Urban Dog Etiquette and Street Sense
City-dwelling dog-keepers are faced with greater challenges than their suburban and rural counterparts. Without a large, fenced yard for exercise, the city dweller must take to the streets three or more times a day with Fido or Fifi in tow. Crowded sidewalks replete with joggers, construction scaffolding and double- wide strollers turn each outing into an obstacle course. The following tips will make walks safer and more enjoyable for you, your dog and your neighbors.
IT’S THE LAW
Most cities and counties have some form of leash, license and pick-up-after-your-dog laws. These ordinances
are designed to protect both the dog and the community at large. When leashed, a dog is safe from traffic
and unable to follow his instincts to chase children, investigate garbage cans or dig up landscaping.
Whether a dog is friendly or aggressive, a leash keeps them in check and allows the public to pass
undisturbed. Some communities have leash-length restrictions. Whether it's the law or not, keep leashes to
six feet or less on public sidewalks. Retractable leashes should not be used in areas frequented by joggers,
skaters or cyclists; the thin line blends into the background and, all too often, athlete and dog collide.
Licensing a dog enables an animal control agency to return a lost pet to his rightful owner. Also,
licensing fees often support local animal control efforts. In addition, the number of licenses issued gives
government officials an idea of how many dogs are in the community, statistics that are very helpful when
planning dog runs, shelter expansions and the like. Pooper-scooper laws are essential for both the health
and beautification of the community. Canine diseases and parasites are often shed in feces, which puts other
dogs and children at risk. And no one enjoys maneuvering through unsightly piles of dog waste when out for a
stroll. Pick up feces using a plastic bag, and knot the top to control odor and flies before disposing of it
in a waste receptacle. Train your dog to urinate in gutters or on nonliving vertical surfaces, such as
lampposts or hydrants. Avoid trees and flowerbeds.
ETIQUETTE LESSONS AND SAFETY TIPS
The well-trained city dog needs to respond to a minimum of four basic commands: Sit-stay, Heel, Leave it and
Come. When you’re waiting at a traffic light, a dog in a sit-stay is out of harm’s way. And while walking
nicely on a loose leash is enough for most forays, there are times when your dog will need to be at heel
position, which keeps them under control at your side. The command Leave it is employed when it is necessary
for the dog to avert his gaze. Whether he’s being tantalized by chicken bones or a jogger, getting your dog to
break eye contact with forbidden fruit before the dog acts enables you to draw attention to safer rewards and
pursuits. Or, should the dog slip out of the collar or break the leash, a recall command (Come) could save
your dog's life. Most, if not all, of these commands are taught in basic obedience/manners class.
Contact us for a referral to a class near you. Remember that dogs can be frightened
by sudden loud noises, such as running children, motorcycles, skateboarders and in-line skaters, to name a few.
Be aware that such situations may demand quick and complete control on your part to prevent your dog from lunging
or biting. Before leaving home to run errands with your dog by your side, take a moment to consider which places
permit dogs and which do not. For your pet’s safety, leave them at home when thye is not allowed to go into an
establishment with you. A dog left tied to a post or parking meter is an easy target for teasing or theft.
REMEMBER THE GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY
Keep in mind that not everyone loves dogs, so it’s up to the urban dog-keeper to present a dog who is well-
socialized and under control. When riding in an elevator, sit your dog in a far corner to avoid door-dashing
each time the elevator makes a stop. Do not allow your dog to jump up on other riders, even when the greeting
is friendly. Hurry through lobbies or take freight elevators and back exits if the building rules mandate it.
Never allow your dog to soil in front of the building’s entrance. If you have a young pup or dog-in-training
who can’t control the bladder and bowels yet, be sure to carry paper towels and odor neutralizer. Many dogs
enjoy the company of other canines, but always ask before allowing your animal to launch at another dog, for
both their sakes. The same is true regarding children. First ask the child or a parent if the dog may say hello
before allowing physical contact. The greeting should not include jumping, bouncing off or grabbing at the
child—even if it is done in the spirit of friendliness. If your dog is physically challenging, consider using a
head halter for better control. When we choose to keep dogs in crowded urban areas, we take on additional
responsibilities. Unfortunately, when little consideration is shown for the neighbors, more doors close to
dogkeepers. On the other hand, with a little training and thoughtfulness, more businesses and public areas will
begin to put out the welcome mat for both you and your dog.
