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Are you a responsible dog owner? 4 Essential Tips to Keep Everyone Safe and Happy

Is your dog the best-behaved pooch around, but you’re still getting side-eye from other dog owners? Even the most well-intentioned dog lovers can sometimes unknowingly break proper dog etiquette. Whether you're a seasoned owner or new to the dog world, it's important to be aware of how your actions can impact others. To keep the peace and make walks enjoyable for everyone, here’s a short list of essential guidelines to ensure you’re being the best dog owner you can be.


1. Keep your dog on a leash when approaching other people or dogs.

It’s great to give your dog off-leash time when it’s safe, but being mindful of your surroundings is key. Ensure you have strong off-leash control, like a reliable recall command, before letting your dog roam freely. Always leash your dog when approaching other dogs or people. Too many times, I’ve seen dogs off-leash with owners chasing after them shouting, ‘He’s friendly!’ That may be true, but are the dogs approaching you friendly too? They could be shy, reactive, or in training. Play it safe—leash up when other dogs are near.

2. Ask Before Letting Your Dog Interact with Other Dogs

Even if your dog loves making new friends, you don’t know those other dogs. This happens all the time: I’ll be walking a dog, and without notice, someone lets their dog rush right up to mine. The worst offenders are those on retractable leashes—they can’t reel in their dogs fast enough, even when they’re trying to do the right thing. Dogs on a leash react differently than dogs off-leash, and it’s usually not favorably. Always ask first. And if you notice another owner giving you a wide berth, take it as a hint that they don’t want an interaction—respect their space.

3. Break prolonged eye contact with other dogs

If your dog is staring down another dog, it might not be as innocent as it seems. Prolonged eye contact can be perceived as a challenge, even if your dog is being playful. This can lead to reactive behavior like barking or lunging from the other dog. A great way to prevent this is by teaching your dog a ‘watch me’ command, which redirects their focus back to you and helps avoid tension.

4. Pick up your dog's poop!!

Now there is no excuse for this one. Seeing piles of dog waste on a neighbor’s well-manicured lawn isn’t just unpleasant—it gives all dog owners a bad reputation. I hate picking it up as much as the next person, but that's part of our glamorous life as dog owners. Bring some bags and get the job done.


Being a responsible dog owner isn’t just about training your dog—it’s about being considerate to others around you. By following these simple tips, you’ll help ensure that every walk is enjoyable and safe for everyone, whether they have a dog or not. Have any other dog etiquette tips? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

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