Monks Gentle dog and man Guide to Dog etiquette.

As a young dog growing up we have to learn rules and how one should behave but its important that you humans also need to learn the rules and etiquette about dogs both owning and being around us.

1. Scoop the poop. Look if we had hands or port-a-loos like you humans we would deal with this ourselves. Most good boys and girls at least make an effort to learn to go outside the home. My suggestion is to bring several bags on your walks to be sure you have enough. There’s a saying “fastest way to see if someone owns a dog, 1st dog hair on their clothes 2nd dog poo bag in every pocket they own”. If you run out and it will happen to even the savviest person, either come back and clean it up later, or ask another walker if they have a bag to spare. Those signs saying you will be fined do actually carry weight.

2.

Prevent barking and other negative behaviours. In general, it’s a little rude to bark and lunge at someone, try to train your dog’s attention so you can easily redirect them if they bark at people or other dogs. It can cause people to be scared or trigger bad behaviours in other pets. As an assistance dog its really distracting when I should be focused on Alison. If you know your dog acts this way and training seems to have come to a standstill get in touch with a local dog trained, check with your vet for advice or in extreme cases walk in areas where contact will be low. There are many more personal rules and preferences past these but you should always be aware of other people's feelings, always ask and respect the given response. If your dog does something to upset someone (jumping up, barking) apologize to them and take measures to prevent the situation from reoccurring.

3. Stranger Danger isn’t only for people. Humans and dogs should only greet each other when its mutually agreed on. Dogs should only approach people if they’re wanted and people should only approach dogs after they have asked and the handler has agreed. Respect the other’s response, a person may be scared of dogs or a cat person and the Dog might be scared of people or ill or in training. Assistance dogs shouldn’t be distracted but some handlers may allow to meet and greet if you ask super nicely.

4. Leashes! Even the most super trained dogs and their owners should consider this. Not everyone or their dogs is comfortable around other dogs. Keep your dog close to you and stay alert to others. This way if there is an issue, you’re in control and can prevent it getting worse. That being said there are safe times and places for off leash activities.

5. As a big boy I do not enjoy a game of twister so please don't play while on leash. If you meet another dog on a walk and they agree for the dogs to sniff and greet, keep it short and move on. Letting us dogs play while on leash can result in injury and can teach your dog that all dogs enjoy this kind of interaction, although many don’t.

5 simple rules about respecting one and other. So, here’s to happy walks and talks. Let’s keep dogs and owners and the public happy and safe.