What are some tips/challenges of owning a dog on post?

2015-06-14T21:04:07-04:00

I'm thinking about having a dog when I move on post. It's a large, lovable rescue dog. I seek advice from those who had or now have dogs in on-post housing. What are some tips you can share? What are issues that you faced? Thank you!

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made Jun 14 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-06-14T21:08:15-04:00

Check the list of forbidden dogs. Each post has a specific list.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 14 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-06-14T21:09:22-04:00

Check the list of dogs you aren't allowed to have on that post. Also, make sure you have documentation on shots, etc.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 14 at 2015 9:13 PM

2015-06-14T21:13:07-04:00

The thing that upset was people would get a dog then when they pcs'd or went on float, they'd release the dog out in the back of the base by the tank trails and just leave the dog to fend for themselves, if your going to get a dog, think about these scenarios first.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jun 14 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-06-14T21:28:25-04:00

I had my first husky at Ft. Knox and really had no problems except when he got out and stayed out all night running around the neighborhood I would look for him but he was sleeping at the door when I went out in the morning so damn tired I would have to carry him in the house. I was in for 21 yrs and the only problem was that I have had dogs the whole time even in Germany and 2 tours at Hood. No real problems but you must keep the dogs shots up to date or then you got problems. I hope this helps.

Response by SPC Ei McS made Jun 14 at 2015 10:04 PM

2015-06-14T22:04:32-04:00

CPT William Beaver

First of all, I'm delighted to read that you chose to adopt a rescue dog!!!!! There are so many great dogs that are desperately seeking for a loving and responsible home that is committed to them! Not only that, but that you are planning ahead already and you want to know about having your dog with you on-post!

1). If your post has a dog park, or even if you live off-post but your post has a dog-park that you may want to use, you have to register your dog with the on-post veterinarian. One of our posts had a doggy-park, which was great!

2). You may have to register your dog with on-post veterinary services anyway, even if you don't want to make use of the on-post doggy-park. Call on-post veterinary services to find out.

3). Living on-post or off-post get your pet microchipped: Some dogs are escape artists and adventurous. This is directed towards anyone reading this. Get your dog and/or cat microchipped!!! Update your information (phone number, address, emergency phone numbers) every time you move! Don't forget to do so!

4). Get your dog and/or cat spayed or neutered! Dogs and cats can multiply so quickly! There's enough sweet and great pets that get put down because they can't find a furever home! It's so sad and unnecessary!!

5). For sure get your pet vaccinated against rabies and give him/her the monthly anti-heart worm treatment! It is so expensive to treat a dog with heartworms, but so much cheaper and easier to give the monthly heartworm treatment (also cats).

6). Again, ask the on-post veterinary clinic what other vaccinations are good to have done! There are several other vaccinations that may be good. This may be going to extremes, but we also decided to do the following: We live in an area with rattle snakes, so, we even had our dogs vaccinated against rattlesnakes. Caution: This is rather very rare, but some dogs can be allergic to certain vaccines. Keep an eye on your dog after a vaccine.

7). Some posts allow you to put up a fence around your backyard (some of these fences you can even rent for a low monthly fee) so you can quickly let out your dog so he/she can do his/her business in-between. Inquire with housing. I suggest to not let your dog out for too long by himself/herself. Some dogs dig because they like to do so and escape. ALWAYS be mindful of the weather outside. Just like humans, dogs can freeze or get a heatstroke. Always have plenty of fresh water and protection against sun, wind, rain, snow, and ice.

8). Get your dog a good, monthly anti-tick, anti-flea, anti-chewing-lice treatment. Research the different products a bit, because some are better than others. Read the reviews of the potential products as well.

9). Inform yourself about what kinds of dogs are allowed to be on-post. Some posts have these strange and unfounded bans on certain breeds. We have a Labrador-Pit bull mix. I never mentioned Pit Bull, but only said Lab-mix. The dog breed bans are ridiculous! They really are!!!! It is some of the owners that have to be banned, not the breed!!! For real!!!

10). Last but certainly not least: BE SURE YOU ABSOLUTELLY WANT THIS DOG! You will move again, you might get deployed, you might go on leave, or get ill...etc...! Do you know that you will take the dog with you when you move/PCS? Will you put the dog in doggy-boarding when you go on leave and you absolutely can't take him/her with you? Will someone take care and love the dog while you are absent? Our dogs will come with us when we PCS (even overseas)! When we are on leave and our dogs can't come with us they are in a good boarding for dogs. Every month we put a bit of money to the side for doggy-boarding. If something happens to us we know exactly who will take of the dogs, look after them and love them without doubt!

Response by SSG Eric Trace made Jun 14 at 2015 10:14 PM

2015-06-14T22:14:07-04:00

Make sure that this dog is not on forbidden list, it would be a shame if you had to chose the between the dog or living on post.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 14 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-06-14T23:06:05-04:00

A lot of good advice here already so I'll just say this. Obedience training is a must, as is daily exercise for your doggie family member!

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 14 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-06-14T23:44:47-04:00

Quarinteening your dog for three months when moving to Hawaii.

Response by SSgt Ann Kovarik made Dec 17 at 2022 4:01 PM

2022-12-17T16:01:37-05:00

Did you get the pooch?