Whether you’re at a quaint little street-side café replete with diners and yummy snacks, at the local canine watering hole-slash-dog park where the dogs are full of pomp and bravado, or walking down the busy suburban sidewalk in the see-and-be-seen neighborhood districts alongside joggers and business professionals, pet etiquette is important.

Just ask anyone, pooch owner or not, and they will happily open up regarding what peeves them about unruly canine pets and their owners. But when they vent about pet etiquette, are they referring to the dog or the dog’s keeper?

Answer: Yes. Both. Definitely!!

Our pets are furry mirrors of ourselves, and a good mirror never lies. As responsible dog owners in the current pet-friendly culture it is our duty, no, our privilege to be accompanied by a well-mannered, socially dependable canine cohort. So before you and your pooch take that over-stimulating stroll down town, or go visiting relatives and friends unannounced, the polite thing to do is brush up on your pet (and human) etiquette skills.

There are different types of dog-etiquette that everyone should be aware of, some of which are: dog-to-people etiquette, human-keepers-of-dogs etiquette, and doggie dining etiquette. Luckily, here is a quick-reference guide to the do’s and don’ts of doggy manners.

Dog-to-People etiquette

Don’t let your pet jump on people. In general, jumping is considered rude and out-of-control. Imagine how annoyed your neighbor might be if he said hello on their way to work and your well meaning dog leaps up for a hug, ruining his new suit. Embarrassing and expensive Don’t allow your pet to bark at strangers. Some people are uncomfortable or fearful of dogs, and this only escalates that apprehension and makes dogs in general look bad.

Children especially are uninhibited when approaching pets but could be traumatized by the cute-but-crazy dog that made them cry and drop their ice cream. If your dog has a tendency to bark, when possible, avoid oncoming strangers while walking by going to the other side of the street. Do train your dog to ‘sit’ or ‘settle down’ for attention rewards or a treat. A dog who is sitting politely is much more likely to receive physical praise and tasty morsels. In most situations, if your pet is responsive to the ‘settle down’ command, you can regain control if it is momentarily lost or forgotten. Bring treats with you if necessary.

Human-Keepers-of-Dogs etiquette.

Here are the DO's: Do pick up after your pooch. There is no excuse for not cleaning up after your dog and disposing of it properly. According to a recent survey conducted for the American Kennel Club, forty-seven percent of non-dog-owning Americans site pooper-scooper violations as their number one complaint against those people who keep dogs. Do keep your pet on a leash when in public. It’s the law – and it’s safer for your pooch.

Unless your pet is in a designated off-leash area, he should not be allowed to run around uncontrolled. Do train your companion in at least the fundamental guidelines of obedience: sit, down, stay, and come. Dogs behave better when the expectations are clearly defined. Dogs don’t conduct themselves properly out of the kindness of their heart, but they will carry out instructions because there is a treat in it for them whether its food or praise. These basic commands are the building blocks of good manners. Do heed house rules. Even if your canine is the epitome of manners and poise, grocery stores, shopping malls, and restaurants (though some have outdoor areas just for dogs – check ahead of time) have a ‘No Pets’ policy (the exception being working dogs). Not only does this behavior make you look as if you’re above the system, its hygienically inappropriate. Do extol the virtues of a personal relationship with Dog. Let visitors to your home know you have a pet. Some people might be allergic or simply not want ‘dog hair’ on their clothes. If you are expecting a large group of people, the minimum decorum is to sequester your pet safely outside or in a separate room of the house.

And the DO NOTS:

Don’t self-invite your dog. Whether you’re attending a family fandango, a holiday bash, or your son’s soccer game, unless your canine companion was specifically invited, bring him only in spirit. Your host or hostess will tell you if the circumstances can accommodate your ‘best friend’, however, they probably won’t tell you when you’ve crossed the line; but don’t count on another invitation. Equally unfair is taking your pet to an event in which he is restrained on lead while his human playmates run around chasing the ball. Don’t take liberties with four-footed dining establishments. The trend to allow well-behaved pets to accompany diners in outdoor eateries is sweeping the nation. Florida, Illinois, and Texas were the first states to adopt “Doggie Dining Laws” that permit food establishments to allow patrons to keep Fido in tow as long as they are in check.

This is not the time to ‘train’ your new puppy in socialization, nor is it appropriate to allow your pet to mingle or beg. Quite the opposite; your dog is expected to remain very close to your feet or under the table. Under no circumstances should you allow Fido to eat or drink from the facility’s plates or sit on the tables or chairs. Remember that not all restaurants allow non-working animals, so be polite and call ahead. As long as we are on the subject of pet-friendly dining, some places such as The Tin Shed Café in Portland, OR and Out of Denmark Restaurant in Delray Beach, FL have taken to offering doggie oriented menus to make it a family affair. Spurred by our compassion and desire to embrace our pets in our daily activities comes the need to establish and reinforce the behavioral obligation of societal rules.

Good etiquette reflects social responsibility, communal respect and confidence in the bond that continues to grow between ‘man’s best friend’ and our culture. Our pets are reflections of our own personal and shared conduct, of how we want to be seen by others, and how we see others in relation to ourselves. A well-mannered pooch is a pleasure to be around, a privilege to own, and an inspiration to everyone.

By Kristine Spitzer