#Asked

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, Greenville is a super dog-friendly city, and as a dog mom, I enjoy bringing Gus 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. Greenville has an ordinance that requires pets to be under physical control by leash or similar restraint at all times whenever they are on public property or property other than their own.

Additionally, S.C. state laws require all dogs (and cats) to be currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The vaccination tag must be displayed on your dog at all times. Greenville also requires dog owners to provide adequate shelter for their pups. While this isn’t a factor when taking your dog around town – it’s extremely important to remember as we start to get some of that South Carolina heat.

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 Gus or to introduce their pooch to mine. Gus is an incredibly friendly pup, but if he was a dog who had a tendency to bite or was easily spooked – that would be a safety concern.

What are tips + rules of etiquette to keep in mind when having a dog out in public? Leave a comment below.

Photo by @ziggy_bowie_and_baby

#Answered

Ask before you pet, feed, or meet

“My tip is actually for humans. Always ask if you can pet the dog before petting and teach your children to do the same. While my dog adores people, children and other dogs, not all dogs appreciate hugs-at-first-sight.” – @aliceranderson

“PLEASE do not give random dogs treats if you don’t ask! My pup has an extreme chicken/grain allergy and treats are the worst culprits.” 😭 – @rue.nicorn

“NEVER EVER pet a service dog, whether you think it’s legit or not! And teach your children the same. Always always always ask to human companion before petting! When petting, get down on the dogs level, off back of hand and then pet side first, never go for head first.” – @indigorootstextiles

Use shorter leashes when around people

“For people who insist on walking their dogs along the sidewalks of Main Street in downtown Greenville, please keep the leash short and the dog next to you. Too many inconsiderate people are more in love with their dog and walking them wherever they go. They do not realize that the dog walking on the other side of the sidewalk and a leash connected blocks anyone else from walking by. Just a little courtesy. Thanks.” – Jack D.

“NO FLEXIE LEASHES in groups of people, people and dogs, busy sidewalks, etc. etc. etc.” – Nancy W.

“KEEP 👏 YOUR 👏 DOG 👏 ON 👏 A 👏 LEASH 👏 AT 👏 ALL 👏 TIMES.” – @stitchandletter

Know your pup

“Keep your attention on your dog the same way you would keep your attention on your toddler...just because Rover has never (insert bad behavior here) before, you don’t know how he'll react to new stimuli. Avoid incidents by maintaining control at all times. A few inattentive owners and/or poorly trained dogs can ruin things for the rest of us!” – Kathy T. + pup Sadie

“It’s ok to say no when I ask if it’s ok for my dog to approach yours! If you know your dog doesn’t handle other dogs well or doesn’t play nice... don’t agree to let me let my dog approach yours! So many people say yes and then their dog does not play well at all, and shows aggressive tendencies! It’s ok I won’t be offended if you say “No, she/he doesn’t do well with on leash interactions” or whatever. You know your dog, I don’t!” – Lauren O.

“I read somewhere (maybe AVLtoday!) that those dogs who are not as social/approachable wear yellow bandanas to let others know not to approach their dog, i.e. other dog walkers with overly friendly dogs and children know not to approach them!! I love that idea!” – Gina B. The Yellow Dog Project and similar programs encourage dog owners to indicate that their dog needs some space with a yellow ribbon or bandana.

Consider others’ comfort

“Just because a dog owner thinks their dog is precious, doesn’t mean I want him or her to approach me. I’ve been bitten by a dog (on a leash, no less) so a dog in “my space” makes me very uncomfortable. I would appreciate it if the person holding the leash would let me know (by seeing them) that they are keeping a tight control over how far their dog can wander while on the leash. I have had dogs all my life until the death of my last one 4 years ago, so my feelings don’t come from a place of a dog “disliker.” – Karen N.

“I am not a dog owner, but I am a dog lover. And I love the fact that Greenville is so dog friendly. However, I do wish that dog parents would think about us that don’t have a dog when it comes to brining them anywhere food can or will be served. I see dogs on top of tables all the time and I don’t feel like anyone thinks about all of the things that they can carry on their paws. Now those paws are on top of the table that I’m about to eat on. I’m sure they aren’t allowed on the dinning room table at home, so I’m not sure why they are in public places.” – Michelle H.

“Please don’t pretend your dog is an emotional support or service dog when they aren’t. Hospitality employees aren’t trying to be mean when we tell you your dog isn’t allowed on the property, we just have to follow the rules of our organization, which are in place for a reason.” – Tammy J.

Make sure they are having a good time

“Don’t take your dog to bars or places where music is too loud and crowded. It’s sad to see dogs “forced” to be places.” – Loren C.

“Put your small dogs in a stroller – for their safety. I have seen so many little babies getting stepped on or almost stepped on, it is so scary for them – if you love them, protect them. Don’t bring them out in extreme heat - they don’t cool off like we do and heat stroke can happen in a very short time for some breeds and the result can be tragic.” – Heidi G.

“Remember the pavement is hot, pads can get burned from hot concrete and asphalt. Use common sense, if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for Rover.” – Craig R.

Pick up after your dog

“Here at Lake Conestee Nature Park we allow dogs on leashes, but our number one problem is people leaving their poop bags on the trail. They don’t want to carry the full bags with them while they walk and will leave them on the trail, thinking they’ll remember to pick it up on their way out. You wouldn’t believe how many poop bags we find. This is such a nuisance.” – Mary W.

“Certain types of plants are extremely sensitive to the acid in urine, especially when they are young. My garden is very important to me, and I’m sure lots of people feel the same way. I would ask of dog owners to please be aware of where your dog stops to pee, and perhaps encourage them to “hold it” until you reach an area that doesn’t look like someone’s beloved garden. From a dog-owners perspective, what is the right way for a homeowner to request that dogs not pee (or poop) on their property?” – Amy H.

“Always pick up their poop! Otherwise, that will end up in the Reedy River and contribute unwanted bacteria to the water! Our river. Our responsibility.” – @friendsofreedyriver

Straight from the dog

“I love kids but I don’t like when they just rush to me and start touching/hitting without asking my mom if that’s okay..... I’m super friendly but I probably won’t be if they do that. Hope all the kids/parents out there understand!” 😊 – @theo_ofgvl

“I don’t love my leash, but I understand…” – @adair_thedoodle

“Tell me i am cute and gimme treats” – @that_auss

Poll

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