Dog Walking Etiquette 101

Teach your dog about going into yards. This can be a source of trouble and force you to avoid certain streets or section of streets. Dog walking etiquette requires that you should try to keep your dog from going too far into yards. Dogs that are allowed to go deep into yards, and right up to the house, can cause damage to flowers, shrubs, and are more prone to getting into territorial disputes with dogs of that home. To avoid this, either shorten the length of the leash around yards your dog wanders into or teach your dog a command such as "too far in" or "no yards" which does work because dogs can understand simple commands if used consistently and for certain locations.

Yards Off Limits

Know what yards are off limits. There will be yards where the owners just do not want a dog near. This is most likely due to the fear of damage to shrubs or plants along the edge of the yard or driveway. You may think that allowing your dog to pee on lawns or under shrubs, but there are property owners who do not want brown spots on their lawn. Dog waste does cause dead grass, and if a shrub is used often enough it can also be damaged. If a property owner asks you to avoid their yard, try to move your dog across the street when you are coming near that property.

Dogs and Roads

Teach your dog to stay off the road when a car comes. This is a dog walking etiquette which relates directly to safety for you, your dog, and the person driving the vehicle. Many times streets are not wide enough for two cars and your dog. Many times a vehicle may not see a dog in time. Busses and trucks have air breaks, which do not react as quickly as disc brakes. If a driver spots your dog near their vehicle when they are driving, they are paying more attention to your dog then the road, which can cause an accident; this would cause you to be liable for any damage. The best situation here, is to keep your dog along side of the road in grass or on the sidewalk. If your dog must be on the road, keep them close to your side where you can reach down and pull them out of the way if needed.

Dog Waste

Pick up the poop. Yes, this is a problem to many property owners. Not only does dog waste cause damage to grass and plants, it also can be a problem if a child is playing in the yard and needs cleaned up after coming into contact with the dog waste. Good dog walking etiquette means picking up the poop after your dog is finished. This is as simple as taking a plastic grocery bag, turning it inside out and placing your hand inside and using the bag as a plastic glove. Then turn the bag back out and take the bag with you where you can dispose of it properly.

Your Dog and Other Persons

Be considerate of other walkers or bikers, keeping your dog close or advising if the dog is a problem. One issue people are always concerned about is having an unknown dog run up to, or jump onto, them even if it is only to say hello. People do not know your dogs intention. If your dog likes to say hello to people, advise any approaching persons that the dog is friendly; most times the people will slow down and pet the dog as long as you maintain control. If someone does not want the dog to approach, proper dog walking etiquette dictates that you should move the dog farther away from the person and lead the dog away from the person. If your dog is not friendly, keep your dog close to your side and keep yourself on the opposite side of the road from people.

Your Dog Approaching Others

Ask if your dog can approach another dog or child. This is similar to what I said above. Children and other dogs can be friendly and want to say hello to a new dog. As long as you have permission from the owner of the dog, or the parents, you are fine. If no owner or adult is around, do not approach other dogs or children because you can be liable for anything that happens after.

When a Child or Dog Approaches Your Dog

If a child approaches your dog, bring the dog to a stop and keep the dog close to your side and under control. Your dog will let you know if it senses danger; if your dog signals that it is uncomfortable, apologize and move on. If a dog approaches your dog, take notice of how your dog is behaving. Your dog will show you if there is a problem. If the two dogs start out fine, but then have a problem, do not try to get in between them! Take hold of your dog from behind and pick up your dog or move the dog away by turning their head away from the other dog. This signals to the other dog that the issue is resolved.