OPINION|
My dog Otis and I take two daily walks (three miles total) if it is not raining or snowing outside. Over the past seven years, I figure Otis and I have walked about 9,000 miles together.
We meet neighbors, other dogs, children, and visitors along our traditional route.
Otis is a 10-pound indoor lap dog who loves people. On a walk, he is a conversation starter.
I have seen that in my neighborhood and elsewhere.
Making friends is easy with a dog along for a walk
My sister-in-law lives in Colorado Springs. In 2022, we spent a week with her and her dog.
She has a busy work schedule, and her dog does not take walks. But I met three of her neighbors in just a few days of daily walks with Otis.
First, there was Shay and her dogs, Darby and Mille. It turns out Shay has family back in Springfield!
Then I bumped into neighbor Patty and her dog Frodo. Guess what? Patty has a daughter who just recently moved to Springfield.
Then I met the Smith family, new transplants to Colorado Springs from, you guessed it, Springfield, Mo.
In one week, I learned much about the neighbors by walking with my dog.
There may not be any tool that opens the door to conversation with neighbors easier than a friendly dog. Go on a walk, take your dog, and allow yourself to be interrupted.
Nobody likes the endless barker
At the same time, dogs also may open the door to problems with your neighbors. Generally, bad dogs fall into one of a few main categories.
I recommend developing a relationship with your neighbor before complaining about a dog. When you do, talk to them face-to-face before you ever consider filing a complaint. Sometimes, owners are not aware of the problem.
I heard of one older resident in Republic who took his hearing aids out at night. He did not know his dog was barking nightly in the backyard until it was brought to his attention.
Not all neighbors are such good dog owners. At the same time, dog owners can be pretty sensitive. Be as diplomatic as possible to avoid a yelling match over a dog.
I have a friend whose neighbor got a puppy. He would howl for hours when they left the house, and the dog was in the backyard. My friend worked from home, and the howling was disruptive.
My friend told the story this way. “I wrote them a note saying, ‘You are such good neighbors. I thought I'd let you know your puppy is so sad when you leave every morning that he howls for hours. I know you're probably unaware.' I gave them a few ideas for solutions. The man came over, apologized, and thanked me for letting him know. The dog never howled again.”
Worse is a dog that bites or attacks
If you have a dog that bites, that dog is a liability. Dog bites on humans require medical attention, sometimes resulting in legal liability.
“Make sure that you become familiar with the local laws concerning leash laws, aggressive animals, and what to do in cases of dog bites,” said Shelia Taylor, D.V.M. and secretary-treasurer of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association.
Whether in your yard or on a walk, understand your dog's behavior and keep your dog in check. Above all else, do not let them attack or bite a human of any age.
Over the years, I also have heard horror stories of smaller dogs being attacked, mauled, or killed by larger dogs on walks. A responsible owner maintains control of their dog.
“There are many good training programs out there, so take advantage of those. Both you and your dog will be happier,” said Taylor.
Setting boundaries for the dog is important
If you own a dog who is also an escape artist, fix the escape route.
I've known some dogs that are masterful at escaping and can outsmart humans. But most of the time, the dog needs human involvement and attention.
“Call your veterinarian or dog trainer for ideas on how to outsmart your escape artist,” said Taylor.
Most neighbors probably do not mind an occasional surprise escape, especially if the dog is friendly. We once had a neighbor whose dog seemed to prefer sunbathing in our front yard and found ways to escape.
But no one should let their dog deliberately roam off-leash without supervision.
Dogs that roam can destroy property, pester people and other dogs, go to the bathroom in people's yards, and even be mean if they are scared.
Be a good neighbor and try to resolve issues
For the first visit with a neighbor about their pet, come with an amiable attitude, and use diplomacy to inform the owner not to accuse them.
Don't complain if there is nothing worthy of a complaint. Don't be that curmudgeon neighbor who's always complaining.
If the owner is doing their best but not succeeding, and you have experience with practical, safe solutions, suggest them in a friendly way to the owner. You might even demonstrate.
“Again, contact your veterinarian or trainer for suggestions or mention to the owner that they might want to contact a vet or trainer if they need suggestions to help with their animal's behaviors,” said Taylor.
If there is no effort on the owner's part, check with other neighbors to see if they have the same experience or concerns. If their attempts at resolution failed, try writing a letter to the owner, informing the Homeowners Association (if you have one), or notifying the landlord if they rent.
In some circumstances, it might be necessary to call animal control. “In some areas, this may be your local sheriff's office,” said Taylor.
Any day is a good day to walk your dog
Almost any day is a good day to take your dog on a walk.
Walking your dog provides a foundation for physical and mental health for you and your dog. If your dog is confined to the house for too long, your dog will get bored, and boredom can lead to destructive behavior.
So get outside, get some exercise, and connect with people in your neighborhood.
