Dog Walking Etiquette: The Basics

You love your dog. He is your best friend and a member of your family. When you get home from a long day of doing people stuff it can be very relaxing to put your pooch on a leash and head outside for a stroll around the neighborhood. It's good exercise for you and your dog but don't forget to practice some good dog walking etiquette and common sense. Just like a child, your dog is your responsibility and when you take him out in public you need to keep in mind a few simple rules.

The most obvious responsibility of a dog owner has got to be picking up after the dog once it has done its business. I know, this is not the most pleasant aspect of dog ownership but nobody wants to come across a pile left by your loving pooch. Always remember to begin each walk by first grabbing some plastic bags or a poop scoop. This should go without saying yet I know that we have all seen these offenders in our neighborhood. You know who I mean, the person who stands there hoping to not be seen while Fido does his business on the sidewalk or a neighbors lawn. Totally unacceptable behavior for a dog owner.

Another breach of dog walking etiquette is the owner that allows their dog to run up to unsuspecting strangers. Even if your dog is well behaved, a stranger has no way of knowing what is going through your dog's mind and it can be quite traumatic to see a dog of any size running up to you. It doesn't matter that you have your dog on a leash, most people are going to be leery if they are approached by a strange animal. Be a good neighbor and make sure to give passing strangers some space as you and your dog go by.

And finally, always be cautious when you and your dog happen across another pet owner walking their animal. Even if you know that your dog is friendly with other animals you can never be certain how another person's pet is going to react while in the vicinity of your dog. The consequences can be deadly and it is something that is easy to avoid. When walking my dog I always keep her away from other animals even when the owner tells me their pet is friendly, I am not prepared to take any chances and neither should you.

So there you have it, a few simple rules to remember when walking your dog. Obviously this was not meant to be an all inclusive article in regards to walking your dog in public but if you keep things simple then you and your dog and the rest of us will all be able to enjoy public spaces with minimal trauma.