Dog Owner Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts You Need to Know

As a pet owner, it’s important to practice proper etiquette – especially if you plan to go everywhere with your furry friend in tow. So, what is etiquette you ask? Simply put, etiquette is acceptable social behavior that shows respect to others in your orbit. You know, “good manners.”  Etiquette helps us navigate social situations in an appropriate and considerate manner. So, if you don’t want to be “that person” who gives pet parents a bad name, familiarize yourself with these do’s and don’ts of dog ownership, and be mindful to adhere to them unconditionally.

  

Scoop Your Poop

When it comes to number twos, cleaning up after your pup should be job one. Dog waste contains bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to humans and other pets. Just pick it up and dispose of it in an appropriate receptacle. Every. Single. Time.  

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Use a Leash

Unless your dog is in a specifically “off-leash” space, keep your furry friend on a leash. There are leash laws in most cities for good reason. Safety for you and your dog, as well as the safety of others you may encounter while out and about.  

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Prioritize Training 

Having a well-trained dog allows you to take your companion virtually anywhere. With proper training, you can feel confident that your dog will behave themselves properly, without being a nuisance to other people and animals.  

Pay Attention 

When you are with your dog, always focus your attention on them. You want the time spent with them to be quality time, and you also want to keep your dog and others safe. So, put down your phone and keep an eye on what your dog is doing and what they are getting into. 

Prevent Barking 

All dogs bark. It’s how they communicate. However, excessive barking can be a real problem. If your dog is barking all day and night, they are probably a nuisance to anyone within earshot. As the owner, it’s up to you to address your dog’s behavior and make efforts to control it. If you are unsure how to curtail your dog’s excessive barking, check out these tips from the American Kennel Club on How to Stop Nuisance Dog Barking.

Leave Poop Behind

“No poop left behind” should be every dog owner’s motto. This may be preaching to the choir, but it’s worth repeating. By taking the time to pick up after your pup, you’re being a good neighbor and a responsible pet parent. And remember, bagged up poop needs to be discarded appropriately. Don’t leave poop bags on the ground for someone else to deal with.
  

Ignore “No Pets Allowed” Signs

If the sign says “No Pets Allowed,” it means just that. So, think twice before entering anywhere that does not welcome your pup. And please, please, please don’t try to pass your pet off as a service dog. It’s disrespectful to those who require a service animal. Plus, in many jurisdictions, service dog fraud is a crime. Similarly, don’t just show up to someone’s home with your dog. It’s always best to ask permission first.
 

Leave Barking Dog Outside 

If you have an excessive barker inside the home, you may be tempted to banish them to the backyard to bark it out. Don’t do it. It’s rude to your neighbors and makes you look like a bad pet parent. And, if your dog is already outside and they begin to bark incessantly, bring them in or go outside with them. Your neighbors will thank you.
 

Approach Others Unless Invited 

Never let your dog greet another person or pet without asking first. And never let your dog off-leash to run up to strangers or their leashed pets. Not everyone feels comfortable being approached by an unfamiliar dog. That’s why it is important to be considerate of others and their pets. Just because you love your dog doesn’t mean everyone else wants to meet them.
  

Disrespect Others Property

When walking your dog in a residential area, it’s best to stay off other people’s property. Many people take great pride in their lawns, and they don’t want to see your dog doing its business on their grass. Try to keep your dog off lawns and encourage them to use the strip of grass between the sidewalk and street. Also, try to keep them from urinating on mailboxes, garbage cans, car tires, etc. However, if you do allow your dog to go on someone’s lawn, definitely clean up after them.