Pet Etiquette for Public Places
As pet owners, it’s important that we take our responsibilities seriously, especially when bringing our dogs to public places. While it’s understandable to want to share our furry friends with the world, it’s crucial that we do so in a way that is considerate and respectful of others. In this blog by Our Best Doggo, we’ll go over some basic etiquette tips for pet owners who take their dogs to businesses and other public places. Let’s ensure everyone can enjoy these public spaces together, including our furry friends!
Stay Calm Around Your Dog
According to Wag, dogs are highly attuned to their owners’ emotional states. When you’re calm, your dog is more likely to be calm as well. This can help prevent your dog from getting overly excited or anxious in public spaces. Additionally, being calm will help you communicate more effectively with your dog, making it easier to train and control them!
Pack a Day Trip Bag
Before taking your pet out on the town, pack a day trip bag full of everything you need to keep your pet healthy and safe. If it’s cold, pack a sweater or jacket for your pet. If it’s hot, bring plenty of water and a travel bowl. You may also want to bring chews or toys to keep your pet occupied. Whatever you do, remember to bring treats so you can reinforce good behavior!
Train Your Dog to Behave in Public
Even if your dog is well-trained at home, that training won’t necessarily carry over into new and unfamiliar situations. Work on training your dog every time you go out in public together. Plan to stay for just 10-15 minutes when you visit somewhere new, and treat these introductory periods as training sessions. Later, once your dog feels comfortable in stimulating public environments, you can take some focus off your dog and actually do some shopping or dining.
Clean Up After Your Dog
As a common courtesy to everyone else who uses public spaces, clean up after your dog! Always pack pet waste disposal bags when you leave the house with your pup. Even if you’re in a forested park, picking up dog poop is important for protecting the environment and reducing the risk of disease to animals and humans. Hill's Pet Nutrition explains that dog waste carries pathogens and bacteria that wash into waterways and harm living things. It can also be toxic to plants!
Be Mindful of Others
When you’re out in public with your dog, be mindful of the people around you. Remember, you are sharing this space with other people who have a right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment. Don’t let your dog approach people uninvited. Respect their space and belongings, and acknowledge that some people might have allergies or fears that make pet interactions uncomfortable. The same goes for other pet owners. People may have dogs that don’t appreciate being greeted or are reactive around animals or strangers. Keep your dog on a leash so everyone can enjoy our public spaces.
Proper pet owner etiquette is important not only for the well-being and safety of your pet but also for the enjoyment and comfort of those around you. Be prepared and bring along necessary items for your pet outing, such as interactive toys, water, and waste bags. Be mindful of your pet’s stress levels and take steps to keep them calm, both at home and in public. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your furry friend is a good neighbor!