As individuals, we probably have different ideas of what responsible dog ownership encompasses.
Even organisations have to take specific view points due to their roles in the community. Hence the HDB’s Code of Responsible behaviour from Project Adore, which basically lists 8 line items on what nuisance behaviours your mongrel dog should not engage in (see Appendix A). So yes, in order for the dogs to be accepted in the public housing community, owners need to ensure the dogs behave themselves from month one (by means of enrolling in a basic obedience course) and not give cause for complaint (subject to fines). Conversely, you can also say that it is not so much about the dogs themselves but more making sure the owners know what are the rules and limitations outside of their house in their community and to work with the dogs to fit in.
Project Adore, by the way, is supposed to be a one year pilot project to selectively re-home only medium-size mongrel dogs in public housing. Currently our Housing Development Board does not allow residents of HDB flats to keep mongrels as pets. The same dogs may be allowed in private condominiums and other private residences.
It seems there is a specific term for this sort of legislation in the US – BSL
There are currently 42 HDB-approved breeds listed on the HDB website. They are small dogs which are “generally more manageable“.
In comparison, the American Kennel Club’s CGC Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge is perhaps more holistic in defining the word “responsible” – covering in addition, aspects pertaining to the dog’s health, safety and quality of life. But then again, that’s because this is a totally different organisation with a different purpose in the community.
In any case, the evaluation objectives of the 8-week obedience course at the Singapore Kennel Club is similar to the AKC.
I’d like to think Donna is already a good canine citizen, but at this point, she will probably fail from Test 2 onwards, which requires that she be petted on the head and groomed by a stranger. :( She is shy about that. After Test 3, she should do well, until Test8 because she will want to approach the other dog. No question about it. How she’ll do for Test 9 and 10 is really up in the air.
So yes, the dear girl will probably fail, but unofficially, I think we should think of her as a good canine citizen. She is able to sit and stay and also walk by my heel during our walks to the park which include passing through crowded bus-stops, narrow paths, road crossings, etc. She rarely eliminates on concrete areas which are public use anymore. She doesn’t bark at home, even if we’re not in the house. Our next door neighbour was so surprised to hear we have a dog because she never heard any barking. For the record, Donna stopped barking loudly after we told her to be quiet the first time. She still runs to the door when she hears strangers (not the neighbours but strangers) and she sort of, goes woof woof under her breath. It’s kind of hilarious :P
Oh yah, even her poop seems to smell less after we changed her food :P Surely that should seal the deal ; )
