Dog Walking Etiquette

These are some general etiquette to go by for a more harmonious living together.

As owners of dogs who handle our lives and surroundings well, it can be hard to imagine the struggles others face. Some people keep their dogs on a lead for various reasons: fear reactivity (not due to the owner's fault), being in season, health issues, recent surgery, tendency to eat random things, or lack of recall. We might not know the reason unless they have a bright yellow item on their lead or dog, indicating the dog is likely fear-reactive and needs plenty of space.

Dogs on leads still deserve to enjoy parks and have great lives. It's crucial to ensure our off-lead dogs never run up to unfamiliar on- lead dogs. If your dog doesn't have 100% reliable recall, call them back before they see the other dog, or keep them on a long line until their recall is dependable. This is also for your dog's safety.

If you jog with your dog, ensure they can slow down when passing other dogs. A dog approaching another fast, can be perceived as a threat or an invitation to play, which can make the passing dog unsure and reactive. It's appropriate for the passing dog to try to slow down the "scary" dog by blocking and barking.

Respect people who don't want your dog near them; they may be scared, allergic, or have religious reasons. Everyone has their personal space bubble.

Never feed other people's dogs without asking the owner first. Many dogs have food intolerances to common items like chicken, wheat, soy, and dairy. Some dogs may also be in training or start to resource guard. Respecting others and their needs is essential.