🐾 Dog Walking & Dog Park Etiquette: What Every Pet Lover Should Know
🐾 Dog Walking & Dog Park Etiquette: What Every Pet Lover Should Know
Whether you're heading out for a peaceful walk with your pup or visiting your local dog park for some off-leash fun, good etiquette is essential. It not only keeps dogs safe but also ensures everyone—two-legged and four-legged—has a positive experience.
From proper introductions to unexpected potty moments, here are some of the most important but often overlooked dog walking and dog park etiquette tips every dog parent (and dog lover) should know.
🐕 1. Always Ask Before Approaching a Dog
Not all dogs are comfortable with strangers—or other dogs. Some may be recovering from trauma, dealing with reactivity, or simply having an off day.
📌 Pro Tip: Before reaching out to pet someone’s dog or allowing your dog to approach theirs, ask the owner for permission. A simple “Is it okay if my dog says hi?” goes a long way.
🚶♂️ 2. Maintain Control and Be Present
Even in off-leash areas, it’s important to supervise your dog at all times. Keep your leash handy and always be ready to intervene if things get tense or overstimulating. And please don't just unleash your dog and hop on your phone and ignore your dog. Take the time to play and connect with your dog while they have a bit more freedom to run.
✨ Staying engaged ensures play stays fun and safe—for everyone.
💩 3. Give Dogs Space While They’re Going Potty
This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most frequently ignored rules.
When a dog is going to the bathroom, they’re in a vulnerable state. Walking up to them—especially with another dog—can startle them, make them anxious, or even provoke a defensive reaction. Just give them space to do their business in peace.
🔔 Quick Tip: Wait a few moments before approaching once they’re done. It’s respectful and safer for all.
🧼 4. Always Clean Up After Your Dog
We know, you already know. But we’re saying it again.
No matter where you are—on a sidewalk, trail, or in the middle of a field—pick it up. Leaving dog waste behind is not only unsanitary, but it’s also harmful to local ecosystems.
✅ Keep extra poop bags clipped to your leash or treat pouch so you’re never caught off guard. And if you run out of bags, which happens to all of us at some point, just wait, someone is bound to come around that has an extra they can give you. Don't just leave it there.
🐕🦺 5. Respect Leash Rules (and Use the Right Equipment)
Always follow posted leash laws, and choose walking gear that keeps your dog secure and comfortable. If your dog is reactive, consider a bright leash or harness label (like “Nervous” or “Do Not Pet”) to help others understand and keep a respectful distance.
🧸 6. Leave Toys and Treats at Home (Unless You're Sure It's Safe)
Unless you're in a private space or with close friends, toys and treats can cause unnecessary tension or guarding behavior in dogs. What’s yours might become the obsession of another pup, and not all dogs share well.
💬 Final Thoughts
Being a great dog parent isn’t just about loving your pup—it’s about understanding dog behavior, reading the room (or the park), and making thoughtful choices.
From asking before you approach, to respecting a dog's potty break, these simple gestures help create a welcoming, stress-free environment for dogs and humans alike.
So grab the leash, pack the poop bags, and let’s all commit to being a little more mindful on our walks and park adventures. 🐾
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MEET CARMINE BERZATTO
Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption.
| Name | Carmine Berzatto |
|---|---|
| Adoption Fee | $350.00- Dog Adult |
| Age | 7 years, 1 months |
| Gender | Male |
| Size | Small |
| Shots up to date | Yes |
| OK with kids | Not Sure |
| Housetrained | Not Sure |
| Hypoallergenic | Not Sure |
| Spayed / Neutered | Not Sure |
| OK with dogs | Not Sure |
| OK with cats | Not Sure |
If you have questions about Carmine Berzatto please contact
NYC Second Chance Rescue
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