Dog Etiquette for our New Covid-19 Normal
Jennifer Maurer • April 14, 2020
Everyone’s life has been disrupted with the recent pandemic of Covid-19 including our dogs! We have found ourselves transitioning into a new “Normal” with different social norms including how this impacts pet ownership. Here are some “New Rules” as we navigate through proper dog etiquette during the pandemic.
- The Walk – Even before Covid-19, it has been important that pet parents teach their dog how to properly walk on a leash. This means your dog is walking on a loose leash to the side of you ensuring it is not in the way of other people or dogs. If your dog is pulling on the leash, you run the risk of breaking the social distancing 6 feet away rule. Is your dog having difficulty with loose leash walking? Well, now is a great time to work on that since we are all taking a lot more walks than usual. I am currently holding virtual training sessions and can teach you proper loose leash walking in just a couple of sessions.
- The Pet – The research shows that dogs cannot transmit the virus even through petting. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that while the virus can live on smooth surfaces such as countertops or cardboard, “porous materials, such as pet fur, tend to absorb and trap pathogens, making it harder to contract them through touch.” That being said, it is and always has been proper etiquette to wash your hands after petting a dog. It is also important to respect the fact that not all people understand this low risk factor and might not want you to pet their dog so always ask permission first.
- The Vet – There are many pet service providers including veterinarians that are open for business and considered essential services during the pandemic. Help keep these people safe and comfortable by wearing a protective mask during any form of interaction. Also, be respectful of any other safety rules they may have in place.
- The Delivery Service – On-line shopping and delivery service has been around for some time now but are being used even more so during the pandemic. While it is natural and acceptable for your dog to guard you and warn you that someone is near your home by barking, excessive barking and aggression is a no no. Again, I am conducting virtual sessions and can teach you how to train your dog to accept a friendly stranger on cue to avoid this behavior.
- The Conference Call – Video conferencing is another new normal as many of us are working remotely. Good dog manners play an important role in ensuring your calls are productive and professional. Loud barking and whining for your attention is very distracting to others on the line. Prior to a call, be prepared to have something wonderful for your dog to chew on to keep them distracted. In more relaxed corporate cultures, a brief introduction to your dog can be appropriate and allows you to break the ice. However, these encounters should be brief and not take away from any business at hand.
In these stressful times, it is even more important to respect the health and well-being of others through polite manners. I hope these new rules help as we navigate through this pandemic. Please share if you have anything to add to our list! Stay safe!
Many of my clients look at me in astonishment when I say it is OK to feed your dog human food from your plate! We have always been told that this act creates begging behavior and causes intestinal problems. Under certain circumstances, this is indeed true. However, if done correctly, using foods that are safe for your dog (click on the link to see a list of foods that are unsafe ) and in moderation, it is actually a wonderfully, positive thing! There is a new trend in teaching and relating to dogs called bond-based learning which I incorporate into my dog training programs. The thought process behind this type of teaching is that by having a strong bond with your dog, it will ensure your dog makes positive choices when it comes to good behavior. A technique used in this type of training is food sharing. Food sharing provides an opportunity for social learning with you and your dog. It has been shown that food sharing helps reinforce the bond you have with your dog and allows them to feel safe and secure around you. Sharing food with your dog does not always equate to begging. Begging behavior can happen even when you don’t feed from your plate. Since their sense of smell is more heightened than ours, smelling you cooking and serving dinner can be overwhelming as they salivate over all the deliciousness. Many dogs can’t contain themselves from their desire to join in and beg which becomes a big distraction during meals. I have found that the opposite is true when you are sharing your meal with your dog. Now, I am not saying you should feed your dog when they beg. What I am saying, is that you can feed your dog when they are laying calmly next to you and not begging which in turn teaches your dog not to beg! This is where marker training comes in. Give your dog the “Down Stay” cue and after just a couple of seconds, mark the behavior with your marker word (i.e., good) and treat off your plate. Begin to spread out the length of time that you are marking and treating. If your dog does beg, ignore them until they settle back down for a minute or two and then mark and treat. Your dog will soon learn that being patient and quiet during meal time leads to tasty things! This opens up a whole new world of possibility for you and your dog! Imagine a holiday dinner that includes your favorite, furry family member! And next Spring and Summer, think about all the outdoor dining experiences you can have! Food sharing is a great for socialization and a wonderful bonding experience! If you are interested in learning more about my positive reinforcement and relationship-based training methods, reach out for a free phone consultation. You can learn more at PetImpact.com .
Bringing a new dog into your home where there is already an existing dog doesn’t always run smoothly. The fact of the matter is every dog has their own distinct personality that may not jive with each and every dog. There may be a difference in energy levels, play styles or socialization preferences. If it isn’t a good match, unwanted behaviors may occur including marking, guarding and aggression. Typically, the dog who is exhibiting these behaviors gets the blame. But look closely, in reality, there are two sides to every story.
Just like us, dogs thrive on having a set schedule for their day including food, naps, play time, walks and training. The Covid-19 quarantine has many of us working from home. So, your dog’s schedule may have gotten out of wack or you may have set an entirely new schedule.
Your love for your dog is not just the emotional feeling you have for them, it is the actions you take as it relates to the care you give them and specifically your approach to teaching them. Here are 5 ways to express your love for your dog when training (in no particular order).
We are all showing signs of stress during this quarantine whether that be binge eating, over-sleeping or just plain crabbiness. So, it is not surprising that our dogs are feeling the pressure too. Dogs are extremely sensitive to our emotions which may cause them to act out as well. They don’t understand why their routine has changed, why they can’t go to the dog park, why their parents are around all the time (yes some dogs actually want space!), why people don’t greet and pet them anymore on their walks and most importantly why their parents are so stressed out.
I love working with young people who adopt their first dog. Dog parenting, while not as challenging as child rearing, definitely helps prepare you for what it is like caring and being responsible for another living being. One of my long-time students, Maui was just introduced to his new sister, and she isn’t one of the canine variety! Maui’s parents have brought a new baby into the fold. What is great about Lauren and Neal, is that they wanted to be completely prepared for the transition to ensure Maui felt comfortable and the baby was safe. So, they asked me to give them some pointers which I am here to share with you!