Good Dog Manners
WHO USES GOOD DOG MANNERS?
Responsible people who understand the importance of not allowing their dogs to interact with other people/dogs without their permission in a shared public space.
I don’t want to interact with everyone I meet in public especially obnoxious, pushy people with no manners who disrespect my personal space. My dog feels the same way.
WHAT ARE GOOD DOG MANNERS?
They include, but are certainly not limited to:
1. Obey all local animal & leash laws.
2. My dog is not allowed to interact with another person/dog without permission from me.
Good Dog Manners are signalling to others that I CAN and WILL control my dog.
WHEN DO I USE GOOD DOG MANNERS?
Anytime that I am walking my dog in a shared public space and come near other people/dogs. Each and every time I will always have my dog on leash and then determine if the other person wants to interact with my dog. If they do then I will give my dog permission to 'go say hi'. If the other person does not want to interact then my dog and I will continue calmly on our way.
I may want my dog to socialize, but that does not mean that you want your dog to socialize in public. We need to respect that difference. I have my reasons for wanting to socialize and you have your reasons for not wanting to socialize. Neither one of us has to defend our choice.
WHERE DO I USE GOOD DOG MANNERS?
Whenever I am out in public I acknowledge that I am sharing this space with others, whether it is on city streets, town parks, or country settings. Good Dog Manners is about showing respect and consideration for all others that are also using the space (with or without a dog). If I am in an area where there are signs specifically stating that dogs must be on leash, then I will always obey the leash laws, even though my dog is trained to be off leash and obey my vocal commands.
Many cities and towns now have 'dog parks' or other designated 'dog areas' where dogs can freely interact and play according to the specific rules set out for the 'dog park/space'.
WHY DO I USE GOOD DOG MANNERS?
In Public I always assume that no one knows my dog's issues and I must also assume that I do not know other people's (& their dog's) issues.
For example some dogs have a very strong need for personal space and we need to respect their right to this personal space.
Therefore to avoid any problems or misunderstandings I find that it is always 'best practices' to have my dog on leash and under control (or off-leash but beside me and under verbal control) when I am near other people/dogs and to determine if the other person wants to interact before giving my dog permission to 'go say hi' to the other person/dog.
I AM NEVER OFFENDED if someone does not want to interact - everyone has their own reasons and does not owe me an explanation for their choice.