Sidewalk Rules: Mind Your Pet's Manners

Published December 15, 2008

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Walking your dog is an opportunity for your pet to explore the neighborhood and bond with your pet. But be sure you know the local laws and etiquette to ensure you are not hit with tickets or fines.

Public sidewalks are just that - public. They are for everyone. If each of us exercises a little consideration, we can all enjoy them. It's better for your community's attitude toward dogs, and it's better for your wallet. Fines of more than $200 can be the penalty for having a dog off-leash in some states.

Walking your dog is an opportunity for your pet to explore the neighborhood and be stimulated by the smells and sights around your home. It is also an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your dog. By keeping your dog on a leash, you keep your pet safe - less likely to eat a toxic substance or run into traffic.

Leash laws vary from state to state. Some states leave the determination of leash laws to local governments. Other areas, including the District of Columbia, require dogs to be confined or restrained at all times. You can find your city's laws in a number of ways. Visit your local city hall or a public library, or use the Internet. Sites like www.AnimalLaw.info provide extensive legal material, including full text cases and U.S. statutes.

Julia Waco, who presides over Animal Court for Multnomah County, Oregon, discusses the various categories of offenses. "If a dog is off-leash and harasses or menaces another person, or bites a person or animal," explains Waco, "the court would impose a fine and certain restrictions for purposes of public safety, such as a muzzle." This is in addition to the exposure the owner may face to civil liability if the victim chooses to sue.

In addition to leash laws, most cities make it your legal responsibility to pick up after your dog. In New York City, for example, the fine for violators can be as much as $100. It pays to be prepared! Dozens of products are available, from consolidated pick-up bag dispensers to shovels and scoopers.

Besides the legal ramifications, there is also the simple matter of good manners. Through diligence on your part, or with the aid of a trainer, your dog can be properly socialized to play nicely with dogs and people alike. Even with the most well-behaved dog, however, take precautions to be considerate of your fellow pedestrians. Be prepared to reel in your dog if someone is approaching. Anyone can lose balance if a dog decides to greet them a little too enthusiastically. In addition, many people harbor a fear of dogs - even if yours is the sweetest and cutest on the block!

Jennifer Hoyden

Filed Under: Health & Home, Training & Behavior, News & Blogs, Training
Tags: animal court, leash laws, public sidewalks, scoopers, sidewalk rules, stay

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Comments (1)

Geovanny (Unverified)

Added 02-21-2013 06:28am

Review by Karen Point for Rating: After a brief introduction where the auhotr talks about his life and what lead him to start a dog walking business I felt like I was reading a biography of my own life particularly his discussion of himself as being in one of B.F. Skinner's experiments, and his feelings of learned helplessness. After that the book wastes no time getting into the meat of starting a dog walking business chapter one lays the groundwork by encouraging a self-examination of one's personal finances and then quickly moves into planning a business that will meet those needs.I will tell you if you are looking for a small business nuts and bolts book this isn't it this book doesn't spend much time talking about the intricacies of running a small business and I was happy about that (see the small business for dummies series)- the auhotr spends his time discussing the unique aspects of starting a dog walking business and where those issues bear relevance to a small business processes, he discusses them at length.The chapters of this book proceed as steps and each builds on the next and at the end of the chapters is an action list which takes the recommendations from the chapter and basically creates an organized to-do list I found the process to be rather fun. I found his chapter on advertising to be excellent and well informed the auhotr worked in the advertising world and seems to have a great handle on what works and how best to maximize a limited advertising budget another favorite was the chapter on Earning Trust' which brought up many things I never would have thought of.Later, the chapters begin to delve into the actual issues dog walkers face from difficult dogs, to difficult clients he discusses dog aggression, behavior, and training and makes an excellent case for becoming more knowledgeable in each, both from a financial standpoint, and from a safety standpoint. I thought the book was extremely well written, clear, and humorous at times the auhotr, having been a professional dog walker and business owner speaks to you from a position of understanding and experience and I found that comforting and encouraging.