How to walk properly walk your dog

What does it mean to have "Etiquette" during a walk, and why should you practice it?

Is there a proper way to walk my dog? In short, absolutely. How often do you see those folks out with their dog on a walk and you can't really tell who is walking who? If during a walk with your own dog, do you dread seeing another pup in the neighborhood because they always get overly excited? How about those folks who could care less you're walking a dog and walk as though it's your job to watch out for them, like somehow they are certain your dog won't lunge or jump? For these reasons alone I write this post on how to walk your dog and to practice walkers etiquette.

Walking your pup should be an enjoyable experience. It's a time to enjoy the environment and it's a time to bond with your pet in a leisurely manner. Even if you're struggling with a puller the last thing you want to have to worry about is some other person or dog walking by too close and possibly setoff a trigger. Now, dealing with a puller or reactive dog on your own, that's a discussion for another day. Today we discuss the human Etiquette and what, I feel, is the right thing to do. What it comes down to at the end of the day is safety and looking out for you and your pups. Some may argue "it's not my problem what other people do" or "their safety is up to them". While these statements could be true depending on your view point, at the end of the day you are responsible for you and your dog. In the eyes of the law, if by chance your dog injures someone, there could be very significant penalties which can include the euthanasian of your pet. We don't want this to happen, let alone the drama and reputation it may create within the neighborhood you live.

The steps to take are quite simple really, some might say borderline common sense.

1. The first thing to do is to be in the moment, get off your phone. If you can't see what's going on in front of you because your nose and attention are in some other world how are you going to know if someone is coming your way and how to handle that situation? How will you know if during a sniff break your pups doesn't ingest a random chicken bone a landscape guy tossed in the grass? Yes, I have actually had this happen on a walk, with a client in Wake Forest, and thankfully I was paying attention and avoided a disaster! Put the phone away and pay attention. Engage with your dog and watch what they're doing. Now when a pedestrian, or bicyclist, or loose dog is spotted because you're paying attention you now can take necessary action. You can pull off to the side whether it be into a driveway, deeper into a grassy area, or even cross the street. The point is know your dog and what's the best thing to do.

2. Don't have headphones in. I know, this is your chance to catchup on your favorite podcast or listen to an old album you haven't heard in awhile or even a new release. I get it. I'm quite conflicted with this one as well. But I can't tell you how many times a runner has snuck up on me and startled a client dog. How about the dog who's afraid of the ruckus a garbage truck makes? Then there's the UPS/Mail person of course who is a favorite. If you can't hear what's going on around you, just like if your nose is in the phone, how can you make adjustments?

3. Keep your head on a swivel, this probably ties into points 1 and 2 but you do really need to pay attention. If there is someone approaching, don't assume their dog is friendly. Don't assume they will do the right thing and adjust, own your space, own your safety as well as your dogs safety. Keep a look out for what's happening and move.

4. There's nothing wrong with saying No. You are not obligated to make friends with every dog you see and other people are not obligated to say hello to your dog. You never truly know what might set off or trigger another pet let alone your own. Dogs are very in tune to energy and some person or dog may just not "vibe" with your dog and that's ok. We don't like every person we meet, why should a dog like every person or dog? It's not hard to simply say, I'm sorry I'm in a rush, or Sorry but we're training, or Sorry my dog isn't friendly. Wagging tail isn't always an invite, it just means they're aroused and on alert contrary to what many believe.

   
   

For us with Wakefield Pets, it is our position to intentionally NOT engage with others while we are with a fur client. We are NOT in the business of socializing with others during our walks. I'd say we're successful about 99% of the time, and the other 1% is often someone popping out from a corner to surprise both parties or something similar. But it is our job to keep our clients safe, and to be their advocates while we are with them. It is your job to advocate for your pets when we are not with them, ,for their safety and yours. Walk with some "Etiquette" and pay attention, give others space while not always demanding it. Engage with your pet, be in the moment and enjoy the sweet fur baby they are!