Owner and doggy etiquette on walks

[WinkyWinkola]

So I need to know more.

1. Do not let your dog greet a dog that is on a lead.

More please

1. Do not let your dog greet people without their express permission
2. Jumping up is an absolute no-no
3. Do not expect other dogs to exercise your dog for you! If you happen across one who is happy to play, then that is a bonus but you should aim to be providing it yourself. Tempting as it may be to stand at the edge of the field and let him make his own entertainment, he will sooner or later choose inappropriate behaviours. Play games, take toys, do training, go to new and interesting places, take extra tasty treats. You should aim to be THE most exciting person/playmate in the park. Your dog will then learn to choose you over other people and dogs

1. Most people's sighthounds are not your personal doggy wearer outerers however mine are don't be afraid to ask "Is my dog allowed to play with yours?"

Always, always pick up the poo.

Never let your dog jump up at pedestrians, cyclists or horses.

Never let your dog steal food from small children, picnics etc.

Respect Yellow Dogs.

If your bitch is in season, ideally stay at home or at the very least walk only on lead and at quiet times/quiet areas.

Respect dog exclusions in playgrounds, cemeteries, beaches etc.

If your dog is off lead, please remain aware of their location/activities and don't simply bury yourself in your exciting phone conversation (we see this one a lot!)

Stop encouraging and rewarding puppies jumping up.

I've been working really hard at training her not to jump up and so many people say hello to her and actively pat their legs up high so she jumps up and then they make a huge fuss of her. Sure, she's cute and tiny at the moment but that's not going to last and while it's not a problem when everyone is in dog walking trousers, I don't appreciate muddy footprints on my new skirt and laddered tights.

If a dog owner is obviously trying to instill some discipline on a dog , and it ignores and runs to you - don't reward it by saying "oh he's fine" and making a big fuss of said dog.

Giant pup decided to completely ignore the wait command today and bowled up to the other dog - (it was off lead) - owner made huge fuss of giant dog - which seriously pissed me off as he knows way better. Other owner could definately hear me on approach telling giant pup wait and slowly. Bloody adolescence

don't fall over your own dog, no matter how close it is to your feet

I agree with MrsL re the jumping up.
At 6 months we had the 'all 4 feet on the ground' rule pretty much installed in our large GSD X puppy.
One day with a friend who 'didn't mind' him jumping up destroyed that and now, 3 months later, he is still very jumpy if he is given the least bit of provocation.

If you name your dog after a Mnetter remember to post pup after her name before you post complaining about her shitting on your doormat. It prevents confusion.

The ultimate dog walking rule is. If in doubt ask. At worst you'll have to walk off with the dog still on the lead for five minutes. At best your dog gets a playmate and you get a pleasant companion for the remainder of your walk.

If your dog is off-lead & approaching a dog who is on a lead, please call your dog back. If the other owner asks you to call your dog back, please do it. Don't shout, 'It's ok, she's just saying hello' because my fearful dog will bark, snarl & then bite! Please don't then get huffy

Even if another dog is off-lead, unless there is an indication from its owner that it's fine for them to meet, then don't assume it's fine to let your dog run up to them - lots of nervous dogs are off-lead because they're less nervous that way. It takes nothing to ask. I've had my nervy dog off-lead but in a sit-stay off the edge of the (wide) path, with me between them and the oncoming dog obviously working to keep my dog's attention, and still people don't take the hint and instead let their dog barrell over and chase mine and terrify her.

Don't let your dog steal things out of other dog walkers' pockets... It's never an issue I've had with previous dogs, but for some reason I've been mugged several times by strange dogs either for my treat bag or toy.

I suspect monster puppy tells them I'm an easy mark in his desperation to win friends, lol.

Agree with discouraging jumping up. My terrier loves people and needs to be reminded, I use, '4 paws' as a command and treat. This means keep all four feet on the ground please! They know that they are not allowed to join picnics. When in doubt, put them back on the lead. I always praise a child who asks if they can pet the dog. When people say, 'I don't mind', I say, 'but I do'.

Do not think the mad woman screaming blue murder at her dog is being cruel, she is just trying to get his attention.

Oooh, very much yes to encouraging puppies to jump up or ignore you, Pizpup is so cute people encourage him to come for a cuddle but it drives me mad as he's usually so good with 'get down'.

Also, keep your dog fairly close to you at all times. Enormous pointer puppy today took off with another couple out walking their dog and must've been about 500 metres from his owner for about 5 minutes. If you can't call him back, keep him on the lead, I don't want responsibility for your giant, bitey dog, thanks very much!