Dogs are popular pets. Forbes Advisor reports 65.1 million households in the United States have a dog, and there are roughly 89 million dogs in the country.
People have grown accustomed to treating their dogs like members of the family, and that means that dogs increasingly are being brought along on errands, traveling with their human companions, and even being brought into the workplace. It’s important for pet parents to always be mindful of their dogs’ behavior when out and about, or even hanging closer to home. Dog owners can follow these dog etiquette pointers to be responsible pet owners.
Get permission from your employer before taking a dog to work. If you plan to take your pet into the workplace, whether during Take Your Dog to Work Day or Take Your Pet to Work Week, or any time of the year, it is best to check with management to find out if this is allowed. You must be mindful of people’s dog fears or allergies and be respectful of others no matter how much fun it might be to bring your dog into a public space. The warm and fuzzy feelings dog owners feel for their dogs are not necessarily shared by everyone.
Quiet nuisance barking. Do not leave your dog outside unattended for a long time. This can cause what the American Kennel Club characterizes as boredom barking. Quiet your dog if he or she is barking, or bring the pet indoors.
Always leash your dog. Some people are not comfortable around dogs. And even if your dog is friendly, others met on walks or outings may not be. To prevent uncomfortable situations or even dog bites, it’s best to always leash your dog. Choose a leash short enough to prevent your dog from jumping on passersby.
Ask permission first. Check to see if your dog is allowed to greet people or other dogs. If someone says, “no,” respect that answer.
Clean up after your pet. Always have waste bags at the ready so you can clean up after your dog. This also applies indoors, should your dog have an accident inside a pet-friendly store.
Be mindful of shopping with pets. Many stores do not allow dogs inside, but employees may be hesitant to approach pet owners about such policies. Many stores only allow trained service dogs that are Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animal designations are exclusive to dogs. However, a number of people have “emotional support animals,” which are not recognized as service animals. As a general rule of thumb, know a store’s policy on non-service animal pets before visiting. And, when shopping at food stores, it’s best to leave the dog at home.
Train your dog. A dog that knows basic obedience training will behave better in the community. If you are having trouble training your dog alone, consider working with an experienced dog trainer.
Dogs are beloved members of the family. However, pet owners should practice proper etiquette when dogs are out and about.
