1. The Responsibilities of Owning a Dog

2. Good readers will always preview any reading questions prior to reading the text so that they know what to look for as they read. On the next slide, you will see four questions. As you find the answers to these questions while reading the text, mark them with a pencil or colored pencil so that you can go back and find them easily.

3. According to the text, what are the four main ways you must take care of your dog? What is a leash law? What are the consequences of disobeying this law? How can you teach your dog to be a good citizen? If your dog is misbehaving and you don’t know how to teach him to act properly, what can you do?

4. The Responsibilities of Owning a Dog Having a dog can look like a lot of fun, but did you know that it also comes with many responsibilities? A puppy is not simply a toy to play with or a statue to look at. You must be willing to spend time, money, and a great deal of effort caring for your pet.

5. First, your dog will have to be fed and watered regularly. You must make sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition – not too much and not too little. Feed your dog at the same time every day and be careful not to miss a feeding. You wouldn’t want your parents to forget about feeding you!

6. Second, your dog will need regular healthcare, just like you. This can even be somewhat expensive for your parents. He will need regular check-ups and vaccinations to protect him from certain illnesses, just like people do. Another important way you must keep your pet healthy is by bathing him regularly. Giving a dog a bath can be fun, but it can also be a challenge!

7. Third, your dog will need plenty of exercise. Different breeds will need different amounts of exercise and play time. Make sure that you take time each day to interact with and play with your dog. If your dog is a large breed, he will probably need a large yard to run and play in. Make sure that you have a secure fence for your dog, since most states have a leash law. This means that if your dog were roaming free or not secured in a fence or on a leash, he could be picked up by an animal control agency and your parents might be fined or have to go to court.

8. Finally, you must teach your dog to be a good citizen. It will take time and patience to teach your dog to obey your commands. There are many books, DVDs, and websites that can teach you how to train your dog. When your dog does naughty things, such as using the bathroom on the floor, chewing through toys, household items, furniture, or carpet, you must know how to discipline your dog so that he will know how to behave properly. Owning a dog can be expensive, time-consuming, and lots of work. But if you care for him properly and teach him to be a good citizen, he can be your best companion!

9. According to the text, what are the four main ways you must take care of your dog? What is a leash law? What are the consequences of disobeying this law? How can you teach your dog to be a good citizen? If your dog is misbehaving and you don’t know how to teach him to act properly, what can you do?