Canton, Georgia —Managing our dogs to mind their manners at home and in public is our responsibility as dig parents. Bruce Edwards, Master Trainer and owner of Home Dog Training offers a simple set of suggestions for appropriate dog etiquette. By following these simple guidelines, you and your dog will avoid unsafe and inappropriate situations.
“When you are out and about with your dog, it is very important to be considerate of everyone around you, whether at home or in public,” said Edwards. “A well-behaved dog with good manners reflects well on you and the fact that you and your dog have a respectful bond and loving relationship.”
The following tips provide basic guidelines for dog and owner etiquette.
At Home
- Always make sure your dog stays on your property. This is for the safety of your dog, your family, and everyone around. If your dog is left alone, keep him in a safe location where he will be safe, secure, and healthy.
- Encourage your dog to potty in specific areas of your choosing. If he potties on your neighbor’s lawn, clean it up right away. If your neighbor comes outside and steps in some poo, he probably won’t be happy.
- Do not allow your dog to aggressively bark at or lunge at visitors.
- Keep your dog inside and away from windows if he likes to constantly bark at neighbors and anything moving outside. If he barks when you are at home, place a leash on him and redirect him to you whenever he starts to uncontrollably bark. Get him some toys and other diversions.
This might seem obvious, but your dog should not get on counter tops or anywhere food is prepared or served. Many foods that are fine for us are very unhealthy and even poisonous to him. Also, his dirty paws may place germs on food we may consume.
In Public
- Put a leash on your dog when you are out doors so that you are always in control. Even if your dog is off leash in an area that is approved for off leash dogs, you must still always manage his activities.
- Never leave your dog unsupervised around children. If you can’t be there to supervise, place your dog in his crate or away from the children. Studies have shown that children are far more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults.
- Always carry “poop bags” and pick up all your dog’s poop.
- If you have a dog that drools, such as many Mastiffs; have a “slobber towel” handy to wite his face and anything that “got slimed”.
- If you are hiking with your dog and come up on a group of hikers, step off the trail to one side, hold your dog in a sit, and allow them to pass.
- Don’t make your dog a “party crasher”. Double check that it is fine with the host to bring him to to the party or event before the both of you show up.
- Manage all greetings between your dog and other people or dogs:
- Even if your dog seems to love everybody, don’t allow your dog to come up to every person you and he meet. The other person may not like or be afraid of dogs.
- When meeting a stranger, do not put a great deal of tension on the leash. This could indicate that you are nervous and make your dog more nervous. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language, but stay relaxed.
- If a stranger wants to pet your dog, tell him to stay still. See if your dog wants to approach him. Watch both closely. If your dog shows any sign of nervousness, do not proceed.
Practicing proper dog etiquette is always greatly appreciated by every person that you and your dog may meet. A good and well behaved dog is a great neighbor for all.
For more information, please contact us at Call Bruce and Robin.
Canton, Georgia —Managing our dogs to mind their manners at home and in public is our responsibility as dig parents. Bruce Edwards, Master Trainer and owner of Home Dog Training offers a simple set of suggestions for appropriate dog etiquette. By following these simple guidelines, you and your dog will avoid unsafe and inappropriate situations.
“When you are out and about with your dog, it is very important to be considerate of everyone around you, whether at home or in public,” said Edwards. “A well-behaved dog with good manners reflects well on you and the fact that you and your dog have a respectful bond and loving relationship.”
The following tips provide basic guidelines for dog and owner etiquette.
At Home
- Always make sure your dog stays on your property. This is for the safety of your dog, your family, and everyone around. If your dog is left alone, keep him in a safe location where he will be safe, secure, and healthy.
- Encourage your dog to potty in specific areas of your choosing. If he potties on your neighbor’s lawn, clean it up right away. If your neighbor comes outside and steps in some poo, he probably won’t be happy.
- Do not allow your dog to aggressively bark at or lunge at visitors.
- Keep your dog inside and away from windows if he likes to constantly bark at neighbors and anything moving outside. If he barks when you are at home, place a leash on him and redirect him to you whenever he starts to uncontrollably bark. Get him some toys and other diversions.
This might seem obvious, but your dog should not get on counter tops or anywhere food is prepared or served. Many foods that are fine for us are very unhealthy and even poisonous to him. Also, his dirty paws may place germs on food we may consume.
In Public
- Put a leash on your dog when you are out doors so that you are always in control. Even if your dog is off leash in an area that is approved for off leash dogs, you must still always manage his activities.
- Never leave your dog unsupervised around children. If you can’t be there to supervise, place your dog in his crate or away from the children. Studies have shown that children are far more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults.
- Always carry “poop bags” and pick up all your dog’s poop.
- If you have a dog that drools, such as many Mastiffs; have a “slobber towel” handy to wite his face and anything that “got slimed”.
- If you are hiking with your dog and come up on a group of hikers, step off the trail to one side, hold your dog in a sit, and allow them to pass.
- Don’t make your dog a “party crasher”. Double check that it is fine with the host to bring him to to the party or event before the both of you show up.
- Manage all greetings between your dog and other people or dogs:
- Even if your dog seems to love everybody, don’t allow your dog to come up to every person you and he meet. The other person may not like or be afraid of dogs.
- When meeting a stranger, do not put a great deal of tension on the leash. This could indicate that you are nervous and make your dog more nervous. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language, but stay relaxed.
- If a stranger wants to pet your dog, tell him to stay still. See if your dog wants to approach him. Watch both closely. If your dog shows any sign of nervousness, do not proceed.
Practicing proper dog etiquette is always greatly appreciated by every person that you and your dog may meet. A good and well behaved dog is a great neighbor for all.
For more information, please contact us at Call Bruce and Robin.
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