Information for Pet Dog Owners

What is the RCOC?

The Responsible Canine Ownership (RCO) Primer & Certification help start your educational journey, introducing you to the full range of core concepts that every owner really needs to know.

Why you should take the RCOC

Reason #1

Your life will be a lot easier – and your dog’s life a lot less stressful – if you learn how to properly handle, raise, care for, train, and interact with dogs! A little up-front investment in learning the basics will:

SAVE you time

It is a lot easier to avoid developing or worsening reactivity, anxiety, or bad behaviors than it is to try to manage or unlearn them later.

SAVE stress and heartache

Don’t want your dog tearing up your house, peeing in corners, barking all day, or lunging at strangers? Learn how to avoid or fix those behaviors!

Make you SAFER

Not knowing how to handle your dog creates potential danger for you, your dog, your family, and everyone else.

Let you ENJOY time with your dog

Stop being lost and frustrated ‘getting them to behave;’ learn the core concepts that will make your interactions easier and more intuitive.

Build a better RELATIONSHIP with your dog

Many owners think “my dog loves me” but can’t distinguish excitement from fear, calm from terror, or trust from suppression. Learning how to communicate with your dog lets you build a sincere, collaborative relationship.

Reason #2

Show other stakeholders that you take dog ownership seriously. Give them confidence that you are a committed, responsible owner.

Adoption Centers, Rescues, and Breeders
Trainers, Daycares, and Walkers
Landlords and roommates
Airbnb Hosts and Hotels

How it works

1

Check out the RCO Primer

An educational reference for new dog owners – check it out here

Note: you do NOT need to read the RCO Primer before taking the exam! The RCOC exam (below) is designed such that every question is linked to the relevant Primer chapters, so that you can look up the concepts and learn as you go.

2

Take the RCOC exam

You can start it here:

Take the RCOC now

Don’t panic: the exam is not meant to be hard. We link to relevant concepts, there’s no time limit, and you can take it as many times as you need.

3

Share the certification

Once you pass, anyone can check that you are certified. Just send them these links:

4

Continue on your learning journey

Throughout the RCOC and Primer we repeatedly emphasize and demonstrate the importance of:

  • Reading Books – see Further Resources for some amazing resources
  • Taking Classes – at bare minimum a 6-12 week basic obedience course
  • Working with a trainer – one-on-one sessions to rapidly identify and improve your gaps as a handler