Responsible dog ownership extends beyond compliance with legal obligations and includes understanding a dog’s needs and acting responsibly throughout its life. The aim of this thesis was to analyse responsible dog ownership in Slovenia through a narrative review of Slovenian and international literature. The topics examined include the human–dog relationship, physical and mental welfare, breeding and early development, acquiring a dog from a shelter, the legal framework, the consequences of irresponsible ownership, and the role of education. The review indicates that the quality of the relationship and the owner’s ability to recognise behavioural signals affect daily care and safety. Responsible acquisition requires consideration of the dog’s origin, health, living conditions, and early socialisation, while pedigrees and contractual documents alone do not demonstrate responsible breeding or future care. Slovenian legislation defines the minimum obligations of dog owners and measures in cases of violations, but responsible ownership also includes practices that extend beyond legal requirements. The consequences of irresponsible behaviour may affect the dog, the owner, and wider society. Education may help prevent these consequences but cannot replace legislation, enforcement, and practical support. Due to the limited availability of Slovenian empirical research, international findings are used as a comparative basis and cannot be directly generalised to Slovenia.
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