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Hear ye and behold! The holy ten commandments for dog and business owners - eight simple, common sense rules for our four legged friends ensuring positive doggy etiquette; two fair rules for our two legged, dog loving folk running the show! These rules form the main body by which every dog lover abides by when visiting a dog friendly location and in response they'll ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Furthermore, by having this agreement between both parties it should help build a trust which has been lacking in the Shetland community for quite a long time.
May your adventures be fruitful and blessed!
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1
THOU SHALT NOT BITE
dogs must be friendly - dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pet is well trained/socialised in an appropriate manner within suitable surroundings (e.g. dog classes in a hall). Please do not put the general public or people within the work place at risk by bringing a dangerous dog into what can be a busy environment. Also, while its nice to own an affectionate beast, dont allow them to jump up - not everyone appreciates the "love gesture"
2
THOU SHALT NOT WANDER
keep your dog on a lead - no matter how "well trained" your dog is, keep them on a lead unless it is absolutely safe to let them run around (e.g. at the beach/ within a hotel room with you watching them).
3
THOU SHALT NOT CREATE FOUL SMELL
dogs must be reasonably clean - nobody wants to be constantly cleaning up after your dog! Be courteous, wipe their muddy paws when entering a property and ensure the area you've been in is left neat and tidy. Consider the people around you - nobody likes to eat their dinner with the smell of wet dog filling their nostrils! And most importantly when roaming these beautiful group of islands...pick up their poo and DISPOSE OF IT in the correct bins - do not leave it lying in a poo bag on the ground!!
4
THOU SHALT NOT BARK
try and keep dogs quiet - consistent barking can be very annoying for everyone and will easily ruin an occasion. Try to keep the noise down
5
THOU MUST RESPECT THY ESTABLISHMENT
entry into any business is not guaranteed - every organisation from restaurants to B&Bs will have their own set of rules for dogs entering the property. This may include where you can sit with them, the size of dog and how many they allow in at once. To avoid disappointment, ensure you contact the place prior to arrival and make sure you book the dog friendly table/ bedroom / area (before someone else does!). Remember, having your dog with you is a privilege not a right, so please respect the boundaries and wishes establishments have - the owners will have good reason for them!
6
THOU SHALT NOT BLOCK
dogs must not obstruct doorways or become a trip hazard - simple health and safety! Keep them safe and out the way of passers by
7
THOU SHALT NOT FEED
don't give dogs food off the table - this is a tricky one, because let's face it we all do it! However, it can be considered really offensive to a chef to see their work of art which was laid out on the plate for you to enjoy, fed to an animal which, lets be honest, wont really appreciate it on the same level. Also, you don't always know what the ingredients are and nobody wants to give their dog a sore tummy, so best just to avoid doing it. Some restaurants do offer a special "dog menu" however, and in this case its obviously completely acceptable for your pet to join in with the dining experience! Usually, their meal will be a healthy variety of meat and rice - nothing more added.
8
THOU SHALT NOT DAMAGE
don't allow your dog to be destructive - yes, accidents happen! Both we and our four legged chums can easily knock things over and break the odd piece of crockery! However, try to avoid these incidents when possible by keeping a good eye on your pet at all times and avoid things like jumping up on the furniture. Also, should the worst happen understand that there may be a fee to repair the damage.
9
THOU SHALT NOT PET
human commandment one - who can resist a cute, little, fluffy, cuddly, bundle of dog filled joy? You! That's who! Always ask the owner if its ok to pet their dog - common courtesy!
10
THOU SHALL BE DOG FRIENDLY
human commandment two - we don't ask for much as dog owners, just a nice wee spot where we can enjoy the company of our pooch outwith the common space of our own home. But where its appropriate, a bowl of water for our best friend on a hot day and the jar full of dog biscuits on the counter will always be appreciated. We've journeyed to your business, please make us feel welcome.