Dog Owner Etiquette Tips
Don’t Let Your Dog Jump on People
It may be cute for your dog to jump in excitement every time you walk through the door, but other people may not want your dog’s paws on their clothes. There are plenty of reasons why dogs should not jump on humans. Their claws can tear clothing, their paws could be covered in dirt, their weight could push some people down, or their energy could scare people who are not familiar with your dog.
Training your dog not to jump on people is a fairly simple process. At home, you can discourage the behavior with simple “no” commands and rewards of treats and toys. In public, keeping your dog on a leash will keep him under your control, and you can use that control as leverage for training. If your dog gets overly excited or acts as though he is getting ready to jump on someone, tug on the leash to discourage that behavior. Your dog will soon learn that it is best to walk by your side calmly, rather than getting punished for jumping on people.
Don’t Take an Untrained Dog to a Dog Park
If you are going to go to a dog park, you need to make sure that your dog is mature and trained enough to handle the increased activity. Other dog owners will not be happy if they constantly have to discipline your dog. Keep an eye on your pet as he interacts with other dogs, much like you would a child at a park. You may need to keep your dog on a leash the first few times you go to the park to ensure that he can react responsibly. You can release him when you feel that he will play well with other dogs and not cause problems with other people at the park.
Think about Noise and Neighbors
One of the biggest complaints people have about where they live is noisy dogs next door. If you have a dog that likes to bark a lot, it may be best to bring him inside while you are out of the house. If your dog has a tendency to dig holes, put concrete around your fence line to prevent him from causing property damage to other people’s yards. If your fence is not high enough to contain your dog, consider raising it or putting your dog in a smaller fenced area in your yard. If you plan to move in the near future, consider your dog’s noise levels and overall behaviors before putting him in an unfitting environment.
Clean up after Your Dog
This is a message to you, the owner, not your pet. When you take your dog on walks or out to the dog park, clean up after his messes. This doesn’t just refer to bathroom breaks. If your dog gets a bunch of toys out of a bin, pick them up. If he messes up part of someone else’s property, do the right thing and fix the damages. The more responsible you are for your pet’s actions, the happier everyone around you will be.
