City living strains relationships.

The fun and excitement that come with living in any big city can sour quickly when we don't respect each other's needs. Thinking about other people before you act is the best way to avoid the tension that comes so easily when living packed shoulder to shoulder.

Sharing your life with a dog in the city requires a special commitment to decent manners. In fact, your pet's very survival can depend on your willingness to take etiquette seriously.

Get a leash on life.

Sure, you love watching your dog run free. He or she really needss the exercise, right? Sorry, but if you live in the city, running free just isn't an option.

First of all, a dog off leash is a dog in danger. You may think you have perfect voice control of your dog, but they will respond in unexpected ways sooner or later.

Few dogs can resist chasing a squirrel that crosses their path, for example. Loud noises, such as a car backfiring, can trigger an otherwise calm pooch into bolting for cover. Even the sound of waves crashing along the shore can prompt a water-loving dog to a treacherous dip in the lake.

The fact is, no matter how well you know your dog, you can't predict his or her actions when startled. And unless your dog is on a leash, he or she could run into a dangerous situation in a fraction of a second.

Love thy neighbor, use thy leash

Some people are deathly afraid of dogs. Seeing one with no leash literally makes their hearts race in fear. It doesn't matter how gentle your animal is, they are still terrified.

Frankly, you can never make these people like your dog. But keeping it under visible control with a leash will help them tolerate its presence. (Be seen with your dog off leash and you can count on these types to circulate petitions and call police at your slightest misstep.)

Put a leash on those emotions

Though your dog may be friendly and run up to other dogs in eagerness to play, not all dogs are so inclined. Owners walking less sociable dogs on a leash can suddenly be put in a difficult position trying to protect your dog from theirs. If unsuccessful, your dog could suffer the consequences of an attack, a miserable situation for all people and dogs involved.

The leash alternative

Sometime's a dog's just gotta run. Try using a 20 ft. training leash. They give your dog room to roam but keep you firmly attached to the other end of an extra long line. Or make friends with a neighbor who has a fenced yard (promising to pick up after your pet with each visit). Or talk to other dog owners to locate safe, legal off-leash areas you can go with your pet.

Speaking of picking up...

Pick up that poop NOW!! You're not living in the country, pal. We all share the sidewalks here and you shouldn't have to step in a nasty pile to learn why it's so critical to pick up after your pooch. But there's actually more at stake here than just keeping your shoes (and your neighbor's shoes) clean.

Feces left on the ground can pass on diseases like hookworm and other parasites. Rats also find feces delicious to dine upon and will congregate where it is plentiful. Of course, they leave a trail of fleas and assorted diseases for your pup to pick up too.

Cleaning up after a dog isn't hard. And it requires nothing more than keeping a plastic bag in your pocket at all times. Just open the bag and put your hand inside it (wearing it like a mitten). Pick up the doo-doo. Then turn the bag inside out over your hand. Voila! Tie the bag shut and drop it in the nearest dumpster. Carry an extra bag with you and offer it to any other owner you spot who needs one.

Love me, don't leave me

You've probably seen dogs tied to bicycle racks or parking meters, especially outside grocery stores. This is quite possibly the fastest way to lose your dog to a thief.

Also, keep in mind that bike racks are intended for everyone's use. And few people, even dog lovers, feel comfortable approaching an unattended animal. And with good reason. Tied up without you around, your dog may become possessive and not LET others approach. And even if it doesn't, for those people who fear them, ANY dog is a threat.

I.D. me

Thousands of dogs in this city are lost by well-meaning owners every year. "Somebody accidently left the gate open," or "We don't know how she got out of the house," or "I was at the street fair and turned my back for a second and he was gone," is the usual lament.

The lucky ones wear collars all the time, indoors and out, with city licenses, vaccination tags, or medallions with their owners name, address and phone number engraved on them. With proper I.D., your dog has a much better chance of being returned. Without it, the chances are very slim that you'll ever see each other again.

Show the world you care

Sharing your life with a dog is a wonderfully rewarding experience. But in the city, you must learn proper ettiquette if you want to live peaceably with your pet. Just keep non-dog-lovers in mind at all times. And respect their wishes for a life not infringed upon by pets. As long as you truly respect their desire for a dog-free life, there's a good chance we can all live together in this grand city...happily ever after.