Dog Walking Etiquette

Dog walking etiquette is essential for maintaining a positive and respectful environment for both dog owners and the general public. Following proper etiquette while walking your dog helps ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:

Scoop the Poop

If you have ever stepped in dog poo, you’ll know how unpleasant it is! While some dog owners genuinely forget their poo bags, some believe dog poo is akin to fertiliser, nourishing the ground as it decomposes. This is a myth, and it is causing waterways to become polluted with disease-causing bacteria and viruses, contributing to waterways that are undrinkable, unswimmable and unfishable, and can cause severe illness in humans.

As such, the number one rule of dog walking etiquette is to always be prepared to pick up your dog’s poo and dispose of it safely. Do not let your dog do its business within 200 metres of a body of water and carry strong biodegradable poop bags with you and dispose of them in the specially marked bins. What they contain is not recyclable!

Train your Dog!

To ensure your daily strolls are enjoyable for all, you need to put the hours into training your dog and make sure your furry friend is clear on what behaviour is expected of them. Work on the basics such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘down’, ‘come’, and ‘no’. Getting these locked down will help you to feel in control of your dog when you’re walking together. It’s also vital that your dog develops an understanding of commands such as “leave it” in order to avoid trips to the vet for your pet’s culinary choices. Getting your training basics well rehearsed will help with general dog walking etiquette as well as obedience in the house.

Use positive reinforcement (i.e. treats) to train your dog to focus on you and to walk close to you on a slack lead. You also need to make sure that your dog knows to “sit” at intersections and roads. If you’re in a quiet area and let them off their lead, you’ll also want the peace of mind that they’ll immediately come to you if called so an excellent recall is key.

Lastly, you need to train your dog not to jump up. Jumping up on a stranger may be meant as a friendly greeting but this will eventually at best, result in a disgruntled walker and a possible cleaning bill but at worst, an injury and even a court case. Either way, it is best to stay on the safe side.

Remember that you are in control of the walk. Be relaxed, but in control at all times.

Respect Others

One thing is for certain, on your daily walks you and your dog are going to encounter other dogs, people, property, and wildlife. Being respectful of your environment is one of the most important parts of dog walking etiquette.

Before you allow your dog to interact with other dogs, people, or children, you must ask permission first. While you love your dog and know them to be friendly, you will frequently come across people that are uncomfortable and even fearful of dogs and that is to be respected. If someone is looking apprehensive you should simply smile and move on.

Keeping a close eye on your environment is also key to protecting the local wildlife. Your exuberant and inquisitive pooch may love to frolic in fields but be mindful of the stress this could cause ground nesting birds and livestock.

Keep a Close Eye on the Play

Dogs love to play, and why shouldn’t they! However, it is important to make sure that everyone is happy about the state of play. If you see behaviour starting to get out of control or one of them gets too excited, it could lead to conflict.

If you do notice one playmate getting too boisterous towards the other, you need to call your dog away to allow them to calm down. If you start to see one pinning the other down or nipping their ears or face, chasing, body slamming or starting to hump excessively, then consider it time to stop the dogs playing and move on so that the experience ends on a friendly note.

Also be mindful of size. A teacup poodle will not have the same idea of play as any large dog like an Alaskan Malamute, Rottweiler, etc

Safety First

So far, we have discussed how you and your dog can help to keep others safe, but it is equally important you keep yourself and your dog safe. Whilst it is essential to have a charged phone on you in case of emergencies, we recommend it stay in your pocket. “Walkies” is a time for you to focus on and bond with your dog.

Your dog walking etiquette may slip or you could miss a hazard if you are not paying attention. By giving your pet, and your surroundings your full attention you are able to avoid potential conflicts and hazards before they occur. It may also be worth carrying a Pet Corrector with you on your walks should you need to put a stop to a dangerous situation with another animal.

It’s always tempting to let your dog run free, but we recommend that you keep your dog on the lead when out and about or else being extremely selective when you do go off lead. An excellent recall is vital for even the friendliest of dogs.

Some dogs may be nervous of your well-meaning pooch, others may have complex aggression issues, so it is best to keep them on a lead for their protection. You may want to consider using a long line or a retractable lead to give your dog more freedom but always approach others with caution and respect.

Remember that in the wild dogs never walk in a straight line towards each other. They always go around. If dogs are walking head on towards each other, it can be a sign of aggression.

Similarly, your dog is in a vulnerable position when pooping (no-one ever won a war while sitting on the toilet with their pants down). Have you ever noticed that your dog quickly finishes (before time) if another dog is approaching? If you have the approaching dog, give them a wide berth and allow the other dog to poop in peace.

Next time you’re out with your pooch, keep these friendly dog walking etiquette tips in mind. Both you, your dog and the public will respect you more for it.