Now that spring has sprung, most of us are opting for outdoor adventures – walks around downtown, trips to the park, choosing to eat on the patio + hikes galore. And, with the warmer weather, dog parents are bringing their fur babies along. I mean Asheville is totally a Dog City USA, and as a dog mom, I enjoy bringing Luna out with me any chance I get. 🐶

But, when it comes to bringing our four-legged children with us, there are rules of etiquette all dog owners (and bystanders) need to keep in mind. For starters, leashes are very important – unless you are at the dog park + within the fenced-in area – and the City of Asheville requires all pet owners to keep their dog on a leash at all times whenever they are on public property or property other than their own.

Additionally, the City of Asheville requires all dogs six months and older to have a city license. This license is $10 and is to be renewed annually. The fee for not having your dog licensed in Asheville starts at $50. Both an updated rabies tag + the city license must be displayed on your dog at all times.

#Asked:

Now that we know the required city rules, we want to hear from all of you – dog parents; all our shop, business, and restaurant owners; + those without dogs – what are tips + rules of etiquette to keep in mind when having a dog out in public? For me, I always like people to ask to pet Luna or to introduce their pooch to mine. Luna is an incredibly sweet pup, but if she was a dog who had a tendency to bite – that would be a safety concern.

Not a dog parent but know someone that is? Give them a treat and pass it over. 🐕

#Answered:

“Pick up poop!” –Sandy A.

“Please make sure you only take your dog along if there will be sufficient shade/water AND don’t ask your dog to walk on hot asphalt. Their paws can get burned easily! Our dogs always want to please us so they’ll go along even when it’s not good for them.” –Ranice C.

“Just wanted to share that Twisted Laurel West has a huge dog-friendly patio and our Weaverville location welcomes pups on their porch. The College Ave patio at Daphne downtown is not only open to pooches, but they offer a dog menu too! It's the cutest to see our servers come out with dog bowls with fresh treats from the kitchen.” –Ayana D.

“Please pick up the fur babies Number two's! Poop bags are cheap!” –Missy P.

“Thank you so much for bringing up this topic! I love that we are becoming more aware of this subject. People should ALWAYS ask to pet my dog, but also I do not want anyone to pet her because she does not enjoy attention from anyone but me (and people she knows well). When someone asks to pet and I say no, they look at me like I’m the rudest person in the world. If they don’t ask, I usually put myself between the person and her and do my best to politely explain she’s an introvert. She wears a collar that says “DO NOT PET” but it doesn’t deter some folks. Someone even asked me “well why do you even bring her out then?” She enjoys being out. She enjoys being with me wherever I am. Moral of the story: ask to pet and be okay (and don’t get offended) if the human says no.” – Elizabeth R.

“I have been a dog-owner for decades. My biggest pet peeve is dog owners who assume that all dogs can meet when "on-leash". Most dogs feel more constrained when on a leash. If you are walking your dog or see another dog on-leash, please keep your dog next to you and don't assume that every dog wants to meet your pup.” –Amy K.

“Dog owners should carry their own treats so if they want someone to give their dog food, it is a treat that the dog owner already knows is "ok" for their dog. People walking up should NOT offer food to a new dog unless the dog owner has provided said food. This safeguards the dogs health, as well as reducing possibility of an overexcited dog accidentally getting a finger instead of the food lol.” – Gail Y.

“Dogs that bite, fight with other dogs, pee on everything or bark constantly should be left at home when going to bars or events. Owners that allow their dogs to bark constantly, don't pick up their poop or keep there leashes reined in should be heavily fined. I know you dog owners love your dogs to pieces but not everyone else feels the same about them. I don't want a dog, I don't know, to stick it's face in my crotch or jumping on me or barking at me or blocking my way with it's a leash. Generally, I think dog owners are pretty considerate but I guess like parents there are a few that let their dogs run the show. I worked at a shop that only allowed people to bring dogs in that could be carried. There was a lot of pottery on shelves that could be knocked off with the swish of a tail or a leash. There were some people that would get really angry and offended when we, the employees had to enforce that rule.” – Gilgenbach

“Important to know: If a dog has a yellow scarf or ribbon, it means the dog needs space. Check out www.theyellowdogproject.com

Dog etiquette:

Ask to pet before bending to pet.
Ask permission to give a treat before giving a treat.
Pet owners to fully clean up after their pet.
Pet owners need to have their pet under control at all times.
Ask permission to have pets meet on leash prior to approaching. Some dogs have leash aggression.
If a yellow scarf or ribbon is tied to the leash, stay away!” – aslintrprtr

“If your dog doesn't like other dogs, if your dog barks a lot or if your dog doesn't like people or children, please don't take them to restaurants/breweries where dogs and children usually are.” – Kathy H.

“No matter where I live or visit, the most obnoxious problem with dogs is dog poop on the ground. Pick up the poop! Even at the dog park, pick up the poop! It's the most basic rule of dog etiquette and it's just plain decency.” – Catherine G.

“Not everyone loves dogs.......and probably no one loves yours the way you do. So just because your dog is sweet and would not hurt a soul, keep him on a short leash and don't allow to approach people unless they ask. DO NOT let your dog jump on people or knock small children down in their exuberance.

If your dog might bite, do not take them out among people or have a muzzle on the dog.
ALWAYS pick up after your dog.
ALWAYS carry water for your dog.
If you take them with you, they should stay with you. DO NOT leave your dog in a car alone....even for a few minutes......even with the window down 2".....duh? If you can't leave your dog in the car with the windows open enough for them to breathe, leave them at home.
Control your dog.
DO NOT put them into a snuggie or a shopping cart and bring them into the grocery store or other places where dogs are not allowed. If you need them that badly for "emotional support," stay at home with them.” – Pat T.

“Dog owners, please do not assume that everyone loves dogs. It is appreciated if dog owners keep them close when passing Not everyone appreciates being jumped or sniffed by dogs.Some people are allergic or fearful of dogs. So please respect that not everyone is a dog lover. Thanks” – Shawn M.

“It’s very tempting to take your dog off leash when on any one of our incredible trails, but no matter how tempted you are, please DO NOT! It can be dangerous for your dog to run up against a another dog who isn’t as well behaved or friendly, and that could have dire consequences to all involved. Plus, even the best trained dogs can decide to break free and chase a deer, Bear, coyote, Fox, or skunk which could hurt either your dog or the wild animal. Please honor others on the trail who obey the leash laws and keep their dogs with them. It can be frightening to encounter a dog off leash to know whether that dog is friendly, aggressive, territorial, or a wild dog and perhaps rabid. If you want your dog to run free, please enjoy one of several dog parks in the area. Please please please obey the leash laws and respect others who walk the trails!” – Debral B.

“Use short leashes only. Long leashes are hard for others to see and a tripping hazard...especially for seniors.” – Michele B.

“I’ll usually have my dogs on a loose leash when we walk so they can explore everything around them (I mean, that’s why we’re out in the first place, right?!) But my tendency is to shorten my dog leashes when we are passing others, especially other dogs. I do not allow my puppers to invade the personal space of someone that hasn’t expressly asked. Having them heel next to me when we pass also reminds them of their doggy leash manners.” –Meghan M.

“Keep your dog leashed even when out in the woods, but especially at Bent Creek and the NC Arboretum. Your dog may be friendly, but my dog may not be. Old dogs, dogs with disabilities or young dogs in training may not be as friendly as your dog. Some dogs are spooked easily, some are skittish, and some dogs just don't like the way your dog smells, looks or approaches them. If a fight ensues, my dog is under control and yours isn't. If your dog attacks my leashed dog, I will do everything I can to protect my dog.” – Rob M.

“Ask is it is ok BEFORE you allow your dog to approach.” – KN

“Keep your dog to yourself. I don't want to be licked. I don't want to eat in the company of your dog. I don't want to hear it bark. And I don't think it's nearly as cute as you do.” – Clark L.

“While trying to socialize a fearful or reactive dog, it is best to do this in wide and open spaces. Let’s keep our furry kids safe (and of course, our human kiddos that may forget to ask before petting) I love living in a place that dogs are strolling the town with their family and so welcomed in businesses.” – Donna G.

“Pick up after your dog poops, which seems like common sense, but apparently it is too much of a bother for some dog owners and they just walk off or else put it in a bag and then leave the bag on the street. It is both dirty and unhealthy to leave it around. Come on people!” – Roger B.

“Everyone loves their own dog, but not everyone loves your dog. Don’t assume people are happy to have your dog around. Old people who have balance issues get nervous around energetic impulsive dogs so tighten up that leash in a crowd. Unpredictable and aggressive dogs should not be around young children or vulnerable humans or other dogs.” –Beth C.

“Don't allow your small dog to lunge or bark at another dog. You may think it's amusing that your chihuahua is challenging my mastiff, but if the dog that weighs more than the owner responds to the aggression, things could get ugly. Owners of large dogs can not pick them up to remove them from a situation. All dogs, regardless of size, should have training.” – Brandy P.

“Tip for dog owners: your dog doesn’t belong in grocery carts where people put food they are going to eat.” – Rachel S.

“When walking a dog on a public sidewalk or path in a park, yes a leash is important, but also the dog owner should tightly restrain the dog and move as far to the right as possible when approaching another walker coming in the opposite direction. In fact stopping, moving off the sidewalk or path where possible, while restraining the dog is best.” – Jeffrey G.

“Please pick up your dog poop and deposit it in your own trash can. Yes, I’m proposing you carry your own dog’s poop for your entire walk and not put it in someone else’s can. I do it...you can too. Also, if your dog poops and it’s off leash, the poop is still your responsibility. I live on a popular dog walking route and the amount of dog poop that is left on the ground is astounding. I also happened to be a microbial water tester for creeks, streams and drinking water so I know what this poop is doing to our water. I love dogs but we humans need to be responsible pet owners.” – Melisa R.

“I would definitely say always keep your dog on a leash. Even if he/she is super dog friendly you never know if someone walking nearby has a dog with some issues (like mine, ahem). On the other side of etiquette make sure your child always asks first to pet your dog and never run straight up to it. That one didn’t really answer your question but figured I would slip that one in 😋” – @livinglocalavl

“Dog owners should be respectful towards people that don't have dogs. I have allergies so when dogs are approaching me I have to move away or when I'm in a restaurant I ask to be seated away from them. I believe public spaces are for everyone we just need to respect boundaries.” – @dbienick

“I would add that if you come upon a cute dog, please ask the owner before petting. Some dogs can look cute but be very skittish of approached unexpectedly.” – @horace.jennings

“Keep them close so they can’t get to others as not everyone wants to touched/near dogs.” – @melughkneee

“Train the smol humans to ask if can do themselves a soft pat on the doggo.” – @_spaghettiwestern

“PLEASE keep them on leash on trails and walking paths. Some people have trauma and fear around dogs, and it can be very scary if a dog unexpectedly runs up to you, even if doggo is super cute and has the best of intentions 😭” – @wanderingjeni

Poll

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