Let’s face it, dog lovers have taken over the world. From demanding dogs be allowed in restaurants to pushing for freedom to have more dogs in apartments and even those who want dogs to be considered citizens (including voting rights), we have gone barking mad.
But with all that push for more rights and freedoms with our canine family members, we forget that freedom comes with responsibilities.
My husband and I own four dogs. We show, we travel with them, we take them to dog friendly stores and restaurants. We both have careers in the pet industry. And, just like many of you, we don’t have two-legged children.
HOWEVER, even as an obvious dog lover, I am constantly annoyed by other dog owners who do not take their responsibilities seriously, especially when it comes to walking the dog. I can only imagine what a non-dog person feels.
What People Do
Even if you think everyone on the planet loves (or should love) dogs, that doesn’t mean your dog should run wild on the streets of the city. Here are some of the main grievances against dog owners (these come from both other dog owners and non-dog people alike!):
Walk your dog off-leash
Not only is a loose dog not safe—he can get lost, be hit by car, stolen—but he can cause an accident, jump on unsuspecting people, steal food off outdoor patios, chase cats, or pick a fight with another dog.
Do not pick up after your dog
I get disgusted by the amount of poop I see everywhere! I have always, always, always picked up after all four of my dogs. I have even gone into a store to buy something to get a bag if I forgot mine or ran out. Not only is it disgusting and makes your city look awful, but it can spread parasites and diseases. There is really no excuse for this one.
Use a Flexi-lead
There may be a time and a place for a Flexi-lead, but a busy, crowded urban setting is NOT it. Your dog can trip someone, run out in traffic, steal someone’s food, or greet a dog that does not want to be greeted. You also shouldn’t take up the whole sidewalk or walking area. It’s not polite and can frustrate other pedestrians.
Allow your dog to greet every person
Not everyone wants to be mauled by your overly-friendly hound. They could be dressed for an important meeting, allergic to dogs, injured, or just not a dog lover.
Allow your dog to greet every dog
You don’t greet every single person you see do you? Well, not every dog wants to meet your dog. This is a good way to start a fight. And, for all you know that dog has something that your dog could catch.
Stand and talk to someone while ignoring your dog completely
One of my favorites. The owner is deep in discussion over what happened on Game of Thrones last night, while their dog is barking and growling at the end of the leash, lifting his leg on goods in a store, or jumping in someone’s lap at a nearby table.
Leave your dog tied up outside a shop while you go inside
There are plenty of reasons this isn’t a good idea: your dog could get loose and run away or get stolen. A person (child!) could walk up your dog and get bit. Your dog could trip people, bicyclists, skateboarders, etc.
What Dog Owners SHOULD do
Walk your dog on a four- to six-foot leash
It’s safer for your dog, you, and anyone else coming along. Your dog should have enough training to walk nicely by your side, without a big enough gap between you two to where you could trip someone who doesn’t see your dog. This is especially important for little dogs that are easily missed.
Pick up after your dog
Every time, no matter what. At the dog park, on the city street, in the middle of a 100-acre park. It helps stop the spread of disease and it keeps your city clean. Have some pride and pick up after your dog. Don’t want to pick up poop? Pay someone to walk your dog for you.
Do not use a Flexi-lead
They are just not safe in urban settings. You could flip a bicyclist, lose your dog to a car, or trip an elderly person. Save the fFexi for those times you are alone on a mountain hike and want to give your dog some safe freedom.
Ask before allowing your dog to greet someone
Better yet, teach your dog to sit and wait for a person to greet them. It’s nice doggy manners, impresses people, and avoids the coffee being spilled all over the business woman’s suit on the way to her meeting.
Ask before allowing your dog to greet another dog
Personally, I don’t want my dogs to greet any dogs while on a walk, due to health and safety reasons. Your dog may be friendly and healthy, but is that other dog? Just because the owner says yes does not mean it’s true. But, if you are positive you want your dog to greet, ASK FIRST! (Because there are other people like me that will say no).
Don’t ignore your dog
Your dog is your responsibility 24/7. Whether inside your home or outside of it, you are liable for what he does. Just like a toddler, you need to keep any on him. If you are going to be doing something that is going to take all of your attention, leave the dog at home.
Don’t tie your dog up outside a shop
If the shop doesn’t allow dogs, don’t shop there today. It’s at easy at that. Or, if you are with another person, take turns watching the dog. It’s safer for your dog, and for you because you are liable should your dog do anything.
A Dog Welcoming Society
If all dog owners followed even just these basic rules of etiquette while walking their dogs, we would find non-dog owners a lot more welcoming about sharing their living space with our four-legged kids. Remember when you are out with your dog you are an ambassador for all dogs and dog people; you should act accordingly to make sure we can continue to enjoy sharing our lives with them.
About the Author
Based in Wilsonville, Ore., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She is the founder of A Fairytail House. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
