Part of being a responsible dog owner is being a good dog neighbor. Would you want to live next door to someone who allows their dog to urinate on flowerbeds or run all over another’s property? Of course not, so use the golden rule: do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
In urban areas one can be considerate of neighbors as well. For example, it is always polite to ask fellow dog walkers if their dog is friendly. If the dog isn’t friendly, you can avoid a confrontation and if he is perhaps you have made a new friend. Dog owner Debbie Baer says, “I always appreciate when people ask if my dog is friendly or not, it’s a common courtesy and anything to prevent a possible fight is a good thing.”
Walking your dog should be a leisurely exercise for both you and your dog. By following simple logic and common courtesy you will find that the dog world and non-dog world can coexist just fine.
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