Cities and towns all across America have their own unique dog culture, complete with parks and events dedicated to our shared love and appreciation for our canine friends. Every time you move into a new town, you get to know different owners and their dogs. Even though the culture may differ from town to town, the basic rules of etiquette remain the same. To make a good impression on your neighbours and other dog owners in your area, here are five dog etiquette rules you should know.
Supervise Your Dog
Anytime you take your dog out into public, here at Postman Pooch, we think you should always keep a very close eye on him. When out for a walk, make sure to keep your dog on a leash. When your dog is leashed, your neighbours will know that you are in control, and they will feel safe around your pup. Keeping your dog leashed will also prevent him from running away from you and out onto the street.
Once you arrive at a fenced-in dog park, you can allow your dog to go off his leash. Your dog will love being able to run freely around in the open grassy areas. You should keep in mind, however, that just because your dog is safe to run around doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still keep an eye on him. Sometimes dogs can play a little too rough with each other, and you should always be prepared to intervene if he gets a little too rowdy with the other animals or dog owners.
Use ID Tags at All Times
Another rule you should always follow is making sure your dog has an ID tag. If he ever gets lost, it greatly increases the chances of him being found. The truth is that you can never be sure when you might lose track of your dog, which is why he should always be wearing an ID tag that includes his name, your name, and a phone number to reach you.
Keep Your Dog Vaccinations Up to Date
When you bring your dog around other dogs, it’s especially important to make sure he is up to date with his shots and vaccinations. This is important not only for the well-being of your dog but for the well-being of other dogs that your dog interacts with as well. Dog diseases can spread in a number of ways, and the best way to safeguard dogs is by regularly taking them to the vet and receiving the appropriate vaccinations.
Keep Your Dog Well Groomed
Grooming is not only something done purely for looks. Regularly cleaning your dog keeps him free of ticks and fleas, which is important to fight against ailments such as Lyme disease. Of course, ticks and fleas can easily be spread from dog to dog, or even dog to human, so anytime you take your dog out into public, having a well-groomed dog essentially means making sure he’s not spreading any kinds of diseases.
Clean Up After Your Dog
Finally, it’s prudent that you do the right thing and clean up after your dog whenever he relieves himself. The best way to do this is to always come prepared with doggie bags to collect any waste he produces along your walk so that you can appropriately dispose of it. Cleaning up after your dog is the true sign of a responsible dog owner and will much appreciated by your neighbors.
These are just a few etiquette rules to follow as a dog owner. When you take responsibility for your dog in public, the entire neighbourhood will appreciate it. So, keep these rules in mind the next time you take your dog out for a walk or to the park.
