featuring Tails from the Alley
Dog Etiquette
in Public
Allison Couture Otero
T
he weather is glorious these days in Winter Garden,
and more and more people are venturing out with
their furry family members. Whether it’s for a walk,
a stroll through the Farmers Market, or another outdoor
event, it’s a great time to be out and about! While us
humans are eager to show off our dogs, we should consider
how our dogs feel about it...and how others might feel
about our dogs presence. It’s important to consider some
of the do’s and don’ts of having our pups tag along in a
public setting.
First and foremost should be our dog’s safety and comfort
level with being away from home, in a strange place, or
in large crowds of unfamiliar people. Even the friendliest
of pooches can get startled or freaked out and exhibit
behavior that is not normal for him, which could spell
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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DECEMBER 2018
disaster for all involved. Forcing a dog to do something
he or she is not used to could result in a bite, slipping
out of his leash/harness and bolting, or general panic.
It’s important to know your dog’s body language and if
you suspect he or she is nervous or uncomfortable, it’s
best to remove him/her from the situation immediately.
Look for things like: body stiffening, large eyes, licking
lips, avoidance of the interaction, or shaking. It goes
without saying that if your dog has a bite history, do not
bring them to a crowded event where many strangers
will be present.
Depending on how long you will be away from home, it
may be a good idea to bring some supplies with you as
well. Some items that could be useful include: a travel
bowl, bottled water (if there will not be access to clean