Walking With Class
Most of us share the spaces we walk in with many others—people with and without dogs, dog walkers, cyclists, runners, horseback riders, etc. In all interactions with others on trails and sidewalks, think of yourself as an ambassador, representing dogs and their people everywhere. The more people who are pro dog, the better for all of us who love the four-legged family members and want to enjoy access to local parks, trailheads, and beaches. Here are five guidelines for getting walk etiquette right:
No uninvited people greetings. Not everyone finds dogs adorable. Hard to believe, we know, but nonetheless true. However charming, friendly, and utterly unfrightening your dog is, don’t let him greet other people unless they have invited the interaction.
No uninvited dog greetings, either. No matter whether another dog is on or off leash, don’t let your dog run up and greet the newcomer without asking first. He might not be the social kind.
Build and maintain a strong recall. Don’t let your dog off leash unless you have him under good voice control. Don’t have it? Fret not; you don’t have to give up on the many joys and benefits of off-leash walks. Even older dogs can be taught a solid recall. Call a trainer and make an appointment.
Ask before you treat. A diet, allergies, a sensitive stomach, next-day surgery—you never know what you risk upsetting when you offer that cookie without asking another dog’s guardian.
Always pick up after your dog. Compelling sanitary and environmental reasons support being a conscientious picker-upper, even when nobody’s watching. And if you occasionally remove what someone else left behind, well, that’s just good karma.