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I’m out with my dog. I love my dog. And I like to share my dog with others. I’m so happy to show off my dog.
⭐ My pick for every walk: Earth Rated doggie poo bags — over 215,000 reviews on Amazon.ca, 4.8 stars. Good etiquette starts with always having one in your pocket.
The First Unwritten Rule — Common Sense
Common sense. In any situation without a dog, you would mind your own business and not interfere or interrupt what someone else may be doing.
Others may not share your enthusiasm for your pet. Understand that important point and respect it.
I remember years ago being in a little shop — it wasn’t a pet store, but it might have been. Still, I was on my own and I was at the counter ready to pay and leave the shop. A woman came in with a very large dog. I noticed but was intent on finishing my business.
Without warning, that large dog jumped up onto me from the side. I wasn’t even looking at the dog or the woman.
And that is a contravention of the first unwritten rule — common sense and respect.
That will apply whether you are walking your dog or simply out on your own.
If you have the dog, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog will not interfere with another’s pleasure, and it is your responsibility to ensure that everyone remains safe.
No excuses.
The Second Unwritten Rule — Respect
Say hello if you wish, and if the owner wishes to slow and stop, then you can interact somewhat — but never without permission.
The rules nobody writes down are usually the ones everybody already knows — or should.
Ask before approaching a dog. If you are walking past a dog, don’t go headlong towards it expecting that the owner will stop and chat with you. And do not expect that you can approach the dog without permission.
And certainly do not expect that you may offer a treat to a dog that’s not your own, especially without permission.
Never assume that you have the right to interfere or interact with the dog unless clearly invited to do so.
The Third Unwritten Rule — Control
You are responsible for keeping your dog in control. Others may not share your enthusiasm for your dog, and some may even be afraid of dogs.
Good dog-walking etiquette also means respecting private property. Most homeowners understand that dogs need to stop occasionally during a walk. However, allowing a dog to wander through flower beds, gardens, or landscaping is generally considered inconsiderate. Even letting your dog pee on someone’s lawn is a question worth thinking about.
Even the friendliest dog can frighten someone who does not know it. Not everyone loves dogs. Some people are afraid of dogs. Others may have mobility issues, young children, or pets of their own.
And there are even other dogs that are afraid of people and dogs they do not know. Never assume that you’re welcome within their personal space.
- Control means keeping everyone safe.
- Control prevents accidents and injuries. That is clearly your most important goal.
- Control means cleaning up after your dog.
Since you are in control, you are the one responsible for cleaning up after your dog — and you must make sure to have sufficient doggie poo bags with you to make that happen.
Please and thank you go a long way to ensure a happy and safe dog-walking experience!
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