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Walking your dog is a daily activity, so it’s important to understand the proper etiquette rules you should be following on every walk. While Fido may want to sniff everything and everyone, allowing him to do so can be rude in some scenarios – but just how can you keep track of all these rules?

Luckily, the animal care professionals at Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital in Waipahu, HI, are here to help! To keep you and your pet from committing any etiquette faux pas, they’ve even put together this guide explaining the most important rules you should follow!

What You Should Know About Dog Walking Etiquette

Pick Up After Your Pooch

Most cities and towns have laws regulating the necessity of picking up after your dog. Yet, even if it's not a legal issue in your hometown, proper manners dictate that you should always do this. Leaving it behind is both rude to others walking nearby, who must endure the smell, and it can negatively impact the environment.

Restrict New Friends

Not everyone you meet on your walk is going to want to be best friends with your pup. Until you are given a signal that your dog can approach other people or animals, you should prevent him from going up to them. Similarly, if you're out walking and meet other dogs, ask the owner if you can pet them before approaching.

Keep the Leash On

animal careIt's important to keep your pooch on a leash unless you are in a designated area where off-leash play is allowed. This not only keeps your pup safe from dangerous areas – like a busy street – but it also keeps other individuals safe from an overly excited dog.

Respect the Property of Others

Allowing Fido to relieve himself on someone else’s garden -- or to even walk through it -- is a major etiquette faux pas. Not only can he damage someone else’s property this way, but the plants may even negatively impact his health.

Have Fun

When it comes to animal care, it's easy to see some duties as boring chores. However, going out with your pup should always be enjoyable and relaxing. So, make sure you and your dog can bond and have fun on each walk.

Following these rules will not only make walks easier to handle, but they'll make sure that both you and your pooch can relax and enjoy yourselves! If you have any questions, the animal care experts at Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital will be happy to help. Feel free to give them a call at (808) 671-7387. You can also visit their website to check out other pet services.

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