Dog Walking Etiquette

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Don’t let your dog lift its leg on buildings, car tires, mail boxes or any other property belonging to others.  Take your dog to a remote, out-of-the way location to eliminate.

Your most important responsibility as a handler is attentive supervision.  To ensure your dog's safety you should:

• Pay attention to and keep a good hold on your leash (or retractable leash) at all times.  Don’t let your leash be pulled out of your hand or get wrapped around someone’s legs or get tangled with another dog’s leash.  Hold, or otherwise secure, your dog's leash at all times.
• Do not let your dog charge up to other people or other dogs.  This is considered rude canine greetings.  (Socialization does not mean letting your dog visit with every other dog it sees.  Socialization really means giving your dog positive associations with the world they will have to live and function in.)
• Be aware of what your dog is doing at all times.
• When your dog is on leash, it should be attentive to you and not greeting every person or dog it sees.  It should only be allowed to greet other dogs or people when you give it your express permission to do so, and only after securing the other person's permission.

“No Dogs” signs should be obeyed!  No Exceptions!

If you are in a location where someone is uncomfortable with the presence of your dog, it is best to make a graceful exit.