All Public-Perfect Pooch

Manners, Training, and Tidiness Equal a Welcome Dog

by Jean Mansen

With the long, dog days of summer beginning to fade, it’s time to plan some fun with Fido as we pack the kids off to school, head back to work, or sneak away for a long weekend.

Polite Dog Owners Will:

Carry a leash, even in leash-free zones. Obey leash laws.
Clean up after their dog(s) and properly dispose of dog waste. Try to avoid waste bins not specially designated for dog waste, if possible. No one wants to smell THAT smell while waiting for a bus or having coffee at a favorite café.
As SFDOG (sfdog.org) says, “Always carry a bag, a spare, and one to share!”
Prevent uninvited visiting with other dogs and people.
Always pay attention to their dog.
Leash aggressive dogs and avoid situations that are likely to lead to unpleasant experiences.
Prevent digging and destructive behavior (we don’t want other dogs or people breaking a leg while running and playing).
Control excessive noise (yours and your dog’s).

A Polite Dog Will:

Allow a stranger to approach without jumping up.
Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling or acting overly exuberant towards people or other dogs
Come when called.
Wait until released before getting out of or into a car, going through doors or gates, jumping into the pool, or into a lake.
Sit or down in place and stay there until released.
Refrain from peeing on lawns, flowers beds or plants, backpacks, human legs, other dogs, and building entrances.
Abstain from chasing wildlife, joggers, cyclists or other fast moving objects.
Avoid eating or rolling in horse poop or other such delectable delicacy.

When we’re out with our dogs, we and our four-legged friends are “doggie ambassadors.” When we all behave well, we help pave the way for future visits. When our dogs aren’t well mannered, we jeopardize the likelihood that dogs will be permitted future visits. In a world where one bad experience can ruin it for everyone, we need to mind the rules and respect other people’s right to enjoy their time at the beach, on the trails, out shopping, walking around the neighborhood, or at the park.

Remember when your mom and dad told you to “Mind your manners” when you’re out in public? Now it’s up to you to see that you and your dog are manners-perfect. By paying attention to these simple guidelines you and your best friends will enjoy fun outings for years to come.

My dog always comes on command (not!)

I’ve yet to meet a dog that wants to be on a leash, given the option to run free. That’s where we come in. One of the top reasons dogs are banned from so many places, including hotels, shopping areas, beaches and parks, is because their owners fail to obey leash laws. Problems arise when the owner doesn’t pay attention to an off-leash dog, or the dog isn’t well trained and ignores commands. If the off-leash dog has a confrontation with a person, child or another dog, things can get ugly. Hard as it is to imagine, not everyone likes dogs and some people are downright frightened of them.

I'm too good to pick up poop (not!)

The second most popular reason for banning dogs from our favorite places, including parks and beaches, is because of dog waste left behind. Dog owners should always clean up after their dogs out of respect for others. Just as park officials can hand out tickets for failure to follow leash laws, many will cite dog owners who do not clean up after their pets. One well-respected dog walker makes a habit of picking up dog poop left behind by less responsible dog owners, whether directly on the trail or left in little bags along the side of the trail. One day after a 90 minute walk, she weighed her findings and they tipped the scale at 20 pounds! That’s a lot of poop left behind by dog guardians. Besides the occasional misstep into dog poop, many diseases and parasites are transmitted through a dog’s feces. Leaving waste behind to run into the water or for another dog to eat will cause problems and vet bills that can plague other dogs and their owners.

Digging, barking, stealing other’s Frisbees or balls, trampling flower beds, growling at people or dogs, taking food from babies, people or other dogs, and chasing joggers, cyclists or other dogs are also doggie no-no's. Teach your dog public politeness and he (and you!) will be welcome anywhere together. You will also earn the respect and admiration of other owners whose dogs are good citizens. After all, your dog’s bad behavior will certainly affect the way people think of all dog owners.

A Few Basic Dining Etiquette Guidelines

No begging from other diners, no matter how delicious their steaks smell.
Cleanliness is next to dogliness; no one wants to eat next to a smelly, dirty, or wet pooch.
A doggie bag with your best friend’s favorite treats or a stuffed Kong will help keep everyone focused and happy.
If your pooch gets excited by the presence of another dog at the restaurant or one walking by, take him for a brief walk to calm him, or move him so the other dog is out of sight.
If your dog is large, choose a table where he can be comfortable and out of the traffic flow.
Make certain your tip reflects the staff’s attention to your dog, especially if they bring water or a snack for your dog, or have to clean up spilled water.

Jean Mansen lives In San Anselmo with her husband and three young dogs. She is a graduate of the Marin Humane Society Canine Behavior Academy I and II, and volunteers with the Marin Humane Society Behavior and Training Department.

September 2006