Whether in the city or suburban areas, most of us share the spaces we walk in with many others -people with and without dogs, dog walkers {ME!}, cyclists, runners, horseback riders, hikers, walking clubs, to name some.  Members of Tail-Waggers team are ambassador of what we call “Essentials of Sidewalk Etiquette” by making all interactions with others on trails and sidewalks a happy experience.

In a community of dog lovers like Toronto and Aurora, it works better for all of us who love to have a clear guideline for being welcomed and have access to local parks, trailheads, and beaches. These are my 5 Essentials to show a supper Trail & Side Walk Etiquette when dog walking!

1} No uninvited people greetings. Yes, hard to believe but not everyone finds dogs adorable. Regardless of how charming, friendly, or cute your dog is, don’t let him greet other people unless they have invited the interaction. -If you are in an off leash area, ensure your pooch has a good recall. Although, people using that type of areas should be aware dogs are running off leash.

2} Respect the leash. If another dog is on leash, don’t let your dog run up and greet the newcomer without asking first. It is just not fair. The dog might not be the social kind and I’ve seen many fights because of that. Again, practice RECALL.

3} Ask before you treat and pet.  I know you are probably just trying to be friendly.  Keep in mind you don’t know the dog. Is he in a special diet, allergies, a sensitive stomach. Is he comfortable with estrangers petting him?  Always ask  the dog’s guardian. Better be safe than sorry.

4} Poop and Scoop!! Always pick up after your dog. For sanitary and environmental reasons support being a good citizen picker-upper, even if you think nobody’s watching. It happened to me that I ran out of poop bags while out with a client.  What did we do? We walked back to my car to get a new roll and went back to pick up his afternoon poop! Did anybody see me? I don’t know but it del the right thing to do.

 TIP:  If you occasionally remove what someone else left behind, well, that’s just good karma. *big smile*

5} Last but not least, build and maintain a strong recall. Don’t let your dog off leash unless you have him under good voice control. Work your way up to the “off leash walk” slowly but surely. Even older dogs and rescue dogs can be taught a solid recall. Call a trainer and make an appointment.

 What else have you fetched  to have fido known as a good trail and street citizen in your hood? Comment below or share your tips on Twitter at @TailWaggersDIVA or visit us at Facebook! 

image  source www.molempire.com