On top of you following the appropriate etiquette for walking your dog, your dog should too. If your dog is going to be a well-behaved pooch in public then he should know the basic commands (that means you need to teach them to him). It is very difficult for your dog to behave well on leash and interact with other dogs and people if he doesn’t know the commands of: “sit”, “come” and “leave it”. These commands are important not just for other dogs and people’s safety but for your own dog. In case your dog comes upon an aggressive dog it is important to be able to say “leave it” and have the command followed.
Additionally, if you and your dog are separated by chance you can feel confident he will return to you with a well-practiced return command. Most local animal shelters or even large chain pet stores will offer basic puppy/dog training. It will be both fun and helpful for you and your dog. Besides, you don’t want your dog to be the jumping, out-of-control outcast dog that doesn’t know when to stop and sit.
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