ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER BLOG

How To Be A Good Neighbor (With A Dog)

The Animal Adoption Center values responsibility and respect within the Jackson community, especially at dog friendly communal spaces. Our dedication to saving the lives of homeless animals through rescue, adoption, education and spay/neuter goes beyond the walls of our building on Broadway. We strive to provide abundant information about pet parenting to keep our community safe and dog friendly.

When was the last time you and your dog worked with a professional dog trainer? Do you remember the last time you read the Dog Adoption Packet provided at the time of your dog adoption? Are you familiar with all the leash laws around town and at trailheads? If it’s been awhile, it’s okay! This blog post will refresh your memory and reinvigorate your desire to be a great dog parent and a good neighbor.

To begin, it’s important to note that not all people love dogs as much as us. In fact, many people experience the fear of dogs the same way you might experience the fear of snakes or spiders. When walking, biking or hiking a shared use trail, dog owners must respect everyone on the trail. Always pick up after your dog. Thank you Paws JH for providing mutt-mitts at popular trailheads!

Leash Etiquette

  • Always leash your dog in and around parking lots, especially at trailheads like Cache Creek, Snow King, Old Pass Road, Stilson and Emily Stevens Pond. Don’t forget to leash your dog early when approaching the parking lot after your adventure. Be sure to read the bulletin boards for up to date info on the latest leash rules.
  • If you see a dog on leash up ahead, leash your dog to ease both dogs nerves and promote a positive interaction.
  • If the other dog owner gives you the okay to greet, keep on leash interactions short and sweet. Let your dogs sniff each other for three seconds maximum, then happy talk and go on your way.
  • Avoid mixing on-leash and off-leash dogs, especially if one dog wears a muzzle.
  • If you see a dog wearing a muzzle, leash your pooch and give them ample room. Muzzles are used for a variety of reasons but mainly to keep everyone safe. Respect them being great dog owners by keeping their community protected.

Voice Control

  • Only allow your dog off-leash if you are 100% confident in your dog’s recall
  • If your dog is easily distracted and ignores your call, please leash your dog
  • Keep wildlife safe by scanning the horizon for signs of wildlife and asking others on the trail if they have seen any wildlife. If you are unsure how your dog will behave around wildlife, it is best to leash your dog.

If you have any questions about Teton County, WY and pet ownership, be sure to check out the rules and regulations regarding animals and make sure you are compliant with them! 

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your dog’s etiquette. We highly recommend working with one of the following trainers.

Cheers to a beautiful spring and an abundant summer!

Photo Credit: Nick Sulzer