Doggie doo-doos and don'ts. Best etiquette for dog decorum, according to experts

There are now more dogs than children in Seattle, and with all those canines sharing space, things can get tense. Complaints run rampant about dogs off-leash in public, whether businesses allow animals, and poop-disposing etiquette.

This, however, is not a conversation about dogs; it’s about people who own dogs. Soundside spoke with two dog behavior experts about how we can co-exist a little better in this increasingly dog-centric city.

To start, said Seattle Humane Society Animal Training Manager Farrah Branson, people should follow the Seattle city law requiring dogs to be leashed unless in a designated off-leash area.

“If your dog has fantastic recall and is very well trained, you may be able to get away with it,” she said. “My concern is that, no matter how well trained my dog is, there's that squirrel that [he chases]. For me, the risk is not worth it.”

Alexis Devine, a certified dog trainer and the author of “I Am Bunny, How a Talking Dog Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Being Human,” said leashing dogs is especially important for reactive dogs, those that are overly aggressive, fearful, or excited by normal stimuli. Those dogs often require extra training and care, and an off-leash dog interaction could end badly.

“A person who has never experienced a reactive dog, they've never had to be a reactive dog guardian, might think, ‘My dog is so friendly, what's the problem with having my dog off leash?’” Devine said. “But if you are the guardian of a reactive dog, any approach, any interaction with an off-leash dog could set your training back months and months and months.”

Listen to Soundside's full segment about dog etiquette and decorum here.

Dog parks and designated off-leash areas can provide a space for city dogs to roam untethered. Branson has a park she frequents in West Seattle, but said that, even with off-leash areas, it is important to remain vigilant.

“If my dog is uncomfortable or has any problems, I'm the first person to leash him up and go home,” she said. “It’s about training, knowing your dog really well. Are they enjoying themselves? Is this a good situation?”

Branson watches her dogs to see whether they are showing signs that they want to engage, such as continuing play with or returning to dogs at the park.

“If he's withdrawing … or is showing any discomfort — some dogs may have their tail tucked between their legs, and are hiding behind the benches and aren't enjoying being there — those are dogs that probably don't want to be at the dog park,” she said.

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Sniffspot is another off-leash option in Seattle. It’s an online platform, akin to Airbnb but for yards, where dog owners can rent a yard by the hour.

“If you want to encourage sociability with your dog, you can find one dog that maybe they have built a little bit of connection with, and have little playdates with smaller groups that you trust,” Devine said.

When it comes to humans approaching unfamiliar dogs, the owner’s consent is key. The dog may be reactive or could be in the middle of training.

“You wouldn't touch a human baby without consent,” Devine said. “Ask the owner, ‘May I say hello to your dog? Is it okay if I pet your dog?’”

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Poop disposal etiquette is also a conversation that draws debate. It’s common knowledge that you should pick up your dog’s poop and throw it in a trash can. But people don’t always agree which trash cans are fair game.

“I personally would not be mad if you put it in my garbage can, because my garbage can smells like garbage,” Branson said.

Others, however, aren’t so nonchalant. It’s best to err on the side of avoiding residential trash bins.

Perhaps one of the most important things for both non-dog owners and dog owners to understand is that our furry friends don’t see their behavior through the same lens we do.

“Dogs behave. They don't choose, ‘This is a behavior that is good’ or ‘This is a behavior that is bad,’ Branson said. “We're the ones with human morality who have decided this is a good behavior or a bad behavior. Dogs … will absolutely repeat behaviors that work,” she said.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that it is state law for dogs to be on leash at all times. It is a Seattle law.