Dog Walking Etiquette 101: The Do’s and Don’ts

Going for walks gives dogs a chance to get some physical activity while also exploring their surroundings. When you’re out with your dog, it’s important to make sure that these walks are pleasant for you, your dog and anyone you encounter along the way. Keep the following dog walking etiquette rules in mind.

Do: Pick Up After Your Dog

Dogs normally stop at some point to relieve themselves during walks. When your dog leaves feces on the grass or sidewalk during your walks, make sure that you have bags available to clean these messes up. Leaving them behind is considered highly inconsiderate, since someone could accidentally step in them.

Don’t: Let Your Dog Bother Other People

Although you might think the world of your dog, don’t assume that everyone else does as well. When you go for walks, keep your dog close to you rather than letting him wander far in front of you. This is especially important if you know that you have a dog who tends to get excited and jump on or lick people. Having your dog close to you means that you’ll have an easier time preventing your dog from bothering others.

Do: Keep Your Dog on a Leash

Letting your dog roam free during your walk could lead to a disaster, especially if you go for walks on busy city streets. Even the most well-behaved dogs sometimes act unpredictably and take off. Your dog could end up getting hurt, getting lost or accidentally hurting someone else. Leave the unleashed outdoor time for when you’re at your local dog park or doggy day care center for playtime.

Don’t: Allow Yourself to Get Distracted

Making sure that your dog stays safe and doesn’t get into trouble or dangerous situations is your responsibility as a dog owner. When you’re out for walks, pay close attention to your dog at all times. This helps ensure that you’ll be able to react quickly if something happens, such as your dog getting too close to a nervous or unfriendly dog or trying to eat something questionable that he finds on the ground.

DoGoneFun! Has a staff of dog walkers that DO follow proper dog walking etiquette. IN the South Loop, you can schedule regular walks or you can have one of our walkers take your place when you aren’t available to walk with your pup.

This article was originally published at  https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-walkers/dog-walking-etiquette-101-the-dos-and-donts/