Dog Walking Etiquette

We all know there’s truth in the old saying, “If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”  Assuming that most visitors to GoodPooch.com are already trying to be the most responsible dog owners possible, it’s worthwhile discussing how even already responsible dog owners can outshine the rest.

Proper heeling is the hallmark of the responsible urban dog owner.  Whether passing other pedestrians or dog owners on sidewalks, or venturing into crowded transit systems or plazas, a dog who heels is always welcomed.  Unlike their irresponsibly-owned counterparts, these dogs don’t touch other citizens by lunging at them or reaching out with wet noses.  Their owners would never consider leaving them unattended outside a store.  All citizens have the right to walk without interference from anyone (or any pooch) when in public places.  GoodPooch owners respect that.

Picking up after your pet.  You do it every time, without exception, right?  If so, you must be aware that a certain amount of the feces can sometimes be left behind.  Ask yourself, once you’ve “cleaned up” after your pet, would you walk barefoot over that area?  If you wouldn’t, it’s probably still not adequately cleaned up.

The solution some exemplary dog owners have devised is to “catch” the dog’s feces before it hits the ground.  If your dog is large enough, you simply hold your bag-covered hand below your dog and catch.  If you have a smaller dog, you can quickly slide a poop bag onto the ground below your dog before she goes.  Voilà!  The feces never touch the ground!  Not only that, you simply tie up the bag as you walk to the trash can while other dog owners are left, scrounging around on the ground, failing miserably in their attempts at getting 100% of their own messes cleaned up.

Be considerate of others when allowing your dog to eliminate.  Don't let your dog eliminate on private property without the owner's permission (that is called "trespassing" and "littering"), or on public property (including that which is commonly used for recreation).  It is best to ask one's dog to eliminate on one's own, private property, before embarking on a walk.  Should your dog need to eliminate while out in public, try to find unused public areas, such as easements and grassy strips beside sidewalks.  Please don't let your dog eliminate on a sports field or in a playground.  Please don't deposit your dog's waste in a trash bin next to a playground, picnic table, bus stop, or any other area where people are likely to spend some time near the bin.  It's just inconsiderate.  If at all possible, take your dog's waste home with you, and dispose of it according to municipal guidelines.

Other dogs.  We already know that responsible dog owners actively maintain well-socialized dogs, meaning they give their dogs socialization experiences on a regular basis.  So, there is no concern about responsibly owned dogs being too assertive or frightened when around other dogs.  A well-socialized dog knows how to interact with dogs of all temperaments.  If another dog is too rough, they know to extricate themselves.  If another dog is submissive, they know to play more gently.  Really responsible dog owners are aware that they must take an active role in ensuring their dogs meet others of all temperament types.  It just won’t do, only allowing one’s dog to play with dogs one knows well.  Dogs need to learn dog language from other dogs, not humans.  That means meeting strange dogs on a regular basis.

Each of us can only control our own dogs.  Short of attacking, if another dog runs up to your leashed dog, you should have enough control over your GoodPooch that she remains heeling as you continue walking.  There is no need to say anything to the other dog owner.  With experience, you’ll find that your supremely well-behaved dog ignoring the exuberant interloper will virtually shame other owners into admitting their negligence.  More often than not, the other dog owner will ask how you managed to train your dog so well.  That’s your golden opportunity to spread the word about responsible dog ownership.

Help other dog owners.  If another person’s dog runs up to play with yours, but you hear the owner calling his dog to no avail, do what you can to help him out.  If possible, ask your dog to sit or heel, so she isn’t a further distraction to the other dog.  If that dog still doesn’t return to its owner, firmly command the dog to “Go!”

After all, we're all in the same boat.  There was a time when you were still training your dog a reliable recall.  Remember, nobody's perfect, and certainly no dog is, either.

Ask questions.  Sometimes conflicts arise between dog owners.  That’s life.  Usually the cause is a simple misunderstanding.  Responsible dog owners are confident and knowledgeable, a group unlikely to be inconsiderate of others.  Remember that the general public, and even most dog owners, are not very knowledgeable, though.  The majority of dog owners don't understand even the most basic aspects of dog training and behaviour, which is why their dogs are so poorly behaved.  You can assist them by asking what they think is appropriate (or inappropriate), then redirecting them into a discussion about ethical dog training, consideration for others, how we shouldn't try to control other people (only ourselves), and what is normal dog behaviour.

Here's an example:  In a leash-free area, two dogs greet each other by sniffing.  One dog is quite a bit younger and smaller than the other. As a part of normal dog behaviour, the younger dog lays on its back, showing its belly in a normal display of submission to the older dog.  The young dog's owner, calls the dog, but it ignores her.  Knowing little about dog behaviour, she rushes over to "protect" the youngster from the larger dog.  The owner picks up her dog and scolds the other dog owner for not calling her larger dog off. 

 

The owner of the larger dog, being more experienced with dog behaviour then asks:  "Why would I do that?"  The person's answer to that question tells us what we're dealing with. 

1. "That big dog could hurt the little one."  Yes. Remotely possible.  But highly unlikely given the circumstances.  The owner is demonstrating her own fear of large dogs, and ignorance of normal dog behaviours.

2. "My dog was afraid.  I am protecting her."  What she's actually doing is halting the socialization process, and teaching the dog to fear others.  This kind of owner simply doesn't understand basic dog behaviour and training. 

3. "It's just good manners to call your dog when another owner is trying to move on."  In this case, we have to ask ourselves if our dogs were actually disruptive.  In this scenario, we're in a leash-free dog park.  It is meant for dogs to interact, so that's not the problem.  Both dogs were just meeting each other, not in a heated dominance display, nor was the large dog pestering an unreceptive dog. 

The larger dog is very well-trained, and can be called off in a moment's notice.  It was the younger dog that disobeyed the owner's command.  So, isn't it really the fault of the smaller dog's owner, that the small dog is so disobedient the owner is unable to get her own dog to follow her? 

 

Don't we only control our own dogs?  So, if another dog runs up to ours for play, we should be capable of keeping our dogs heeling next to us, or coming to us when called, regardless of other distractions.

 

In the scenario described above, it is best to let the younger dog learn how to interact with other dogs.  Dog communication is non-verbal.  Dogs aren't born knowing how to advertise their desires to others.  They have to learn, through trial and error.  Sometimes dogs will run into bullies; sometimes wimps.  They must be able to interact with all of them in an appropriate way.

 

It is imperative, as responsible dog owners, that we also train our dogs to the point that we can walk them past any normal, everyday distractions like people, other dogs, squirrels, etc. 

 

When conflicts arise, it is best to ask why the person is reacting in what we perceive to be such a puzzling manner.  (More often than not, the cause is ignorance, myth, or irrational fear.)  Responsible dog owners are generally more considerate of those around them.  Responsible dog owners tend, as a group, to be more knowledgeable about dog behaviour and training, as well.  We have the opportunity to help less-knowledgeable people better understand dogs, if we give them the chance to explain their (sometimes flawed) reasoning, and responding to that, rather than what we "think" their reasoning might be.

Also keep in mind that you are not your dog.  Try not to take comments about your dog too personally.  Never forget that most of society sees dogs as little more than possessions.  You know your dog is an innocent, intelligent being.  Represent her in the best light possible. 

Lead by example.  Ever wanted to be a diplomat?  Responsible dog owners accept the fact that every time they leave their homes with their dogs, they become ambassadors for dog owners everywhere.  Now use that power for good, and not for evil.

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