Pettiquette: Tips for Responsible Dog-Walkers

Anyone Can Be a Good Neighbor and a Responsible Pet Owner

A front-yard surprise gets even worse after the sprinkler
system comes on!  Photo credit - author

Millions of family pets get some exercise and a bit of "duty time" on a daily walk and – unfortunately – millions of homeowners find a nasty surprise on the lawn the next time they go outdoors. That’s definitely not being a good neighbor. Robert Frost may have said, “good fences make good neighbors,” but he probably never had to clean up after Rover or Muffy from down the block. Being a responsible pet owner includes being a good neighbor. Here's how to give Fido his daily exercise without pissing off someone down the street.

Some Things You'll Need •  A well-fitting collar or a harness •  A 6-foot nylon or leather lead •  Plastic bags •  Rewards for good behavior •  A flashlight when it's dark out •  A muzzle (for some dogs) •  Water and a collapsible bowl for long walks on hot days

The first thing to do is toss that retractable leash in the dumpster. Retractable leashes have only one purpose when you're walking the dog: they let the dog wander far enough into your neighbors' yards to pee on their flower beds. Instead of a retractable leash, use a sturdy nylon or leather leash that's no more than six feet long. These leads provide better control over your pooch when she meets interesting smells, other dogs or people – especially children.

The responsible dog walker uses a 6-foot lead, not a retractable
credit: Alviman, morguefile.com

Tuck some plastic bags into a pocket. A produce bag from the grocery, the sleeve from this morning’s newspaper or a plastic sack from the store will do fine: it's not as though you need to display a fancy logo. Alternatively, there are nice refillable bag dispensers that clip onto Rover’s leash. A penlight that will fit in your pocket is a must-have late at night or early in the morning: not only does it warn approaching drivers of your presence, it makes it easier to collect waste in that plastic bag.

Hook your pet up. You dog's collar should be sturdy and tight enough that s/he can’t slip out (Labradors like ours are infamous for slamming into reverse and backing out of loose collars). Choke collars are usually little more than an admission that you haven't trained the dog; the ones with points are just plain cruel. A harness is more comfortable for a dog - how would you like to be dragged around by your neck? Dogs like greyhounds that have a narrow head will require a harness or the collar style called a martingale. If your pet's a little nippy, you may decide to use some sort of muzzle or muzzle/collar combination.

Head for the street. Take those bags and some training treats with you, plus that light when it's dark. 

While you’re walking your dog, DO:

•  Keep him on your left side. Hold the loop in the lead with your right hand and take up the slack with your left hand.
•  Walk to the left side of the street or the sidewalk so you’re between the dog and cars or other pedestrians
•  Pick up what your dog leaves behind. That's what the plastic bags are for. Dispose of the bagged waste in a trash can, not the gutter. That’s just plain stupid.
•  Talk to your dog to calm him if he becomes excited or nervous
•  Reward your pooch with training treats whenever he performs well

Note the harness and nylon lead on this well-socialized basset hound
credit: bnb / morguefile.com

but DON'T:

•  Let your pet pee on shrubs or flowerbeds if you can avoid it (light poles, street signs, fire hydrants and other non-living vertical surfaces - except mailboxes - are usually fair game)
•  Allow children to approach the dog without asking for permission of both you and their parents
•  Crowd another dog-walker. The other person's dog may not be as well socialized as your pet
•  Allow your dog to run loose, no matter how well-trained you think he is. This is the same principle as defensive driving: always expect the other guy to mess up, and you'll ultimately be safer.

When you get back home, check your dog's feet for cuts or embedded road debris, give him water, and dispose of any waste you've accumulated in the proper receptacle. Your neighbors will thank you and, with luck, they'll follow your example as responsible dog owners themselves, thereby preventing unpleasant surprises in your own yard!