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How our neighbors view our animals is largely up to us. Being thoughtful and responsible about the impact our dogs have on our communities can make the difference between happy, friendly neighbors and tension all around. Here are a few simple things you can do to help ensure you are a good neighbor.
Pick up after your dog
No one enjoys this task but it is a necessary one. Pick up your dog’s waste all the time and everyone will be happier.
Keep your dog off private property
When you walk your dog, keep him off of private property. Even a dog-loving neighbor can be annoyed watching a dog eliminate on her garden or favorite rose bush.
Prevent fence running
Having a dog racing back and forth behind a fence barking can be scary to people walking by and is a bad habit to allow your dog to develop. If this is happening at your house, stop it. You may want to keep your dog in a different area or go out with your dog and supervise more closely. Call your dog inside if he starts racing and offer praise and a reward when he obeys.
Manage barking
Few things can wear on people’s nerves like a barking dog. If your dog is barking outside, bring him inside. If he barks inside and you can’t control that, get some professional training advice. Most barking dogs will become quieter with training and changes in management.
Keep your dog under control
A fenced yard is the best way to keep your dog from soiling or digging in a neighbor's yard. If your yard is not fenced, exercise your dog on lead. You might also consider an over-head trolley type tie-out. Use any tie-out judiciously. Dogs who spend too much time on a tie-out can develop unwanted and unwelcome behaviors. Allowing your dog to run loose is dangerous for the dog and annoying for the neighborhood.
Keep your dog healthy
Keep your pets well-nourished by feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced quality pet food. Take them to your veterinarian regularly to keep their vaccinations current and be certain they are free from internal and external parasites and in general good health.
Identification
Proper identification for your pet is important. Dogs should wear collars with an identification tag, and it’s best if they also have microchip or tattoo identification.
Doing these simple things helps ensure that others consider your dog a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
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