City-dwelling dog keepers are faced with greater challenges than their suburban
and rural counterparts. Without a large, fenced yard for exercise, the city
dweller must take to the streets three or more times a day with Fido or Fifi in
tow. Crowded sidewalks replete with joggers, construction scaffolding and
double-wide strollers turn each outing into an obstacle course. The following
tips will make walks safer and more enjoyable for you, your dog and your
neighbors.
Most cities and counties have some form of leash, license and
pick-up-after-your-dog laws. These ordinances are designed to protect both the
dog and the community at large. When leashed, a dog is safe from traffic and
unable to follow his instincts to chase children, investigate garbage cans or
dig up landscaping. Whether a dog is friendly or aggressive, a leash keeps him
in check and allows the public to pass undisturbed. Some communities have
leash-length restrictions. Whether it's the law or not, keep leashes to six feet
or less on public sidewalks. Retractable leashes should not be used in areas
frequented by joggers, skaters or cyclists; the thin line blends into the
background and, all too often, athlete and dog collide.
Licensing a dog enables an animal control agency to return a lost pet to his
rightful owner. Also, licensing fees often support local animal control efforts.
In addition, the number of licenses issued gives government officials an idea of
how many dogs are in the community, statistics that are very helpful when
planning dog runs, shelter expansions and the like.
Pooper-scooper laws are essential for both the health and beautification of the community. Canine diseases and parasites are often shed in feces, which puts other dogs and children at risk. And no one enjoys maneuvering through unsightly piles of dog waste when out for a stroll. Pick up feces using a plastic bag, and knot the top to control odor and flies before disposing of it in a waste receptacle. Train your dog to urinate in gutters or on nonliving vertical surfaces, such as lampposts or hydrants. Avoid trees and flowerbeds.
The well-trained city dog needs to respond to a minimum of four basic commands: “Sit-Stay,” “Heel,” “Leave it” and “Come.” When you’re waiting at a traffic light, a dog in a sitstay is out of harm’s way. And while walking nicely on a loose leash is enough for most forays, there are times when your dog will need to be at heel position, which keeps her under control at your side.
The command “Leave it” is employed when it is necessary for Fido to avert his gaze. Whether he’s being tantalized by chicken bones or a jogger, getting your dog to break eye contact with “forbidden fruit” before he acts enables you to draw his attention to safer rewards and pursuits. Or, should the dog slip his collar or break his leash, a recall command (“Come”) could save his life. Most, if not all, of these commands are taught in basic obedience/manners class. Contact your local shelter for a referral to a class near you.
Remember that dogs can be frightened by sudden loud noises, such as running children, motorcycles, skateboarders and in-line skaters, to name a few. Be aware that such situations may demand quick and complete control on your part to prevent your dog from lunging or biting.
Before leaving home to run errands with your dog by your side, take a moment to consider which places permit dogs and which do not. For your pet’s safety, leave him at home when he is not allowed to go into an establishment with you. A dog left tied to a post or parking meter is an easy target for teasing or theft.
Keep in mind that not everyone loves dogs, so it’s up to the urban dog
keeper to
present a dog who is well-socialized and under control. When riding in an
elevator, sit your dog in a far corner to avoid door-dashing each time the
elevator makes a stop. Do not allow Fido to jump up on other riders, even when
the greeting is friendly. Hurry through lobbies or take freight elevators and
back exits if the building rules mandate it. Never allow your dog to soil in
front of the building’s entrance. If you have a young pup or dog-in-training who
can’t control himself, be sure to carry paper towels and odor neutralizer.
Many dogs enjoy the company of other canines, but always ask before allowing your animal to launch himself at another dog—for both their sakes. The same is true regarding children. First ask the child or her parent, “May my dog say hello to you?” before allowing physical contact. The greeting should not include jumping, bouncing off or grabbing at the child—even if it is done in the spirit of friendliness. If your dog is physically challenging, consider using a head halter for better control.
When we choose to keep dogs in crowded urban areas, we take on additional
responsibilities. Unfortunately, when little consideration is shown for the
neighbors, more doors close to dogkeepers. On the other hand, with a little
training and thoughtfulness, more businesses and public areas will begin to put
out the welcome mat for both you and your dog.