Etiquette tips pet owners should follow

1. Always scoop your dog's poop and abide by canine licensing, leash and rabies laws.

2. On a daily basis, take care of your pet's health, nutrition, grooming and exercise needs.

3. Teach your dog the training basics of come, sit, stay, down and heel.

4. Don't have a love-me-love-my-pet attitude; it will surely limit your social life.

5. Make sure your pet is a welcome guest. Call ahead to family, friends, hotels, airlines, restaurants and stores to discuss pet policies.

6. Be kind to other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Reduce your driver distraction by confining your pet in a car seat, crate or safety harness.

7. To have pleasant doggy experiences, demonstrate to those who come in contact with you how to interact with your pet.

8. Show consideration to your neighbors by curtailing barking, scavenging through garbage cans and other night-time roaming activities.

9. Treat pet professionals (vets, groomers, dot trainers, pet sitters and dog walkers) respectfully. Thank them for their help and/or tip them accordingly.

10. Always supervise canine and child interaction to ensure they play nicely together.

Source: Charlotte Reed. For more information, visit www.MissFidoManners.com

Pets in America

• There are 73.9 millions dogs in 43.5 million American households.

• 55 percent of pet owners consider themselves as mom or dad to their pets.

• 16 percent of dog owners claim to have bought a car or home with a pet in mind.

• In about 20 percent of dog households, the TV, radio or stereo is left on when the animals are left alone, presumably so they don't get lonely.

• 37 percent of dog owners have their pet's pictures prominently displayed in their homes; 14 percent display it at their place of work; 10 percent carry their pet's picture in their wallet or purse.

• 57 percent of dog owners let their canines sleep on the bed.

• 33 percent talk to their pets on the phone or through the answering machine.

• 62 percent sign letters or cards from them and their pets.