Pet Etiquette Rules to Live By

So what is pet etiquette?

...the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social life. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

In other words, it simply means having good manners and behaving in a way which makes others feel comfortable. And this holds true for our pets,too.

Unfortunately, many dog owners lack the social graces of good manners. To make sure you're not one of them, familiarize yourself with these common courtesies of pet etiquette and practice adhering to them with your Miniature Schnauzer.

Pet Etiquette

For most of us, (me included) our Miniature Schnauzers are like our children. We love to take them with us everywhere we go: to restaurants, shopping, on our vacations...

And that's all fine and good unless... you have a lack of respect for others while you're out & about with your dog. If so, this is totally unacceptable and speaks volumes of you as a person. Not only are you being totally inconsiderate of others, you're not being a responsible dog owner.

• Keep Dog Leashed  Even if your Miniature Schnauzer is perfectly voice-trained, it is still important to keep your dog on his leash when you're around others, at all times. This makes everyone else feel more at ease and comfortable. Being able to actually see that your Miniature Schnauzer is physically under control, is being courteous to others.

• Cleanup After Your Dog It's also being a responsible dog owner by having poop pick-up bags on hand during outings with your Miniature Schnauzer. Whether you are walking your Miniature Schnauzer in your neighborhood or at the dog park, please pick-up your Miniature Schnauzer's poop. There's just no excuse for not doing so.

• Stay Out of Neighbor's Garden Also, when walking your Miniature Schnauzer through the neighborhood, be mindful of your neighbor's flower beds and gardens. No one wants a dog to walk all over their garden beds, or worse yet, defecate in them. Stay on the sidewalk or in as close proximity to it as you can.

• Dog Should Wear Collar and I.D. Make sure your Miniature Schnauzer is wearing his dog collar and I.D. tags with current rabies information. Letting others see that your Miniature Schnauzer has the proper identification and vaccinations puts them at ease

• Socialize Your Dog When someone approaches your Miniature Schnauzer be sure to supervise carefully. Also make sure to give your permission before allowing anyone to interact with your dog. Only you know your Schnauzer's habits and fears. Don't leave it up to chance, supervise.

Socializing your Miniature Schnauzer is a very important part of responsible dog ownership. The sooner you begin training your dog, the better.

You will have a much better time when you are out with your Miniature Schnauzer if he can behave accordingly around strangers and out door events. If necessary, seek the help from a professional trainer.

• Make Sure Your Dog is Welcome: So let's say you've been invited to a cook-out. Surely your friends know you'll be bringing your Miniature Schnauzer along, right? Never assume your Miniature Schnauzer is invited to come along with you without the host of the event inviting you to do so.

Even if your Miniature Schnauzer is invited, please make sure he doesn't ruin the event for everyone else. Supervise him. Don't let him jump up on people or furniture. Don't allow him to beg for people's food. And please don't let him bark all night long just because he gets bored.

It's actually better to leave your Miniature Schnauzer at home unless you aren't planning on staying very long or know that he will not become restless and unruly. In fact, your dog will probably be happier to stay in the comfort of his own home.

But the same holds true even if you are the one hosting the party! Putting your Miniature Schnauzer in a separate room or in his dog crate will make for a more relaxed enjoyable evening for everyone.

And if your dog really likes being around everyone, perhaps you can let your Miniature Schnauzer out to mingle for a little while and then confine him again. Now that's proper pet etiquette!

Believe me, people will take note when you and your Miniature Schnauzer display good manners and proper pet etiquette. In fact, they will be more apt to invite you and your Miniature Schnauzer to more places and events!

Pet etiquette is a Win–Win for everyone!

by Athena Andris © Schnauzers-Rule.com

Feel free to share our Pet Etiquette Infographic with your pet pals so we all can work toward being responsible dog owners.

"Knowledge Share"... If you found this page on Pet Etiquette and our 10 Commandments of Good Dog Manners helpful and informative, please share it with your dog-loving friends by clicking on one of the share links (like facebook, twitter, and google +1) located at the top right or bottom of this page.

What are some things you've seen dog owners do that is not considered good pet etiquette?

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Related Topics:
★ Dog Behavior Training
★ Dog Obedience Training
★ Canine Good Citizen
★ Miniature Schnauzer Training

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