After adopting your new furry companion, keeping good relations with your neighbors as your canine adjusts to his new home is likely on your mind. The last thing you want is for your favorite neighbor to get on the wrong side of the fence with your new pup. Here are some pet etiquette do’s and don’ts that’ll keep both your dog and neighbors safe and happy, courtesy of HomeLight.
Pet Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts
Do Take Care of Business
Failure to clean up after your pet properly is a main source of tension between neighbors.
Not only should you clean up after your pet using appropriate doggy bags, but you also need to ensure you’re tossing the used bags into the proper receptacles. Failure to properly clean up after your pet may not only irritate your neighbors, but it also may lower home prices in your neighborhood when you decide to sell your home.
Don’t Toss Your Dog’s Used Bags Into a Neighbor’s Trash Can
While using public garbage bins is fine, avoid tossing your dog’s used bags into a neighbor’s trash can. Furthermore, never leave the bags in a public space, such as a park table or on the grass or sidewalks. You would think this would go without saying, but once someone is holding the bag, there have been many examples of not putting them in the appropriate waste receptacles.
Do Ask Permission
Always ask the owner before letting your dog contact another dog and be on the lookout for signs of aggression. Remember, while your dog may be friendly, your neighbor’s dog may not feel the same kinship.
Don’t Let Fido Run Free
Your dog may be well-behaved, but this is not a reason to let them run free when there are neighborhood leash regulations. Using a leash will not only ensure your neighbors are comfortable, but it’ll also keep your dog safe from others. Not everyone likes pets, so you never want to let your animal approach another human or dog without permission.
Do Give Your New Family Addition Plenty of Grace
Your sweet dog has been caged in a shelter for who knows how long; adapting to a new home environment may be stressful and difficult. Show your family member plenty of love and patience. You will both learn each other’s routines with time. Don’t force your animal to be in stressful situations before they are ready. Just like you respect people, your furry friend is a part of your family and they deserve equal love, time and compassion to acclimate to their new environment.
Don’t Allow Excessive Barking
Your neighbors will become increasingly annoyed if your dog has a barking issue—pet noise may be a deterrent to selling their property. While some dog breeds bark more than others, and dogs will naturally bark if there’s a knock on the door or a squirrel ventures too far into their territory, making sure your dog is properly fed and exercised will go a long way in keeping their bark to a minimum. In extreme cases, you may need to hire a trainer.
Do Your Homework
If you have information about your dog’s possible breed(s), take the time to read up on their temperament. Having a better understanding of what makes them thrive will be handy, as will knowing what you may want to monitor. Pay attention to their ideal exercise/activity level, tips for grooming and possible health concerns. Giving your pet plenty of love and attention will warm your heart and brighten your home.
You may also find HomeLight’s real estate market trends for sellers helpful.
For more pet etiquette resources, be sure to check out The Joys of Adopting An Older Pet. Visit The Protocol School of Texas. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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