You try your best to be a good neighbor: you put your trash bins out on the right days; you keep your property neat and well kept; and you respect community areas and the people in them.
You are a good neighbor—but what about your pet?
It’s just as important for our furry friends to be good neighbors in our communities, and it’s up to us to help them do just that.
So, what can you do to help your pet be a good neighbor? Here are a few suggestions.
Follow leash rules
Most communities have rules requiring pets to be leashed in public areas. For the safety of you, your pet, and the other people and animals around you, please follow these rules—always. Even if you are confident your pet is well-behaved, gentle, and will come when called, it is always best to be cautious and to follow the guidelines your community has set.
Check your HOA community rules for any specific leash rules regarding the type of leashes allowed and length. Also see if there are any appropriate places/times to let your pet off leash in your neighborhood. If not, consider finding a local dog park that allows leash-free roaming. You could also consider getting a long leash that will allow your dog to roam semi-freely, while also giving you the ability to keep them within your control
Pick up pet waste
You want your pet to do their business outside, but if your pet answers the call of nature in a public area, please be sure to clean up after them and dispose of the waste properly. This ensures the community’s shared spaces remain clean and sanitary for everyone to enjoy.
Some communities provide waste disposal bags and designated trash bins for pet waste. Take advantage of these resources when you can! If your community does not offer these, be sure to bring your own waste bags and storage on every walk so you can clean up your pet’s messes quickly.
Control excessive barking
It’s unrealistic to eliminate dog barking in a community. Barking is one of the primary ways dogs communicate with their owners. That said, excessive barking, especially during quiet hours, can be extremely bothersome to neighbors.
Do your best to keep your dog’s barking to a minimum. This is best accomplished through training and keeping your dog entertained (especially when you aren’t going to be home). If your dog is barking excessively outside, bring them inside to minimize the nuisance for your neighbors.
Minimize opportunities for escape
Free-roaming pets can be unnerving to neighbors. They can also cause destruction or other messes in community areas or on private property. Even worse, if your pet is not well trained, they can pose a safety hazard to other pets and people in the community.