Anyone who’s walked down the street in a busy neighborhood has probably seen dogs on leashes or barking behind their respective fences. When pet owners take their pooches out on a walk, there are unspoken rules that should be followed. Stay safe out there with dog-walking etiquette from the experts. Fido will be happy to walk with its master every day when safe rules are in play.
Use a Sturdy Leash and Harness
A simple rule is controlling the pup with a leash and harness. Pet owners might opt for collars, but harnesses tend to be more comfortable. Every dog has the potential to be aggressive in certain situations. These tools make it possible for owners to stay in control.
Dog daycare professionals always keep their charges on the leash when they venture outdoors. It’s a courtesy to everyone in the neighborhood. If a dog becomes upset, the handler is right there to correct the situation.
Stay off the Phone
An issue that has arisen in the past decade is the use of cellphones during dog walks. Owners are so engrossed in their technology that they don’t pay attention to the Lakewood neighborhood. Put the phone away during the dog walk. Consider the time as a reprieve from the busy world.
Paying attention during the walk allows the owner to interact with the pet. Offer commands and praise to the pooch. If any dog training is being practiced during this time, the concepts only solidify in the pup’s mind.
Be Proactive
As more pet owners take their pups out on the street, impromptu meetings are bound to happen. Be proactive in the Golden neighborhood by crossing the street when another pup approaches. Give the dog enough time to cross the street without pulling it, however. The proactive stance shouldn’t be a hectic situation.
By being across the street from the other dog, the pup has a chance to be calm. There’s less stress for everyone involved. Pup owners end up showing more courtesy than ordinary folks as they share the sidewalk.
Communicate With Other Walkers
It’s not unusual to meet inexperienced walkers during the outdoor excitement in Golden. They may not understand the basic rules of etiquette, however. In this case, don’t hesitate to gently communicate with the other owner.
If the two dogs are getting too close to each other, tell the owner that you’re going to move to another location so that no aggression arises. The other owner can learn from this communication.
Look at the dogs’ body language during close proximity too. It may be necessary to communicate further with the other owner so that every encounter is a positive one.
Remain on Neutral Property
Walking the dog in the neighborhood means that the animal will probably walk on private property. Marking their territory may come next. Some neighbors don’t appreciate dog waste on their lawns even if it’s a liquid deposit.
Try to walk the dog on neutral property, such as a sidewalk or in a city park. No personal property is under strain with this strategy. The walks are nicer for both the owner and dog while the neighborhood remains cleaner as a result of the detour.
Scoop up the Waste
It’s a dirty job, and pet owners must do it. Scooping up pet waste is an absolute must when the dog performs this behavior. Leaving the waste on the ground will create unattractive smells and damage lawns over time.
Carry dog-waste bags on the leash so that the owners don’t forget them. The bags easily slide out for a quick cleanup. The neighbors and other dog owners will appreciate the etiquette.
Speak With a Gentle Tone
Remember that every canine is sensitive to vocal tones. It comes from their primal behavior among the pack. If a pack member howls, there’s bound to be danger ahead.
During a dog walk, use a gentle and calm tone with the pup. Although the situation may be frustrating for the owner, such as another dog running up to a pooch that’s currently eliminating waste, there’s no need for panic. A calm word to move the pup away from the other one will make the situation easier to handle. Yelling or pulling the pup with the leash only creates stress and possible aggression.
Distract With Environmental Cues
Some situations are simply unavoidable. Two dogs from opposite directions may be approaching along the sidewalk. Take a cue from a dog daycare professional and distract the pup. Guide the dog to the side where a hydrant or interesting patch of grass is located. With some luck, the dog may be distracted enough to let the other pups pass by.
These distraction techniques are for the courtesy of other people. If the passersby decide to stop, however, the distraction technique may need to be swapped for a quick exit.
Think About Training the Pup
When walks are more trouble than fun, it’s time to consider professional help. Dog training is a great way to improve the pup’s behavior without any negative repercussions. The professionals take every dog’s personality into consideration as they narrow down the best courses.
With consistent training and support from pet owners, the dog can go on walks without a lot of stress. Walking past other dogs and pet owners becomes the norm. Barking and aggressive behavior can be trained out of the pup with a little love and encouragement.
At times, mistakes happen. Don’t hesitate to apologize to fellow Lakewood residents if a dog barks or misbehaves in another way. Canines are still animals that can be surprising with their behaviors. Be attentive and loving with the pet so that bad behavior is limited. The great outdoors should be a fun place to explore.
