Regardless of whether you are a new dog owner or have been one for years, being a responsible and considerate dog owner helps you to create a happy and safe environment for everyone—people and pets! Here are some common-sense suggestions to help you and your dog live happily together at home, in the neighborhood, and in the community.
Dog Manners at Home
Your home is a safe place for your dog, but having good manners at home helps everyone feel comfortable.
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Don't Jump On Guests: Teach your dog to greet visitors without jumping. You can reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
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Don't Feed From The Table: Never feed your dog from the table! Just feed them at appropriate times and keep them busy when you are eating as a family.
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Don't Bark: Excessive barking in your home can create tension for your family and neighbors. Identify what triggers your dog's barking and find ways to either distract them or reduce barking (toys or obedience training).
Remember, calm and respectful behavior at home acts as a foundation for good manners wherever you go.
Dog Manners in Your Neighborhood
When out and about, showing respect to others demonstrates you care about your community's friendliness and safety.
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Keep Your Dog On A Leash: Keep your dogs leashed, one of the best ways to avoid accidents is to always keep your dog under control, especially with children and other pets involved.
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Pick Up After Your Dog: Always bring bags with you to pick up after your dog wherever you go, even at home! Promptly pick the waste up after your dog has gone. This is the best and most considerate way to keep shared community spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.
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Be Consideration: Not everyone loves dogs, and not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Some people just want their own space. Give them space, respect their space, and keep your dog as close as you can when others are around.
Respect for both people and pets will help to pave the way for something more trustworthy, harmonious, and familiar in your footsteps through and around your community.
Dog Manners in Your Community
Public places (stores, parks, friends' homes) are shared social spaces, where dog manners matter most.
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Ask First!: You can't always assume; not every place is dog-friendly, and not every person is dog tolerant or dog friendly. It is essential first to ask if bringing your dog along is permissible.
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Keep Your Dog Calm: Use your training, toys or treats to keep your dog controlled and calm in public places as best as you can.
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Respecting other peoples and their pets’ space is vital; some people have allergies, others have fears, and some people just dislike dogs (no pets or animals in general). Consider these things and keep your dog close.
You are judged by the mannerisms and behaviors of your dog in these public places.
Training Your Dog To Be A Good Citizen!
You can do many things to help your dog succeed at home, and in the community, the most effective method is to train them!
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Participate in Training Classes: Submit your dog for training until they are well-trained, with basic obedience, socialization, calmness, and good manners being top of the list.
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Practice: You should practice your training as much as possible; your training isn't over! Practice obedience commands and manners randomly or purposefully. Repeated commands reinforce good behaviors!
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Reinforcement: Reinforce the behaviors you'd like your dog to exhibit! Positive reinforcement instills good behaviors. It encourages dogs to be good dogs!
A well-trained dog is happier, safer, and more welcome, physically and socially, wherever you go.
So, Are You Ready to be the best dog owner you can be?
Check out our list of recommended dog training classes and resources to select the best path to develop great habits with your dog. Congratulations on embarking on your journey to being a responsible, respectful member of your community, with a happy dog with excellent manners!
