What is a Well Behaved Dog?

Sometimes, in our “wild west culture,” dogs are seen as free spirits that can’t be controlled. Since they can’t be expected to behave, they can’t be allowed to be in public. I don’t think the dog is happier being separated from people.

At one time in my life, I lived in Newburyport, Massachusetts. I lived near the downtown area and could walk just about everywhere I needed to go. I took a dog or two with me almost every time I went on an errand. My dogs knew how to heel and sat by my side when I stopped. We went in the bank and post office and any other office we needed to visit. I asked and was allowed to take them in the library. They were put in a corner and told to stay while I browsed. Now, if I run an errand, the dogs have to stay home or wait in the car if it’s not too hot.

What is a well behaved dog? A dog walks calmly on a loose leash beside his owner. If they are moving through a crowd, the dog stays by his owner and doesn’t lunge at people or get them tangled up in the leash. If they pass other dogs, they only show polite interest in each other. They don’t bark and lunge at each other. When the owner stops to greet someone, the dog stays by the owner’s side. If the other person pats the dog, there is no lunging and jumping up on the person. If there is some strange distraction, such as someone riding on a bicycle, or pushing a carriage, the dog has enough confidence to only show mild interest. The dog is reasonably clean and groomed. The dog obeys basic commands, to sit, lie down, stay, and come when called. The dog can be handled by strangers such as a veterinarian or groomer without showing any fear or resentment.

This is just what I would expect a family pet to do. Think about what a service dog, one that guides the blind or assists people with special needs can do.

These basic manners are almost all from the Canine Good Citizen test. It’s an award given to a dog by the American Kennel Cub. Dogs that do hospital and nursing home visits are required to pass this test.