Proper Petiquette a must for gatherings

Enthusiastic dog lovers sometimes don’t realize that others may not want their pups to come to the neighborhood picnic. Not everyone appreciates dogs; some people are downright frightened of them.

Although I’m a big fan of four-footed friends, there are times I find myself in the “less-than-enthusiastic” category, especially when a dog owner isn’t careful about minding their dog’s manners.

Most dog etiquette is simply an extension of standard obedience training. If your pup is a handful at home, begin your work there before exposing it to a new environment.

Here are some tips for making your pup a welcome party guest:

Ask for the host’s approval before bringing your pet to a function, especially if it’s at a private home. Be sensitive in the way that you ask. You don’t want the host to feel obligated to say yes.

Unless your dog is well-trained, plan to keep your pup on a leash. Even dogs that are obedient at home may “forget” manners in a new situation. Practice basic obedience skills with your dog in a variety of locations. Most dogs have difficulty generalizing and may not understand that “sit” in the backyard also applies at the soccer fields. 

If you plan to bring your dog to a large gathering, try to arrive early. This will give you time to show your puppy around (on a leash) and “explain” the ground rules before the party is in full swing. Pup will be less likely to go ballistic if you let the party grow around him. If your pup isn’t social, you might want to reconsider bringing him along. These situations will make him uncomfortable and put him in a position where he may feel the need to defend himself.

Plan on putting your pup out of the way while people are eating. The temptation to beg is more than most dogs can handle — begging is a big no-no. If separation from the group causes your puppy to wail and moan, you can place him on a “down/stay” command next to you. If your pet can’t stay still during a meal, it may be best to remove yourselves from the gathering until everyone has finished eating. Remember, you’re the one who brought the dog and therefore are responsible for his behavior.

Make sure your pet isn’t encroaching on someone else’s enjoyment. Keep your pooch close to you at all times unless someone invites your dog over to visit.

Good manners are a rule for everyone. Your puppy doesn’t understand the difference between the more formal behavior of a guest and the informal behavior at home. It’s your responsibility to be vigilant and require obedience-school manners.

For a dog, “please” and “thank-yous” are generally associated with sitting patiently. If this sounds like a lot of work, you’re right. But taking the time to do it right will ensure that you and your pup are the summer’s most popular party guests.

Christine Hamer is a certified canine-behavior consultant who has been helping dogs and their families for 30 years. She would love to answer your questions about training and behavior. She can be reached at .