PET ETIQUETTE: WHAT IS IT?

When we think of etiquette, many of us think of manners related to society and how we function within it. So with that in mind, how do we deal with the subject of pet etiquette? There are several types of etiquette related to animals. They concern how we deal with the animal, animals in public places with other animals and humans, our interpretations of pet etiquette, and our teaching of pet etiquette! Let’s take a closer look at the subject in each category.

DEALING WITH ANIMALS
We often get into trouble with animals because we do not deal with them properly. This can be done in several ways. The first is by not giving them credit for the critter that they are and for being unaware of the natural behaviors they are likely to operate with. Then we attribute inaccurate viewpoints on the animal from our clouded perspective. Many, many animal behavior problems stem from, and grow, from this type of situation.

For instance, many people have a hard time treating a dog according to the "Dog Rule Book." We want them in our beds, on the furniture, and dropping balls in our laps or nudging us for attention. Many people also want all the dogs in the household to receive equal treatment. Both of these events can contribute to future aggression or difficulties within the family.

In most dog-to-dog interactions there is a strict hierarchy, or rules of etiquette to follow. Dominant animals will demand things from subordinates and each has their place and role to fulfill. They must do the proper things as written in the "Dog Rule Book", or expect low level warnings that will escalate if the cautions are ignored. Animals sometimes may appear to be at an equal level, but they are usually not. In the case of a young animal growing up and reaching adulthood, often when the opportunity comes to take the advantage and win the dominant position, they will.

Many times the dog is in control of the humans they live with. When people overstep their bounds and interfere with this established dominance relationship with an animal, where the dog is in control, they get warning growls or bit. People interfering inappropriately in the normal dog-to-dog situation are often the reason that a subordinate dog gets attacked, in retaliation for being out of etiquette; the reprimand for stepping out of line comes from the dominant animal.

PETS IN PUBLIC
Having our animals interface with other humans and animals in a public place is another area where animal etiquette is needed. Many times this situation is totally dependent upon us.

When out in public we have the responsibility to control our pets, whether or not we are nearby. Most communities have laws concerning this situation. We must clean up after our animals, control them responsively (usually on a leash), and respect the property and space of other people and their animals.

Again, people are the main problem here since many do not clean up after their animal when they are out. They leave fecal matter out for others to step in, or leave their critter’s poop for other animals to pick up disease from. Other times people let their animals roam free; those critters will often defecate and urinate throughout the neighborhood, marking territory or using other yards as their latrine, much to the dismay of the neighbors. It is very inconsiderate to not be responsible for your pet.

Even worse violations are found with people who are walking their dogs off leash and who have no control over them. Even though their animal may not have a problem with others, many animals have not been properly socialized and will be defensive or fearful when they are on/off leash and are approached by an unfamiliar animal/human. It is asking for trouble to have unsupervised and uncontrolled interactions caused by irresponsible pet owners lacking respect for others with their animals.

In this type of situation, most of the unleashed pet owners are breaking the law or ordinances of their community. They may think the risk is just to their dog, however the risks vary. Injury to the other animal, or injury to the other owner, often results in the violator having to pay veterinary medical bills, hospital bills, fines for legal violations, and legal fees. If that is not enough to convince them to comply, bear in mind that they could also have their wages garnished, lose their house, car, or savings account, and more.

INTERPRETATIONS OF PET ETIQUETTE
Animals operate by separate rules that are unfamiliar to humans, as a general rule. For instance, many humans think that a dog who is wagging his tail is friendly. This is not always true and many times these people get bit! Also, people tend to think smaller dogs are more safe than larger dogs, or more easily cared for or trained, but this is not necessarily true --we just think it is.

People also think that it is okay to approach a dog or a cat and pet them, it isn’t! Many thousands of people are bit by animals each year because they take the liberty of petting an animal they meet. We tend to overstep our bounds with animals when we would not think of doing so with another human. It is best to meet them when they instigate it --and there are rules concerning that too.

TEACHING ETIQUETTE
We are responsible for teaching our animals proper etiquette with humans. How many people have dogs that jump on them and their company? Or cats that climb up your pant leg? Most people think this is normal, but it isn’t! It is actually pretty rude. What happened was that this etiquette lesson was overlooked, inappropriate behavior was allowed, and it was reinforced in some way. After a while, the animal gets thrown outside, or locked up, when company arrives. So in reality, they get penalized --even though they could have been taught otherwise.

How can we deal with this situation responsibly? We can do so by having consideration for others and respecting them and their pets. Being a responsible pet owner is necessary for anyone having any type of animal. Contrary to popular belief, pet ownership is a privilege we have been give, and not a right that we have.

Taking the time to give your animal quality attention, teaching it manners from an early age, and getting help from a professional, especially if the problem has been around a while, is a good thing to do. Often, if you are already having problems, new and appropriate behavior can be reached in eight to twelve weeks of minimal but consistent work.