Doggone Etiquette—

Dog Walks

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:                           

Going for a walk is one of the best things you get to do all day — right? All those new things to sniff and see, friends to meet, and every now and then there’s a bit of excitement, like a deer or a turkey crossing the path ahead of you. Part of the fun in taking a walk is not knowing what will be different this time that will be something you can dream about for a couple of hours when you get home. Then there’s the matter of how you walk with your person, or perhaps how your person walks with you. Let’s look into it.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

The days are longer and as the weather gets more inviting, more people are out walking their dogs for pleasure, not just for the joint exercise. (Pun intended.) The same rules apply whether you are jogging with a sporting breed or trying to keep up with a dog that is trotting at its own speed. Walking the dog is literally in the hands of the person at the other end of the dog’s lead. In addition to having taught your dog basic obedience, here are some of the additional safety rules of the road all dog owners should know and follow. They are just sensible safety tips.

On roads without sidewalks, always walk on the left side of the road so you are facing oncoming cars. That way you can see, as well as hear, what is coming toward you. If you are on the opposite side of the road, a car could creep up behind you at the very moment Rufus steps out and into the path of the car. I’ll admit there are exceptions, such as when there is plenty of space to walk on the “wrong” side of the road, and little or no room to walk on the side where you should be. In that case keep Rufus on your right side (off the road) instead of your left side where he should normally be.

You can have a bit of fun with the rules by teaching the dog a few strategic words to keep him out of trouble, as well as safe in areas without sidewalks. For example, when you hear a car approaching, say “CAR” in a firm voice and make him stop and stay. Another traffic rule is taught by using the word “WAIT” before you cross a street — and while you remember to look both ways. (That holds true whether you’re on a sidewalk or not.) Be a good neighbor by teaching the word “Flowers” which, to Rufus, will eventually mean “don’t lift your leg” as well as “don’t trample on those things.”

Each word is accompanied by your use of the lead to get the dog’s attention in order to teach the desired result. You say the word only once, always in the same tone of voice, AS you enforce the action. So, as you get to the curb, say “Wait” and have Rufus stop by your left side. At a busy intersection you might have him sit. As I said, it is just basic obedience put to good use. Of course, whenever he gets any of it right, he earns a “good dog.”

Then there is the positive signal, “Friend,” said in a happy voice for example when approaching your neighbor with a friendly dog. The opposite of that one may take a bit more emphatic teaching. It’s “On by” — indicating to Rufus there will be no stopping on this encounter. When approaching someone walking a dog you have never met, be cautious. Lots of dogs like to meet people, but not other dogs, so when you are still at a reasonable distance, ask if their pooch is dog-friendly. If it is, you can give Rufus the “Friend” word. And if the reply is negative, you’ll be glad you taught your friendly Rufus the word “On by” — said as one word, by the way, with your nose in the air.

Isn’t this fun? Teach while you trot! What’s more, you’ll never be accused of talking to yourself.

Until next time — BE GOOD!

—Bardi