Do You Pick Up Your Dog’s Poop In Public Places?

Daily walks are vital for a dog’s physical and psychological well-being. Even if your dog gets to romp freely in the yard, he still needs regular outings and a change of scene.

Each time you go out with your dog (even if he’s a house trained dog), you must prepared to deal with some necessary but not necessarily pleasant stuff (i.e. fecal matter). A dog will naturally pee and poop on walks because he must, or to mark his presence at new locations. You can’t stop your dog from doing what needs to be done, but you must do something about what is produced in the process.

Most dog owners are civic-minded people. They will clean up any mess their dogs may make in public places or on other’s property. Then, of course, there are some who could care less about the mess their dog makes—hoping nobody sees the act and get away with it. If you live in a population dense area as I do, it’s one in ten chances you’ll get lucky and not be confronted by passersby for your uncivil manners. Anyway, here are some tips to help you get into the habit of cleaning up your dog’s number 2!

Tips on Picking Up Dog’s Poop In Public Places

Preparation: Make sure you have recycled plastic bags, old newspapers, or a poop-scooper (maybe impractical if you’re out on social gatherings) with you each time you bring your dog out. These enable you to remove your dog’s poop from the public places where it may answer nature’s call. In addition, you might want to carry a mini pack of wet-wipes just in case the stool is struck around his rear area.

In Action: Cleaning up is easy. Put your hand into a small plastic bag (check for holes before leaving home), and pick up the poop where it has fallen or catch it as it falls, turn the bag inside out and tie up securely. The poop never makes direct contact with your hand. Alternatively, use old newspaper to catch and wrap the poop, and pop into a bigger recycled bag. This method is best used when you have more than one dog or your dog poops more than once during the walk. Using excessive plastic bags, although recycled, is still a contribution to environmental hazards. Dispose of the bags properly in a public trashcan or in your own bin at home.

Note: Poop scoopers are very handy, but must be thoroughly washed after each walk so it will not attract any flies or breed any bacteria.

There may be times when your dog strain to empty his bowel but nothing comes forth. You know there’s nothing, but onlookers may not. Hold out the bag or newspaper anyway, to avoid confrontations with them who may accuse you of not picking up after your dog—and in case your dog actually succeeds in squeezing out a dollop!