When you first bring a dog home, you imagine peaceful, picture-perfect walks through the neighborhood—strolling side-by-side, passing friendly neighbors, and letting your pup make tons of furry friends along the way.
At least, that’s what I thought when I started walking my dog for the very first time.
Shortly after starting our walking routine, I had an experience that changed how I view dog walking manners forever. Looking back, I feel a little ashamed of what I did, but sharing it might help other new dog parents avoid making the same mistake!
My First Dog Walking Lesson (The Hard Way)
One day, while out on a walk with my dog, we spotted an elderly lady crossing the street with her tiny dog. Excited and eager to socialize my pup, I immediately thought, “Great! They can be friends!”
I cheerfully called out a hello to the lady and her dog and began walking directly toward them so our pups could greet each other.
Before we got close, the lady raised her hand and firmly said, "Please stop, don't come too near my dog. He is sick."
I froze. "Oh, okay!" I stammered, quickly pulling back.
In that moment, my heart sank. I had assumed every dog on a walk was looking for a buddy to hang out with. It never crossed my mind that the other dog might be recovering from an illness, reactive, fearful, or simply in training. Pushing my dog toward a stranger's pet without asking first was a big misstep.
That interaction stuck with me for a long time—in fact, my strong desire for my dog to have a companion to play with safely without stressing out stranger dogs on walks was one of the big reasons I eventually decided to adopt a second dog!
Key Rules for Good Dog Walking Etiquette
That embarrassing moment taught me that good walking manners aren't just about teaching your dog to heel—they're also about respecting other dogs and their owners. Here are the most essential rules every dog parent should know:
1. Always Ask Before Approaching
Never assume another dog wants to meet yours, even if they look friendly. Always stop a few feet away and explicitly ask the owner, "Is it okay if they say hi?" Respect an immediate "no" without taking it personally!
2. Keep On-Leash Greetings Short
If both owners agree to a greeting, keep it to 3 seconds or less. On-leash interactions can quickly turn tense if dogs feel trapped by their leashes. Use a quick "sniff-and-go" approach, then keep moving.
3. Give Space to Yellow Ribbons & Reactive Dogs
If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon tied to their leash or collar, it usually signifies that the dog needs space (they might be anxious, sick, in training, or recovering from surgery). Give them a wide berth.
4. Practice "Leave It" and Loose-Leash Walking
Reward your dog whenever they look at another dog and then look back at you instead of pulling toward them. Teaching a reliable "leave it" command helps keep your walk smooth and controlled.
5. Always Clean Up and Stay Aware
It goes without saying: always carry poop bags, and keep your eyes off your phone so you can spot potential triggers (like loose dogs or fast-moving bikes) before your dog does.
Final Thoughts
We all make mistakes when we’re learning how to be good dog parents—the key is learning from them! Today, I’m much more mindful of giving other dogs their space on walks. And as for my first dog? Having a second pup at home gave them a lifelong best friend without any of the awkward street encounters.