June 20th, 2024

The other day, I had to go to an Apple Store to have my iPhone repaired. I thought this would be a great experience for one of my dogs to work on her manners when out in public. When we entered the store, she walked by my side, sat down when I was getting greeted, walked by my side as I walked to one of their help desks, and during my conversation with the store assistant, she lay right next to my chair. After dropping off my phone to burn some time, we walked around this shopping mall and entered a restaurant because I wanted to grab a bite to eat. At the restaurant, she walked by side as we were approaching the counter and sat next to me while I was ordering my food and taking care of the bill. Then we went to a table where I sat down, and she laid down and stayed there the entire time while the waitress brought me my food; I ate and again walked right beside me as we were leaving the restaurant, back at the Apple Store same thing. The Apple Store associates and the restaurant staff commented on how well-behaved my Malinois was, which was greatly appreciated. 
We all love to take our dogs with us everywhere, and it can be a very rewarding experience for both owners and their four-legged companion. However, ensuring good dog etiquette is essential for a harmonious environment. From staying off tables to refraining from nuisance barking, here are some things to consider when taking your dog out and about to enhance everyone’s experience and keep dogs a welcomed guest. 
Your dog should absolutely stay off the table. Neither two and for sure not four paws have a place on the table. It shows respect for the restaurant or other venue you are at and keeps the table clean. Yes, you may intervene, “But my dog sleeps with me in my bed,” but have you thought about where your dog has walked around during the day? You wouldn’t put your bare feet on a restaurant table either.
Please be courteous to waitstaff and other patrons and keep your dog close to you so it does not trip anyone, which could cause potential injuries to both dog and person. The easiest solution for that is to put your dog in a down-stay underneath the table or, if there is a bit more space, right beside your table.
Jumping on people—that’s a big one. To be honest, no one but you likes to get jumped at by your dog. It catches people off guard, scratches them, knocks over children, and just promotes chaos. Please teach your dog to politely sit or do a down-stay while being greeted by people. Even dog trainers don’t like to get jumped at by your dog. 
Speaking of greeting, not all dogs like to get greeted by your dog. Especially when your dog is running up to them, do you like everyone you meet at the grocery store or would you even hug the next stranger running up to you at the store? Letting your dog invade another dog’s space without asking the dog owner for permission is just plain rude. You never know if the other person might be training with their dog, or maybe their dog is reactive towards other dogs. Please be respectful and ask first before letting your dog approach another dog.
Nuisance barking is another thing. When you teach your dog commands, you should also teach your dog that barking is not compatible with those commands. This can function as an off-switch for nuisance barking. You ask what nuisance barking is? That is barking at nothing, barking for the sake of barking. Some may say that is a way for dogs to communicate, but I can assure you that your dog can express himself/herself in a less noisy way.
​As with so many other things, it’s the training that makes public outings an excellent experience for everyone. Doing the commands only in a very controlled environment will not prepare you for public outings. You have to train there. Be an advocate for all the other dogs and their owners, and teach your dog the ins and outs of public manners. This will set the path for a more welcoming environment for all of our four-legged companions.