Places everyone

When it comes to having visitors at home, it’s important to teach your dog to provide space to the person entering the door. Train them to sit and wait or “go to your place” until they are greeted by the guest.

Strong foundations

Teaching your dog to sit, lay down, go to its place, wait and leave it are great practices to establish at a young age and continue to train them throughout their life. Having a dog that listens will benefit them and those around them.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

A respectable canine citizen will sit and wait to be petted rather than rush someone on the street. Enforcing the sit and wait training will teach people you meet on the street to give your dog respect as well as future dogs they meet. 

Read the room

Not every person is a pet person. And just like people, not every dog will like every person. Watch your dog’s reaction to others coming and meeting them and learn by their body language if they are comfortable with being greeted or if they need space. 

Scoop that poop

If you are or become a dog owner, picking up your dog’s poop is mandatory whether you’re at a dog park, with your dog in your neighborhood or even in your own backyard.

Buckle up

Whether you have a large or small dog, it is imperative that when you are in your car you have your pet securely restrained either in a crate, a doggie car seat, a seatbelt attachment tethered to their harness or in a tied down crate in the bed of your truck. Never ever drive with your pet in your lap!

Play by the rules

When entering a dog park, always ask your dog to relax first. An overexcited dog entering a space full of new dogs can be a recipe for disaster. Have your dog sit calmly and wait for you to invite them into the park.

Leash on

Keep your dog leashed in public. Aside from obvious leash laws, it’s also rude to allow your dog to run free in public. Even if your dog is friendly, they may approach an unfriendly dog and that could be dangerous for everyone.

Leash off

Don’t let your dog meet other dogs on a leash. On-leash meetings can cause anxiety for any dog because they may feel trapped, feed off of any tension or be forced to greet the other dog head on (which is very rude in the dog world). Always allow dogs to meet each other in a neutral space, off leash, on their own time.

Mealtime Manners

A begging dog can be annoying to guests—even if you think it’s cute. Teach your dog to sit away from the dining table. You could even keep them occupied with a treat of their own. 

Compiled By Tara Mendanha

Thanks to our experts: 
Skylar Arnold, Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, Canine Genetics Researcher at Canine Hallow in Cameron Park, skylararnold.weebly.com; Sarah Hansen, Salon Manager and Pet Stylist at Posh Paws Grooming Salon in Rocklin, poshpawsgroomingsalon.com; Melisse LeWeck, Manager at The Doggie Bag in Roseville, thedoggiebag.com; Eden Halbert, Certified Dog Trainer and Owner at Sierra Dogs, sierra-dogs.com.