Dog-friendly etiquette: how to behave with a dog in public so that everyone is comfortable

Dog-friendly culture continues the waves of eco-friendly and cruelty free. For me, this is a variant of the norm of behavior in a society that respects the interests of people and pets. How successful this interaction will be depends on the preparation of each of the parties.

I consider it a positive trend that in forums and chats, dog owners, in addition to conversations on the topic “where to relax with pets,” also discuss the rules of conduct for owners and their dogs. I offer you my version of dog-friendly etiquette. It concerns dog owners and anyone who accidentally encounters pets.

• Iron by permission

Surely you have met lovers to pet a dog without asking. Parents rarely explain to their children that you can’t just go up to even the most “ugly” dog and stroke it without the permission of the owner. Yes, and adults, touched, run as fast as they can and stretch their hands to the dog. And then they are surprised and indignant if bites happen. Fortunately, my dog ​​Lota does not bite. But she looks at me frowningly, as if asking: “What are all these people going to do here?”.

• Walk with a leash

I always drive my Lota on a leash, and in public transport I put on a muzzle. And this is not because she bites, but because I follow the rules for transporting pets. Yes, I love my dog. But I understand that there are people who are afraid of her and are not ready to play with her when she runs to them with a toy and barks all over the street.

• No cruelty

Being pet-friendly means understanding each other’s weaknesses. My dog ​​is really passionate about running and barking at cyclists. Of course, this is my problem, and I try to solve it with the cynologist. And yet a big request to cyclists who are barked by a dog – do not use force! This does not help to wean the pet from inappropriate behavior. On the contrary, it further reinforces the idea that “everything with two wheels is unsafe and we must resist it.”

A similar request to dog owners – if you can not cope with the behavior of a pet, you should not use force. It is necessary to contact a specialist: a cynologist, a zoopsychologist and a veterinarian. After all, if you have a toothache, you can be angry and aggressive because of this. Would a slap or a slap in the face help you in such a situation? By itself, a strict collar or muzzle does not work. Ammunition needs to be taught.

• Teach your dog the “come” command

It is desirable that the dog respond and approach the owner when necessary for the safety of others and the pet. Let me explain with two examples.

In our yard, a Doberman occasionally walks without a leash. The owner is usually busy with flowers in the front garden. And this good-natured, but large pet lies nearby. On command, the Doberman goes for a walk or is going home.

There is also a very restless toy terrier walking in our yard. His owner calmly lets go without a leash, although the dog has repeatedly run away. Sensing a relative, she runs as fast as she can to get acquainted with her brother, and then, to the cries of her owner, “Simba, come to me!” slowly receding along with its new companion.

Both cases I do not consider correct in relation to others. But I prefer an obedient Doberman than the one that every time follows us with a dog for a walk.

• To the public after the doctor

Pet owners will feel better and calmer if all pets on the site are vaccinated and treated for fleas, ticks and worms. This is not just a formality! One dog owner in our yard did not bother to report that his pet had mycoplasmosis. As a result, many dogs that interacted with him also got sick. Some are in severe form.

• Clean up after your pet

In dog-friendly etiquette, I would include cleaning up after the pet on the street, as an integral part of care. Many diseases can be transmitted through excreta. Plus, it’s unaesthetic. It is unpleasant to observe when entering the alley near the house or in the park that the owners forgot or did not want to clean up after the dog.

Use these rules, and you will be comfortable in any dog-friendly company, at a meeting and a party. And if you have ideas on what to add to dog-friendly etiquette, write to us at The most useful and funny suggestions will be published in the pet-friendly SharPei Online community.