The Basics of Dog Etiquette

Saint Bernard - ggjsmith

Owning a dog can be a pleasant and rewarding experience for many Americans. They’re our true friends and loyal companions, our guardian angels and comic relief. We all want to enjoy our time with our pets, friends, and family, but may be unfamiliar with canine etiquette within the urban setting. Here are 10 simple rules that dog owners can follow to help improve their canine/human interactions.

1. Clean up after your pet, it’s the law, and for good reason. It’s a health hazard to the community and other pets. Leaving Fido’s smelly gift behind for someone else to deal with makes you, as well as other dog owners, look irresponsible. Always, always have plastic bags ready for clean-up duty.
2. Always have your dog on a leash. Again, it’s the law, and it may sound self explanatory, but many owners still fail to abide by this rule. Your dog may be the sweetest dog in the world, but neighbors and pedestrians don’t know your pets. It can be very scary to see a dog running free with no leash. If you want your dogs to be off-leash, they should to be confined to your property. If they are off your property, they should be on a leash at all times.
3. Have proper identification for your pet. A collar, rabies tag, and identification are necessary for others to identify your dog if he or she ever gets free from your supervision.
4. When passing someone on the street or trail, keep your dog as close as possible. Don’t ever assume that a stranger likes your pet. They may not, and it’s nothing personal if they don’t.
5. Don’t ever allow your pet to jump on someone. Allowing your dog to do so shows a lack of control on your part, and a lack of respect for the person who is now wiping paw prints off her clothes.
6. Never allow your dog to greet another pet without asking first. To let Fluffy to run up to Fido without permission is not only dangerous, but disrespectful to Fido’s owner.
7. Always get permission before bringing your dog to a barbecue or family gathering. The host may not care for a dog on the property, and bringing one is disrespectful to the host and guests who are attending.
8. Do not let your dog beg. It makes people feel awkward and it makes you look incompetent. Always allow a dining area that is free from lingering puppy-dog eyes.
9. Do not let your dog drool on others’ clothes or furniture. If you happen to have a dog, such as a Saint Bernard or Newfoundland that is a heavy drooler, keep a handkerchief or towel handy for slobber control.
10. Don’t leave a barking dog outside. Your neighbors have the right to a pleasant night’s sleep as well as a silent, peaceful afternoon.

By following these simple steps, you can help our fellow canines and humans interact peacefully and respectfully on a daily basis.

Kelly Parmeter - Kelly Parmeter-Writer

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