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Posts: 2
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Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-02-2004 07:46 PM         

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My husband and I are new at dog ownership. We walk our puppy around our neighborhood and have been allowing her to walk a few feet into peoples yards, thinking this was okay as long as we cleaned up after her. A neighbor mentioned to me today that this is not an okay thing to do, that when you walk a dog it should stay on pavement. What is proper? Should we only be waling her on our property and municipal property?

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From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-02-2004 08:23 PM         

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I would imagine some neighbors will probably holler about this even if you are cleaning it up. Try getting her to go potty in your yard before you go on your walk, or if you are walking her to some place like a park wait until she gets there.
When taking my dogs out, I always start in the yard and tell them "go potty" we don't leave until they do, once they figured out the routine they were much quicker about it, then while walking to our park I do not allow them to stop and go..until we get to the park, it isn't until we are about to leave the park that they go again if at all, and usually they just pee.
I'll be honest with you about why I get pissy if someone allows their dog to go in my yard, aside from the fact that they don't pick it up...I have no idea if their animals are healthy, been wormed, had vaccinations or are carrying some disease like Parvo which can be tracked on your feet to other areas. I spend much time and money making sure my dogs get all that they need to protect them healthwise but it's just not a gaurantee and it makes me nervous having strange dogs roaming in my yard and leaving deposits. Granted, my taking them to the park is exposing them to those same possibilites, but on principle I think their own yard should be theirs and safe.

Finally, I prefer them to go at home, because then I can use the pooper scooper to clean it up rather than my hand and a plastic baggie (which I am squimish about).
Congrats on your new puppy, what is she?
I hope your neighbor was kind in expressing her opinion on dog ettiquette.
Welcome to the board, Maisey

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From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-02-2004 08:38 PM         

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I would try to encourage your dog to go in one spot...either in your lawn...or a public section of grass that isnt directly in front of a neighbors house...just somewhere that wont upset people that is on your daily walk route. There really isnt anything they should be mad about as long as you clean it up....peeing can stain the grass so maybe they dont want that to happen either but still...its better to get your dog used to going somewhere where nobody will get upset because you will have to live near those people for awhile most likely =)

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Posts: 2
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Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-04-2004 07:40 PM         

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Thanks for the feedback on dog walking. We began following the advice we rec'd immediately and our little black pug, Lily, is beginning to adjust. I wish we had known the information before we established patterns and upset a neighbor or two, but you live and learn, right? I read 2 books on puppies and this was not addressed. The new routine is actually easier on us because we can just clean up after her when it's convenient instead of immediately (most of the time). Thanks again!
Gladys

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From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 02-04-2004 09:10 PM         

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Wonderful to hear! I'll bet Lily is adorable, Pugs always seem so cuddly. Your neighbors will get over it and if they don't...well they weren't neighbors you probably would have gotten along with anyhow. Have fun with your little girl.

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