Dog Ownership Readiness Quiz Answers

1. You are baking cookies when a chocolate chip falls onto the floor. Before you can pick it up, a large yellow lab runs over and eats the chocolate chip. You...

• Rush the dog to the vet
• Yell at the dog until it gets scared
• Move the bag farther from the edge and continue baking
• Feed the dog more chocolate

A single chocolate chip is unlikely to do any real harm to a big dog. This is a tiny mistake and you don't need to worry about it.

2. You're making a salad, and your dog begs for food. What would be OK to give your dog?

• Spinach
• Carrots
• Macadamia nuts
• Cucumbers

Spinach, carrots, and cucumbers are healthy for dogs. But macadamia nuts are poisonous to them.

3. Which of these things should you do first in the morning?

• Take the dog out
• Feed the dog
• Get yourself ready for the day
• Check your phone

After a long night indoors, dogs need to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Handle your usual routine after letting out the dog.

4. Do dogs typically thrive on a vegetarian diet?

• Yes
• No

It is very hard to keep a dog healthy on a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian dogs may experience health complications such as seizures. While many vegetables are good for dogs, dogs are healthiest when they eat meat too.

If you want a vegan or vegetarian pet, try a rabbit or a rodent such as a hamster or gerbil.

5. How much guacamole can you give your dog?

• Plenty
• Just a little
• None

Avocado is toxic to dogs, so your dog should not eat guacamole.

6. Can you let your dog off its leash in any field?

• Yes
• No

There are several things you need to consider before letting your dog off leash:

• Environment safety: Are there snakes, broken glass, or busy streets nearby?
• Prey drive: Does your dog like to chase local animals? They may run into the street or woods.
• Recall and training: How well-trained is your dog right now? If you say "come" or "leave it," will they listen (even with interesting distractions)?
• Strangers: Some people are scared of dogs. They may feel scared or react badly if your dog is off leash. Be cautious around people you don't know.
• Rules: Obey signs and local laws.

Stick to familiar, safe places if you're going to take your dog off leash. Using a long lead may also be a good option if you want to give your dog more freedom while keeping them safe.