13
- April
2022
Posted By : PawBoost
Keeping the Peace: 7 Ways to Be a Good Dog Neighbor

This article is contributed by guest author Jacqueline Graham (Writer).

Keeping the Peace: 7 Ways to Be a Good Dog Neighbor

If you’ve just added a new furry addition to your family, your first concern may not be keeping good relations with your neighbors. After all, who has time to worry about neighbors when your days are much better spent playing fetch and getting to know your new pup?

However, good dog owners should always ensure they’re practicing proper neighborhood pet etiquette. Since you should be busy bonding with your new best friends, we’ve laid out the essential dos and don’ts that’ll keep both your pet and your neighbors happy and healthy.

Photo Credit: Pixabay via Pexels

Take time for training

This may sound obvious, but many dog owners often neglect basic training. Choosing to properly train your dog will greatly impact their transition to the new home. Not to mention, you’ll put your dog at risk of getting hurt or lost without proper training. 

While it’s best to train your pup when he or she is young, don’t be afraid to start training an older adoptee. Contrary to popular belief, old dogs can learn new tricks! 

Taking care of business

Seriously though, pick up after your pets!

If you want to drive your neighbors crazy, let your dog do his business wherever he or she wants without cleaning it up. Not only will this frustrate your neighbors, but it could also lower house prices in your neighborhood when you decide to sell

Photo Credit: Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels

Always dispose of doggy bags properly 

After you’ve cleaned up after your pet, be sure you’re tossing the used bags into the proper receptacles. While it might be easy to throw the doggy bags into your neighbor’s trash bins while you walk past, resist the urge.

Feel free to use public garbage bins, but never leave the bags undisposed in a public space, such as parks or sidewalks. 

Keep your dog on a leash

No matter how trained you believe your dog to be, always keep them on a leash in public areas.

Leashes ensure everyone’s safety. While your dog may be friendly, the next dog might not be. Not to mention, not everyone likes animals and neighbors may become uncomfortable if an unleashed dog runs up to them. 

Photo Credit: Manel Vazquez via Pexels

Prevent excessive barking

No one wants to live next to a dog who barks constantly. Furthermore, if your neighbor is trying to sell their home, they may struggle to find a buyer if every viewing is interrupted by your yappy dog — no matter how favorable the real estate market looks for sellers. 

Some amount of barking is fine, but non-stop barking will irritate both you and your neighbors. If you’re struggling to train your dog out of this habit, contact a professional trainer for the best advice. 

Know the pet ordinances in your community

Some communities and HOAs have different rules and restrictions for pets. If you bring a pet into your home, it’s your responsibility to stay informed of any ordinances. If you want to remain on good terms with all your neighbors and steer clear of legal troubles, it’s always best not to skirt any of these rules. 

Photo Credit: Sam Lion via Pexels

Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations

Once you’ve brought home a new pet, finding and establishing a relationship with a local veterinarian is imperative. It’s extremely important that your furry friend stays up-to-date on vaccinations and overall health. Not only will this ensure they live a long and healthy life, but it’ll also prevent your dog from spreading contagious diseases to other animals. 

Everyone wants their dog to live as long as possible, so regular check-ups at the local vet clinic are extremely important!

Final Thoughts

Becoming a new pet owner can be stressful and time consuming, but it’s important new dog owners put forth the time and energy required for training. Always contact a professional dog trainer if you’re struggling, and bear in mind that proper pet etiquette not only keeps your neighbors happy, but also ensures the safety of your new pup. In general, just remember to train your new pet, clean up after them as much as possible, prevent them from bothering your neighbors against their will, and — most importantly — keep them healthy!

Comments

  • I agree. Thank you for the continuing education. Eventhough, we think we know everything there is to know, about being a good dog neighbor, it’s always helpful to intermittently read about our resposibilities and be up to date on our and our companions behaviors, so that everybody stays happy.

  • Jacqueline Hunt, RN, PsyD, MSN-NE, LMFT

    April 15, 2022 at 1:52 PM

    Thank you, yes, these are most vital to follow. I always keep my yard free of dog feces and when out for a walk, as well. I use the small plastic bags and put them in a larger bag in the trash. I am a clean nut and love my yard! Good data, If I get my Shiba dog back, (I pray) I will get a waist leash to place on my Bo (changed name to Tsin-Z ; when I adopted my Shiba Inu). Thank you for all your help!!

  • Hi e I’m the owner of two dogs, with one day being very very vocal. I’m lucky that the front of the house isn’t very accessible to the dogs and they can’t see out with people walking by with their own dogs. But in the back, there’s a church next-door, so at times a fair amount of children playing in the parking lot and on the lawn, which is a sure trigger for Lola to bark. I decided to try putting up decorative window film halfway up the windows so I could still get some sun shining in. It works for the most part and still looks nice and lets a lot of sunshine in. Not expensive, not difficult to learn how to apply, no adhesives and are reusable. .

  • OMG yes please please PLEASE pay attention to the type bark your dog does. They have the typical someone is waking down the street bark. They have the someone is approaching bark. They have the scared don’t know what to do please come see bark. They have the I want to play or welcome home bark. All sorts of barks for different things. But as a pet owner when your dog barks GET UP AND SEE what they are barking at and get familiar with the different types. Then assure them, you see it, and they don’t need to keep sounding the alarm or thanks for letting me know some one is passing by dowm. the street, or the neighborhood stray cat is on the move again.. lol

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