When walking my dog, is it rude to let him stop and pee on shrubbery at the edge of someone's front yard?

Question

I've had my dog for seven years now and never thought it was offensive to allow him to pee on shrubbery along the street, even if it happens to be at the edge of someone's front yard. He always walks on a leash and I pick up any solid material he may deposit. Today someone got quite offended I allowed him to pee on a tree trunk in their yard. It was right along the street's curb and the tree is very mature so I don't think it hurt the tree. Am I insensitive to think this isn't a big deal?

Answer 1

Pee should not be a big deal as your dog was probably just overmarking where MANY other dogs had already gone anyway.
Good for you for cleaning up solids.
I suppose pee could kill the grass. Also might leave an odor; but what are you going to do, carry water to wash it off?
I'd just rein my dog in when walking past that yard in future.

Answer 2

I think this is the type of question you could argue for years and never come to an agreement.

Personally, when I walk my dog, if a person is outside of their house and the dog tries to stop, I'll give the dog a little tug and tell him, "come on". The truth is that by that point he's hit enough trees and poles that he's definitely not busting his bladder, so another minute or two isn't hurting him.

If he's dug in, or is too quick for me, I'd probably offer a simple apology. It just isn't the end of the world. If the apology wasn't enough and the person tried giving me a piece of his/her mind, well, I'd tell the person where to go.

Answer 3

Yes, it can be rude to let your dog walk on peoples lawns. But sometimes it just depends on the people some people take it offensive and others could care less. As long as you do pick up the poop they should be able to respect that. And the fact that you are training an animal. Hope that helps!

Answer 4

It won't make you citizen of the year with your neighbors. Actually, if many dogs stop and urinate on this person's tree, he is likely to start smelling it, especially ion damp weather, which may be part of the problem. I personally don't think allowing a dog to urinate on anything you don't own is ethical. I do applaud you for being responsible and picking up your dogs feces. Good job.

Answer 5

I wouldn't like it someone let their dog pee on my plants! After all it probably isn't just your dog, it's probably others too - and that will hurt tree bark over time. As for peeing on shrubs, definitely not - dog urine kills plants good and proper, and some people are pretty precious about their gardens!

Chalice

Answer 6

I have no issues with it. The only time I have issues is when the dog is on or off the leash IN my yard....and yes it does happen. Then I have issues....do not sweat it...they are just being over emotional.

Answer 7

Well yes it is rude because imagine if someone's pet peed on your plants wouldn't you get angry? Well thats why its a big deal. If that happened again say sorry to the person so that could make them feel better. Only do that if the person saw.

Answer 8

I don't think its rude, but I always feel a little embarassed. However, you want your dog to go to the bathroom outside, to punish/ scold her for doing so just because you happen to be in front of someone's house will be confusing to her.

Answer 9

I think it's ok as long as they don't poop....and it seems like you were on the sidewalk, not just traipsing through their yard, right? Lemme guess....they were older people? The "get the hell off my lawn" types? As long as you pick up the poop you're not doing anything wrong. Just try to avoid that yard in the future.

Answer 10

I can kind of understand peoples issue with it. If it's not IN their yard and just along the side walk I wouldn't be bothered by it, I would be agitated if you were letting your dog poop in my yard though.