MOSSEL BAY NEWS - An animal behaviourist and dog trainer in Mossel Bay has provided some tips on dog etiquette in public spaces. 

Steven Montgomery is well known in the Mossel Bay and George area for the remarkable results he achieves. He gets rave reviews from dog owners. 

Responsible pet ownership

Montgomery says: It's all about responsible pet ownership, compliance with legislation and respect towards other people and their dogs. 

Roads, pavements, parks and beaches are considered a public spaces. Here are some “unwritten” rules I think everyone should obey. 

Your dog is most probably the sweetest, friendliest and cutest pet in the world. However, not everyone will like you or your dog in their personal space and that’s fine. It is their right. 

Don’t let your dog approach people or their dogs, unless you have their explicit permission. 

Always respect others and their dogs in any public space.

Montgomery notes:

• Your dog always has to be on a leash in a public space. The law in South Africa does not allow dogs off leashes in public spaces. 

• Clean up after your dog. (Bring more poop bags than you think you need.) 

• Do not use a retractable leash on sidewalks, at markets and other public spaces where other pedestrians share the same space as you, because someone could trip over your leash and you do not have full control over your dog. 

Short leash

• Keep your dog on a short leash, meaning that your dog is right by your side.

• A bitch that is on heat is not allowed in public spaces. 

• Do not take your dog to a public space if your dog is sick or has diarrhoea. You will spread diseases. Remember you are walking your dog, your dog is not walking you. For this reason you are responsible for your own behaviour and your dog's behaviour in a public space. 

Being considerate towards other people and their dogs, does not mean you and your pooch can't have fun in public spaces.

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