The unspoken rules of dog etiquette

The following post is here under request from multiple neighbors including dog owners (and will probably be reposted several times until the message gets through). Just to set the record straight, I'm Molly's mom. I love dogs but we need to step up our etiquette skills.

We have a fantastic, inclusive neighborhood with great friends that include dogs. But to maintain friendliness, we need to restate some basics of dog ownership.

RULE # 1: PICK UP YOUR POOP
The following image came from a campaign in the UK but it is something that we need to be aware of in our little neighborhood. We have a great park that is actively used by children everyday the weather accommodates. And children will pick up everything.

This should not need to be written down. Picking up your dog's poo should be dog walking etiquette 101, yet we have a huge problem in our little neighborhood. It doesn’t matter that there is snow on the ground, we need to pick up the poo. That includes in our lovely wooded areas. If your dog likes to relieve themselves in the local wooded areas you still need to pick up after them. The smell can be intense and other neighbors are all around.

RULE # 2: WATCH WHERE YOUR DOG PEES
People work hard on their gardens (and we want them to, well presented gardens increase property values), don’t let your dog pee on someone’s lawn or garden. The nitrogen in urine kills grass.