terms of co-ownership, restrictions on breeding, and living arrangements. It should also include instructions on what to do if the bulldog, despite your best efforts, simply doesn't work out for you or your family. Most responsible breeders will insist that the bulldog be returned to them.

• Get Your Papers
  Get your AKC registration application from the breeder when you purchase the puppy. Make sure the breeder completes the appropriate sections of the form and signs it. The breeder can also help you fill out your section correctly.

• Register Your Bulldog
  Send the completed, signed registration application to the AKC. Your bulldog will then become part of the nation's largest registry of purebred bulldogs and as well as being eligible for a variety of competitive events can also receive 60 days of introductory, no-cost healthcare insurance through the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan. If you rescue a bulldog, consider applying for an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number. This number will allow your bulldog to participate in some performance events.

Get ready for your new pet

• Prepare Yourself
  Get ready for your new friend before you bring him home, to make sure the transition will be as smooth as possible. Buy food, treats, a collar and leash, toys, grooming tools and other necessities in advance so your bulldog or puppy will have everything he needs.

• Make a Schedule
  You and your family members should decide who will be responsible for food, water, walking, exercise, clean-up and grooming. Post a schedule of tasks in a visible area of the house to remind everyone of their responsibilities.

• Bulldog-Proof Your Home
  Prepare your home before your new bulldog arrives. Move breakables or "chewables" to higher ground. Make electrical cords inaccessible to curious paws and noses. Block off any area of the house that you want off-limits to the bulldog. Put the lid down on your toilet and your shoes up in your closet. Block access to any house or garden plants that may be toxic to bulldogs.

• Set a Containment Policy
  It is essential that you have a secure method of keeping your bulldog on your property. Check your fence for spots vulnerable to chewing or digging. If your yard is not fenced, consider a large bulldog run or invisible fencing. If your property is not fenced in some way, stress to family members that the bulldog must be leashed at all times when taken outdoors.

• Get a Collar
  Your bulldog should wear a flat leather or nylon collar with a buckle at all times, except when in a crate. (The buckle can catch on the crate and cause injury.) The collar should be tight enough that it will not slide over the bulldog's ears, but loose enough that you can fit two fingers between the collar and the bulldog's neck. Check the fit of the collar often, especially if you have a fast-growing puppy.

• Make a Bed
  Every bulldog needs a quiet place to call his own. Create a comfortable area, whether a crate, a mat or a pile of blankets, for your bulldog to go to when he needs rest or privacy.

• Buy Some Toys
  Provide your bulldog with a variety of toys to prevent him from playing with your socks and shoes, your morning paper, or your child's favorite doll. Get some toys that you and your bulldog can play with together, such as balls and plush toys, and some things to keep him busy when he's alone, such as chewies or rope bones. Never leave your bulldog unattended with any toy that has small, detachable parts.

• Find a Veterinarian
  You should choose a veterinarian for your bulldog as soon as possible. Have your bulldog examined by the vet within a few days of his arrival. Give your vet copies of the bulldog's health records, and set up a vaccination and check-up schedule.  A list of Bulldog approved Veterinarians can be found Here.

Bring your Bulldog home

• Welcome Your New Pet
  At last! You've made all the preparations, and it's finally time to bring your new friend home. Give him the best welcome possible. With love, patience and mutual respect, he will feel like part of the family in no time.

• Let Your Bulldog Adjust
  Give the bulldog time to adjust to his new home. The bulldog is bound to feel insecure and frightened by a change in environment, and a pup may be homesick for his mother or littermates. Show him to his crate or bed, and where to find food and water. Then leave him alone to explore the new surroundings.

• Name Your Bulldog
  Your bulldog will need a good name. Your breeder may have suggestions or even requirements for his AKC-registered name, but his call or informal name is up to you. Older adopted bulldogs can adjust quickly to a new name.

• Make Introductions
  Introduce your bulldog to your household slowly. Many pairs of hands petting him at once will only frighten him. Later, introduce him to neighbors, regular visitors and other family members. Give your bulldog a sense of who your - and your bulldog's - friends are.

• Introduce Other Pets
  Other companion animals in your home should also be properly introduced to your new bulldog or puppy. Don't expect them to get along right away, and don't try to force them to play together. Give them time to adjust to one another.

• Housetrain
  Whichever method of house training you have chosen - crate training, paper training or litter box - make sure that all members of the family enforce it consistently. Accidents happen, so have a procedure for clean-up.

• Set House Rules
  Teach your bulldog from the beginning what is and is not appropriate behavior. If something is "OK" today, your puppy will think it's OK forever. Make sure that every member of the family enforces the house rules. Consistency is the key to having a well-behaved pet.

Prepare for problems

• I.D. Your Bulldog
  Your bulldog should wear an identification tag with your name, address and phone number at all times. This will increase the chances of your bulldog being returned to you if he is lost or runs away.

• Microchip your Puppy
  Microchips  are methods of permanently identifying your bulldog, and can be invaluable in recovering your bulldog should he become lost.  Always register the microchip to yourself with name, address, phone and if possible your local vet.

• Provide Shelter
  Your bulldog needs a sheltered area for the time he spends outside. The shelter should provide shade in summer and warmth in winter.

• Watch the Heat
  Bulldogs can succumb to heat stress in a matter of minutes. Do not leave your bulldog in the car when the temperature is high. When your bulldog is outside, he should have a shady place to lay down and plenty of fresh, cool water.

• Travel Safely
  Keep your bulldog safe in the car by using a crate, or by attaching the bulldog to a seat belt with a harness. Never let your bulldog ride free in the back of a pickup truck, or allow him to hang his head out of the car window.

• Find a Pet-Sitter or Boarding Kennel
  Make arrangements for your bulldog's care when you go away. Have a friend or reliable pet-sitter come over to tend to the bulldog, or find a good kennel for boarding. If you opt for boarding, try to inspect the facilities before you drop your bulldog off.

• Prepare for Disaster
  Be prepared to care for your bulldog in the event of a disaster such as fire, flood, hurricane or earthquake. Make an emergency kit with clean water, food, and first aid equipment. Find out in advance if the evacuation shelters in your area allow animals. If not, develop alternatives.

• Establish an Emergency Contact
  Enlist a family member or friend to take care of your bulldog in the event of a sudden illness, hospitalization or other emergency. This person should ideally be someone your bulldog has spent some time with and is comfortable with. Leave a list of general care instructions in a safe place.

• Make a Will
  You should make arrangements for the safety and care of your pet in the event of your death. Don't assume that a family member will step in to take care of the bulldog.

• Take Pictures
  Of course, you will want a picture of your bulldog to grace your desk or to send as a Christmas card. More importantly, a current photo will be invaluable in the event that your bulldog is lost.

Be a friend to your puppy

• Play!
  Bulldogs, of course, love to play. Set aside time each day for play sessions. Apart from the obvious benefit of having fun together, play also provides an outlet for your bulldog's energy.

• Go On Walks
  Take your bulldog on frequent walks. He will enjoy exploring the neighborhood and will benefit from the exercise. Make sure that you have a good strong leash and that you maintain control of the bulldog at all times.

• Talk to Your Bulldog
  Your bulldog won't understand your words, but he will enjoy the sound of your voice. Talking to your bulldog will make him feel involved. You can also use different voice levels to praise or correct your bulldog's behavior.

• Give Treats
  Your bulldog will always appreciate a treat, and treats can be used as a supplement to his regular diet, as well as an excellent training aid.

• Love Your Bulldog
  Your bulldog will love you no matter what. Return the favor.

• Switch Out Toys
  Keep your bulldog entertained by rotating his toys. Put "old" toys out of sight for a month or two and then bring them out again - your bulldog will enjoy them just as much as when they were new.

• Give Your Time
  You are the center of your bulldog's world. You may be tired after a long day at work, but your bulldog has spent the day anxiously awaiting your return. Reward that loyalty with your time. Pet him, talk to him, play with him, laugh with him. Let your bulldog know you value his company.

• Find the "Spot"
  Scratch your bulldog's belly often. If you find the "spot," so much the better.

• Leave the Radio On
  Try leaving the radio or television on when you leave your bulldog alone. The noise will keep him company.

• Plan Activities with Your Bulldog
  Include your bulldog in family activities. Take him to the park or on outings to the beach, or to special activities such as the "Bulldog Olympics" or bulldog parades. Your bulldog will love being out and about with you.

• Give a Massage
  Bulldogs love to be petted, and recent studies have shown that structured massages may be beneficial to your bulldog's health and behavior. They may also be very relaxing for you!

• Make That Tail Wag
  Your bulldog's tail is a barometer of his emotions. Do what you can to keep it happily wagging.

• Go On Trips
  Bulldogs can add another element of fun to a family vacation. Check ahead for lodging that accepts bulldogs. If flying, ask about travel accommodations for your bulldog when you make your reservations.

• Ease Separation Anxiety
  Your bulldog will want to be with you at all times, but for most people that simply isn't possible. Help your bulldog get used to being alone. Leave him each day with a minimum of fuss. When you come home, greet him calmly. This will teach him that your leaving is not something to be concerned about.

• Give Kisses
  Give your bulldog a kiss, and see how many you get in return.

• Get Another One!
  Bulldogs are pack animals by nature and generally enjoy the company of other bulldogs. Your bulldog may benefit greatly from having a companion to play with. Be as conscientious about getting a second bulldog as you were about getting the first; multiple bulldog ownership isn't for everyone, and some bulldogs do better as an "only."

• Don't Let Your Bulldog Down
  You aren't a bulldog owner just at Christmas, or on the weekends, or in the afternoon, or when you have spare time. You aren't a bulldog owner just when the bulldog is behaving, or when he's a cute fuzzy puppy, or when he's winning awards. When you bring a bulldog into your family, that bulldog is yours for life. If you can't keep that commitment, don't make it. And once you've made it, don't break it. Your bulldog's life depends on you.

Train your Bulldog

• Be The Alpha
  Bulldogs need to know who's boss - and that boss should be you. You and your bulldog will be much happier together if you establish yourself as the leader of the pack.

• Teach Basic Commands
  Teach your bulldog basic commands such as sit, stay, come and down. Training your bulldog will not only make your life easier, but will also fulfill your bulldog's desire to learn and please you.

• Socialize Your Bulldog
  Expose your bulldog to different people and settings regularly. Take him to the park, to the pet store, on a walk through town. Praise him for accepting petting from friendly strangers, and for behaving calmly around other bulldogs. The more your bulldog learns of the world, the more comfortable he will be in it.

• Go to Class
  Obedience classes can be a great experience for you and your bulldog. You may even discover that your bulldog has a great talent for learning, and be able to compete in obedience, agility or tracking events.

• Prevent Nuisance Barking
  Don't let your bulldog's incessant barking annoy your neighbors. Teach your bulldog not to bark without real provocation. If your bulldog's barking is causing problems while you're away from home, try a silencing collar.

• Praise Your Bulldog
  Because your bulldog loves you, he wants to please you. Praise him lavishly for obeying commands and behaving well. Using positive, rather than negative, reinforcement will help your bulldog enjoy learning.

• Supervise Play With Children
  Children and bulldogs can be great companions, but they also require supervision when playing together. Your bulldog may be "good with kids," but what if he encounters a kid that is not good with bulldogs? Very small children should never be left alone with a bulldog, no matter how stable his temperament.

• Give Your Bulldog a Job
  Keep your bulldog active and alert by giving him tasks to do. Teach him to fetch the paper, carry groceries in a pack or empty the dryer. Make him sit before getting a treat or lay down before going outside. Giving your bulldog a sense of purpose and accomplishment will increase his sense of well-being.