It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare, you’re walking along the street when someone approaches your pet and they nip at them and suddenly you’re having to apologize profusely. Perhaps you’re out at a dog park and a few days later your pet is violently vomiting and needs to go to the vet for a contagious illness caused by something your dog ate. Even worse, you decide to meet your friend for a puppy playdate only to notice nervous behavior leading to a dog fight and bitter feelings towards your friends.
It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare and usually, that stress and worry inevitably lead to anxious owners and frustration at every other pet parent doing it “all wrong”.
The reality of “pawrenthood” is that it comes with some very real responsibilities and regardless of how good or behaved your pet may be, you still have to take the general public into consideration and keep in mind some (p)etiquette reminders that will turn those nightmares and stressors into some relief and fun.
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First Things First – Pet Training
It’s the age of the Dog Mom & Dad and the ability to bring your pets with you on adventures is quickly expanding, with that being said, training is becoming more of a necessity. Attending a pet training class either one-on-one or with a group allows you to build a bond with your pet and learn it’s needs and behaviors. Obedience training takes a lot of time, dedication, and consistency, but in doing so you’re helping teach your pet appropriate behaviors so that you can enjoy time in public spaces without the stress and worry that Fido may get you kicked out of that cool new brewery you just discovered.
Know the Laws
It doesn’t matter how well-behaved Fido is and how never in the history of Fido’s life has he ever left your side without a command, dogs are typically required by the city to be on a leash except when on the owners’ property. This is one of the laws that I’ve seen broken time and time again and trust me I get it … I want to see my pet roam and give every person they meet the same love he gives me, but the fact of the matter is that an unrestrained pet puts others and your pet in danger. An unleashed pet is a pet that is not under your control. You cannot predict another human or animal’s behavior to your pet. Don’t risk it. It’s not worth it.
Setting Boundaries
I’m guilty of this. I love animals, any animal, and when I see one I forget everything else around me and all I want to do is pet them and scratch their bellies. Here’s the thing, that is NOT okay; not only have you completly invaded the space of the owner and pet, but you’ve also put yourself and your pet (if they’re with you) in danger. As a pet owner, I become extremely aware when I’m out in public with my pup. I’m constantly watching his behavior and monitor whether or not I allow him to greet another pet, child, or family. My pup is still young and learning appropriate behavior, sometimes we go out in public for training purposes, and someone approaching without asking completely negates all of those efforts.
Take time to consider the boundaries that your pet needs based on their personality. Are they reactive? Are they shy? How are they with loud noises? Other pets? Children? Water? Etc. It takes time to understand what these may be but watching their behavior and reactions will help give you an idea of when it’s time to say, “Let’s go.” You’re also allowed to protect your pet by gently telling well-intentioned people if your pet is “in training” or “does not do well with strangers.” It is our duty to advocate for our pets and to know when to tell others that it may be time to end dog dates or that your pet likely doesn’t want to be petted.
Are you having trouble doing this? Consider a vest or bandana that your pet can wear that will deter others from approaching your pet in public.
Respect Others
This one has a lot of tough love behind it. As much as I believe that your pup is healthy and the most well-behaved dog in the world, it does not exempt you from leash laws, picking up your dogs’ feces, bringing your intact dog to a dog park and not watching their behavior, or not getting the necessary vaccinations to assure their safety and of those pets around them. As San Antonio slowly becomes more dog-friendly, with dog-friendly establishments such as restaurants, shops, bars, and more ample parks, it is our (pet owners) responsibility to prove and showcase that we are ready for more opportunities to bring our best friends out with us. This can be as simple as picking up the trash left at a dog park or simply making sure they’re socialized as well as possible.
We can’t wait to see your pup out and about in San Antonio. We hope you’ll be able to take some of the tips from today and join us at a dog-friendly event soon! Check out our calendar for upcoming dog-friendly events in San Antonio.
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