10 Easy Steps to Living a Harmonious Life with Pets
Summer Snell, Staff Reporter
otterrealm@csumb.edu
May 9, 2008
Remember the saying; “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well it can apply to our pets just as easily as it can to humans. The amount of money that people spend on their pets compared to 10 years ago has nearly doubled from $23 billion in 1998 to an estimated $43.4 billion for 2008 according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. While the Humane Society states that 74.8 million dogs are owned in the U.S. With so many people sharing their daily lives with “man’s best friend” as a companion I thought it would be nice for a refresher on doggie etiquette. Just as humans are not all created exactly the same, not all dogs are alike. With the increase in canine population one needs to keep a few simple rules in mind to keep both people and our beloved furry friends safe and living in harmony. As a rescuer, owner and advocate I listed my top ten rules of etiquette to help other pet lovers live in harmony.
Anything with a mouth and a set of teeth can bite, rather than asking the owner “does your dog bite?” ask if the dog is friendly or does it like other dogs or children.
When ever possible do not run up on a dog. They can get just as scared or frightened when abruptly approached and unlike humans their “fight or flight” instincts are a lot more “in tune” than ours.
Always ask in advance, at least five feet away, if a pet is friendly, says Pet Trainer Jennifer DuPont, “if people intend to be responsible pet owners they need to understand that not all dogs like to be approached, asking with some distance lessens the stress on owners and pets alike.”
Communicate to other dog owners and others that may be in the vicinity any concerns that may arise. If your companion seems a little under the weather, possibly cranky or just not themselves, maybe they do not want to be bothered with strangers and unfamiliar faces.
Do not allow other dogs to intrude on your dog’s space and bark in his or her face, no matter their size. Big dogs can be especially sensitive to smaller dogs. Just a thought, how do you like it when someone yells at you in your face?
If you have a dog or are dog sitting be responsible, both your life and the dogs’ is in your hands. Be aware of your surroundings, be calm and read the body language that the dogs are expressing. An aloof dog can be a good thing, but an aloof owner is a disaster.
Many dogs are stereotyped by their breed and have a negative reputation because of it, try and remember that they are dogs but, not to judge a book by its cover. Not all dogs or all breeds are alike; so do not treat them as if they are. It is better to be alert, in doubt and ask questions than it is to live in fear. A dog’s energy can change because of yours once it reads into your fear. Read up on your dogs breed and other breeds as well, do not get into the hype of whichever dog happens to be the most aggressive for this decade. Rottwielers were in the nineties and pits are today labeled as the most aggressive, once we are educated, another dog will be labeled as vicious.
Familiarize yourself with the dogs in your community, their owners and both their personalities. This will not only allow you to meet your neighbors, but it is also beneficial for you to read other dogs that you come in contact with on your own. This could ultimately save a dogs life. By bringing a lost or loose dog back home you keep the possibility of an accidental pregnancy and overpopulation from ever happening.
Make sure you are following all county and city ordinances and laws, including leash laws and poop patrol. This might mean that you need to read up on the laws in order to follow them. Again, this is not just for the safety of your dog and others, but also for the respect to the neighbors in your community. These laws stop diseases from spreading, unwanted pet population to increase and dog-dog and human-dog attacks from occurring.
It is wise to read up on local laws and legislations to help advocate for our furry friends. There are many breeds and dogs that are being portrayed as vicious and aggressive animals because of former Michael Vick’s. U.S. legislation continues to pass rules and ordinances that ultimately harm and endanger the healthy and happy lives that these dogs can and have once lived. If you have a dog that is considered aggressive deemed only by its breed, please educate others around you on how friendly they are and how untrue the stereotype can be. Fight legislations from passing such bills and become active in your community on behalf of your companion and fight to keep legislation from oppressing these animals.
I know I do not want to be judged nor would I want my best friend to be judged by their cover. My hope is that these etiquette tips will help any judgment from occurring as well as keeping your “best friend” from becoming hurt, sick or endangered. As responsible pet owners it is our duty to practice safe and friendly manners when handling our four-legged friends. If we all follow these simple tips than we will live in a more harmonious environment with our pets.