Dogs Viewed Differently? Seasoned Owners Reflect: "Shouldering 3 Responsibilities" to Shift Societal Perception

Recently, a pit bull biting incident occurred in Taipei City, Taiwan, reigniting societal discussions about "owner responsibility". Many believe this is not just a problem with the dog, but a tragedy caused by the owner's lack of responsibility.

O'hara, a Japanese pet columnist who has raised dogs for eight years, shared her perspective. She believes that if pets are to coexist harmoniously with humans, owners must adhere to "three basic principles" to ensure dogs do not cause trouble or harm to others.

Why Leashing Your Dog is Essential

O'hara points out that many pet owners claim, "My dog is well-behaved and won't bite," but these are just subjective judgments that cannot guarantee how a dog will react in unexpected situations. "Public spaces are shared by everyone, including children, seniors, people who fear dogs, and those allergic to dog hair," she emphasizes. Even the most docile dogs can exhibit unpredictable behavior under certain stimuli.

She shares her personal experience: "My dog was once chased by an unleashed dog, which left it extremely startled. Since then, it has become overly cautious around other dogs. If a child were to be startled and fall, who would be responsible for the consequences?" Regardless of where you are, ensuring your dog is leashed is the most basic responsibility and a sign of respect for others.

Dog Walking Etiquette: Flushing After Your Pet

When walking a dog, flushing with water has become an essential part of dog walking etiquette, according to O'hara. Carrying a water bottle to rinse the area immediately after your dog urinates is now considered basic courtesy. This practice is not just about cleanliness; it's also about respecting others' property and comfort.

Imagine if your dog were to urinate at someone's doorstep, leaving a lingering smell. How would the homeowner view this situation? O'hara emphasizes that if pet owners want society to be more accepting of pets, they should first engage in behaviors that make people feel comfortable. This includes taking responsibility for your dog's actions and ensuring that they do not become a nuisance to others.

Why Flushing Matters

• Respect for Property: Urine can leave strong odors that linger, which can be offensive to homeowners.
• Social Acceptance: By taking care of your dog's waste properly, you contribute to a more positive perception of pet ownership.
• Community Harmony: Good dog walking etiquette helps maintain a harmonious community where both pet owners and non-pet owners can coexist comfortably.

By adopting this simple yet effective practice, dog owners can play a significant role in fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

Dining Etiquette with Pets

Dining out with pets can be a delightful experience, but it requires consideration for both the pet and other diners. O'hara highlights a common issue where some pet owners allow their dogs to sit directly on restaurant chairs, often without a second thought. However, for those who don't own pets, dogs are simply animals, and their presence can be perceived differently.

To address this, O'hara suggests a practical solution: if you want your dog to sit on a chair, ensure you bring a cushion or keep them in a stroller. This approach not only makes other customers feel more at ease but also encourages restaurants to welcome pets more openly. By taking these simple steps, we can create a harmonious dining environment for everyone involved.

Maintaining good etiquette when dining with pets involves more than just seating arrangements. It's essential to keep your dog well-trained, leashed, and calm in public spaces. This includes avoiding feeding them from your plate and ensuring they don't disturb other diners. By being mindful of these guidelines, we can enjoy dining out with our pets while respecting the comfort and preferences of those around us.

Is an Unfriendly Environment Created by Pet Owners Themselves?

Many pet owners lament the scarcity of pet-friendly places, but is this truly a result of businesses being unfriendly, or is it due to the actions of some pet owners that force establishments to impose restrictions on pets? The answer lies in how pet owners behave in public spaces.

The Role of Pet Owners in Creating a Pet-Friendly Environment

Pet owners often complain about the lack of pet-friendly locations, but they rarely consider their own role in this issue. The behavior of some pet owners can lead businesses to reconsider allowing pets on their premises. For instance, if some owners fail to pick up after their dogs or let them jump and bark uncontrollably, these repeated incidents can prompt businesses to restrict pet access.

The Responsibility of Pet Owners

Ultimately, whether dogs are treated kindly by society depends on the actions of their owners. By being responsible and considerate, pet owners can help create a more welcoming environment for their pets. This includes simple actions like cleaning up after pets and ensuring they do not disturb others.

Creating a pet-friendly environment is a shared responsibility between pet owners and businesses. By understanding and addressing the behaviors that lead to restrictions, pet owners can play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and welcoming society for their pets.

Conclusion

This incident of a pitbull attack once again highlights the importance of the owner's responsibility. "If we hope to coexist with pets, every owner must raise their self-awareness and follow basic public etiquette," O'hara emphasized. The improvement in the owner's behavior will also lead to a change in society's attitude towards pets.