Dog Owner Etiquette: How to Be a Respectful Dog Owner

As dog owners, we have so many responsibilities. Our dogs become part of the family, and their welfare becomes (or it should) one of our top priorities.

We also have a duty of care to the public around us.

On top of that, there are so many additional pressures and expectations placed upon us and our dogs, some of which are unnecessary and outright fantasies from people who don’t understand dogs.

Dogs shouldn't bark, they shouldn't pull on the lead, they shouldn't be reactive, they should be perfectly socialised and well-behaved, they should love all other humans and dogs… I could go on.

Where did our dogs sign up for this? Where did we sign up for this?

While many of the judgments come from the dog-less people, some come from within the ranks.

In this post, we will explore how dog owners can contribute to society and develop thoughtful and considerate behaviours towards others. Let's dive into Dog Owner Etiquette!

Dog Owner Etiquette: How to Be a Respectful Dog Owner

Bag it, Bin it.

Some of these points may make you roll your eyes for how obvious they are, but every little step that we take as dog lovers helps the overall stigma around dogs in public.

1. Pick up after your dog

   We've all been there. You smell it on your shoe and you realise that you have stepped in dog poop. You find the closest bit of grass to wipe it on, but the smell lingers. For days.

   Picking up after your dog is not only a legal requirement in public places here in the UK, but uncollected waste contributes to water and soil pollution, can disrupt wildlife and pose a threat to children. If you are in a rural area, some councils may accept the "Stick and Flick" method, but if in doubt, bag and bin it!

   
   

2. Keep your dog under control

   In the UK, all dog breeds must be kept under control in public places under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

   If your dog injures someone, frightens someone, or attacks another animal, you could be facing hefty fines, a possible ban on owning dogs, and your dog may be put down. It’s not just about the law. I don’t go out to be yelled at, lunged at, or tangled up in someone else’s chaos. Keeping your dog under control may look different to the next owner, but you know your dog best. Do they need to be on a lead or can they be just on voice control? I know that Anayah, my rescue dog, will never be okay off lead in a public place, and that's fine.

   If you are choosing to let your dog off a lead, please ensure you have full voice control; you don't want to get stuck in a bad situation.

   
   

3. Respect personal space - human and canine.

   "It's Okay, my dog is friendly!". I’ve lost count of how many times an owner has shouted this across a field as their dog barrels towards me and Anayah, tail high, no recall in sight.

   Anayah, for those who don’t know, is a German Shepherd/Husky rescue who’s working through reactivity. I spend hours training her, and one off-lead dog charging at us can undo weeks of progress in seconds. Not to mention: when I’m out walking, I don’t always want to be sociable. Walking my dog isn’t an open invitation to chat or mingle.

   So, following on from the “always keep your dog under control” point, never let your dog approach another person or dog without asking the human first. Some people and dogs may not like other dogs. Some might be in a bad mood. Others just want peace. And some may be terrified, or battling an illness or injury you can’t see.

   You don’t know what someone’s dealing with—so don’t let your dog approach without consent.

   

   "It's Okay! My dog is friendly!" No! No! It's Not Okay!

   
   

4. Manage noise, within reason.

   This is a controversial point with valid arguments being made from both sides. Yes, dogs bark, growl and make noise. It is their form of communication, along with body language. Asking a dog to stop barking is like telling a child to shut up. It teaches them that they should be quiet, which means they lose a valuable tool in their communication.

   Has your dog ever growled at you, and you told them off for it? You are teaching them not to warn you when you have pushed their boundaries. Next time, they might not growl; they might just bite instead.

   Growling, as we know, can also be used in play. So can barking, yipping and all sorts of weird and wonderful sounds.

   So no, I do not think you should try to control your dog's noise when they are playing or communicating, whether in public or in your back garden. When Anayah plays with other dogs, she is very vocal, and many owners become nervous or try to shush her, but why isn't she allowed to get excited and express that in the way she wants to?

   It is natural, and if anyone complains about the noise, you can show them that it is healthy.

   Where it becomes an issue, I think, is when dogs bark relentlessly. Some bark when they are left alone, others warn the postman to stay away from their home, and many enjoy yelling at the squirrel or pigeon that patrols the back garden. These are natural behaviours too, but they are the ones that should be reduced as much as possible. Of course, some people are more sensitive to sound than others, and that matters too, but it's all about context, frequency and reason behind the noise.

   If your dog is barking excessively, get in contact with a qualified, certified dog trainer; they will be able to help you work it out.

   
   

5. Respect wildlife, livestock and natural environments.

   Yes, we are back to keeping your dog under control. There is a reason it keeps coming up.

   When you are out exploring with your dog, do not let them charge through a field of sheep or tear across a moor filled with heather and ground-nesting birds. It is not just inconsiderate, it is dangerous. Livestock will protect their young, farmers will protect their livelihood, and your dog could end up hurt or worse.

   Beyond the risk, there is real damage. Trampling wildlife habitats, disturbing nesting birds, and stressing livestock can harm ecosystems and ruin someone’s income.

   If you are walking through a field with livestock, your dog should be on a lead. In natural environments, follow any signage or local guidance. If a sign says to keep your dog on a lead, do it. If there is wildlife around, keep your dog close and under control.

   It is not just about rules; it is about respect.
   

   

   Your dog is your responsibility

6. Use gear that protects and communicates. Your dog isn’t a clone of the next one, so their gear shouldn’t be either. The right equipment isn’t about aesthetics or trends, it’s about safety, comfort and control. Some do best with a simple collar and lead, others may be better suited to a Gentle Leader or a harness.

   Muzzles aren’t a sign of failure; they’re a tool of care. If your dog is reactive, nervous or prone to scavenging, a well-fitted muzzle can protect them and others while giving you peace of mind. They can also be a really good visual warning to others to stay back, giving you and your dog the space you need. Leads should be strong, secure and suited to the environment. A long line might work in open fields, but it’s a hazard in busy parks. Extendable leads can be useful, but they’re not ideal for crowded paths or near roads. Some leads are more suited for smaller breeds than others, so make sure you do your research!

   Signage and visual cues matter too. A “Do Not Pet” vest, colour-coded lead or even a simple tag can help set boundaries before someone gets too close. These tools aren’t overkill; they’re clarity.

   The point is, gear should match your dog’s needs, not someone else’s expectations. Choose what works, adjust as needed and don’t apologise for using what keeps your dog regulated and safe.

7. Give your dog a chance to run and burn off steam. "Let your dog off the lead, let them run." Is another comment I have heard all too often. Yeah, dogs do need to run, but when and where has nothing to do with anyone else. All dogs, unless they are older, injured or unwell, need movement, and plenty of it. Walks are important and have their place in a dog’s routine, but allowing them to run, explore and let off steam is crucial to their well-being, and ours.

   Dogs that do not get enough exercise may become destructive, harder to handle, overenergetic or loud. They often find other ways to release that energy, such as chewing furniture or digging up the rose bed.

   If your dog cannot be trusted in public places, whether due to prey drive, poor recall, reactivity, aggression or anxiety, there are fields you can hire by the hour. These spaces are fully secured and private, meaning your dog can run to their heart’s content and you do not have to worry about them running off or causing chaos.

   These fields are brilliant, and usually fairly affordable. Even hiring one once a week can make a huge difference. Your dog will thank you. This will make them nicer dogs all around, and better behaved both at home and in public. Sometimes it is not about the moment, but the build-up. A dog that is well cared for and has all their needs met, is far more likely to listen to you and want to respond to you.
   

Dogs are not robots. And neither are we.

Do not judge other dog owners. You do not know what they are carrying, and most of us are doing the best we can.

We already have enough to manage—training plans, health concerns, behavioural quirks, environmental stressors, and the constant pressure to get it right. Let’s not add shame or judgment to someone else’s plate.

You might see an “out of control” dog, but that dog could be a rescue with a tough past, and the person holding the lead might be working through it with patience and grit.

You might see a dog pulling, but miss the ten minutes of heel training that came before, and the moment of release that followed.

We do not owe perfection. We owe care, effort and respect. Dogs are not robots. They are emotional, expressive, and sometimes chaotic. And so are we.

So give grace. To your dog, to yourself, and to the stranger across the field who is just trying to get through the day with a bit of dignity and a dog that means the world to them.

Instead of judging, maybe offer a kind word of encouragement, or educate someone, instead of getting angry when they make a comment to you and your dog.

A little "I've seen how far you've come with that dog," can go a long way into making someone's day a little better.

Dogs are such special creatures, and to those who know and love them understand their importance in our lives. Let's not loose that to be able to conform to society. We control so much of our dogs lives, when they eat, where they go, when they walk... we often forget that they are working so hard to manage in our society. While we must respect others and be considerate, it is not our responsibility to ensure everyone is happy and understands why we do what we do. So long as our dogs are happy, healthy and not causing mayhem, they have to right to judge.

We often forget how hard dogs work to fit into our lives.

We Can Only Do So Much, But It Matters

We are not superheroes, and our dogs are not perfect. There will be setbacks, off days, and moments that do not go to plan. But the bits we can do, the small, consistent choices, make a difference. Not just to our dogs, but to the people around us.

Keeping your dog under control, using the right gear, respecting the land, and giving them space to move and communicate, these are not grand gestures. They are everyday acts of care. And when done with intention, they shift how dogs are seen in public spaces.

You do not need to be flawless. You just need to show up with effort, awareness and respect. That is what people notice. That is what builds trust. And that is what gives dogs the freedom to be themselves, without fear or judgment.