Etiquette For Dog Owners

Good etiquette for dog owners means being considerate of your neighbors when it comes to your dog's behavior.

Devoted dog owners tend to forget that not everyone loves dogs, and I'm as forgetful as the next person.

So we need to think about how we can keep our neighbors happy and still enjoy quality time with our canine companion.

Here's a simple definition of etiquette: "The practices and forms prescribed by social convention or by authority."

So when it comes to etiquette for dog owners, we need to follow the guidelines set up by the legal authority in your community, as well as by "social convention," or how other people view your dog's behavior.

Join The Poop Patrol!

The easiest way to scoop poop is to simply palm it. Put a plastic grocery bag over your hand like a glove.

Gently scoop the poop by picking it up with your gloved hand, turn the bag inside out, and pull it off with your other hand (with the poop safely in the bag).

Now just tie the bag in a knot, and put it in a trash can or take it home to your own outdoor trash container.

If you use a public trash can, pick one that's not near a bus stop, restaurant or other public place where other people may be offended by the odor.

I keep a supply of plastic grocery bags near the dog leashes, and just stuff a few in my pockets before I head out the door. Other people fasten them to the leash itself. Just keep them wherever you'll see them on your way out the door.

Some people prefer to carry a pooper scooper, which (I guess) keeps them farther from the poop. The dog supply catalogs have other devices you can try. It doesn't matter how you clean it up, just do it!

Good etiquette for dog owners extends beyond the city limits.

For example, hiking etiquette dictates that you keep the trails clear for other hikers, so you want to make sure your pooch doesn’t leave a deposit where others might step in it.

If you're out in the middle of nowhere, it's generally considered acceptable to use a stick to shove poop off the trail and into the woods to blend in with the wildlife poop.

However, if you're hiking in a public park where the trails are heavily traveled, it would be more considerate to use the Bag-It method.

Then put the bag in the nearest trash can or take it home with you.

The U.K. implemented a National Scoop Poop Week several years ago to help with their growing dog waste problem. I suspect it's at least as big a problem in the U.S., but that it just hasn't been sufficiently brought to the public's attention to warrant such national notoriety.

A Dog Leash Law Helps Everyone

First of all, some people are frightened by the sight of an off-leash dog, no matter how well-behaved he appears to be.

Also, it only takes a second for even a well-trained dog to throw training to the wind and take off after a squirrel, ending up in the path of a car.

Here's another example of good etiquette for dog owners: When you’re out on the street, don't let your dog run up to strangers.

Being greeted by a strange dog--even a friendly Golden Retriever--can frighten some people. Keep your dog at your side when you pass a person on the sidewalk.

In addition to respecting other people, respect other dogs. Don't let your dog rush up to another dog that's on-leash.

Some dogs may behave aggressively toward other dogs even if they're fine with people. Always ask the other dog's owner for permission before allowing your dogs to greet another one.

Don't allow your dog to urinate on other people's property, shrubs, and trees. This can leave unwelcome yellow spots in a lovely green lawn.

Let your dog use the easement strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street, or head for the nearest dog park.

Responsible etiquette for dog owners includes keeping your dog away from public places if he's aggressive toward dogs or people.

Though that's pretty rare with Golden Retrievers, it's worth a mention. You can't always prevent a child or another dog from running up to your dog.

Using a nifty 20-foot retractable leash works great if you're walking alone on a beach or in a big, open area. But you might want to stick with your 6-foot leash on city streets.

That keeps your dog from running out into the street when you aren't paying attention, keeps him off lawns, and keeps him from getting uncomfortably close to other people trying to use the sidewalk.

Meeting and Greeting Others

Stay in your friends’ good graces by asking your dog to sit politely when greeting folks on the street or anywhere else.

And if he’s been taught to offer his paw in greeting, he can really score points!

It's simply good etiquette for dog owners to never force your dog on other people.

Although it's hard for us dog-people to understand, not everyone is as crazy about your precious pooch as you are.

Some people have allergies, fears, or just don't like dogs in general. (It's OK, they're probably very nice people anyway!)

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