Living in Fairfield County means enjoying beautiful neighborhoods, bustling downtown areas, and scenic parks with your dog. But with that privilege comes responsibility—following proper dog walking etiquette ensures safety, cleanliness, and harmony in our community.
At Thumping Tails, we take these rules seriously. Our professional dog walkers are trained in local leash laws, sidewalk manners, and neighborhood standards so your pup gets the best care while respecting Greenwich and Stamford’s pet policies.
Here’s what every dog owner should know—and why booking with Thumping Tails means worry-free, etiquette-perfect walks every time.
Both towns have strict leash requirements for safety:
- ✔ Greenwich: Dogs must be leashed at all times in public spaces, except in designated off-leash areas like the Grass Island Dog Park.
- ✔ Stamford: Leashes are required unless in official dog parks (e.g., Stamford Dog Park at Courtland Avenue).
Why it matters? Even if your dog is friendly, not all pets (or people) want an unexpected greeting. Leashes prevent:
- Chasing squirrels/cars (common near busy roads like Post Road or Summer Street).
- Unwanted interactions with dogs who may be reactive or in training.
- Fines (both towns can issue citations for unleashed dogs).
Thumping Tails Policy: We never walk dogs off-leash unless in a secured private yard with owner permission. Safety first!
A well-behaved walk makes everyone happier—here’s how we do it:
🚶 Right-of-Way Rules
- Yield to pedestrians—especially in crowded areas like Greenwich Avenue or Stamford’s Harbor Point.
- Step aside for joggers/bikers on shared paths (e.g., Mianus River Park trails).
💩 Clean-Up Duty
- Always carry extra waste bags (we do!).
- Double-bagging in heat prevents smell in downtown trash cans.
- Never leave bags on trails—even if you “plan to grab it later.”
🐕 Controlled Greetings
- Ask “Can we say hi?” before letting dogs interact.
- Avoid letting your dog jump on strangers (even if they’re “just being friendly”).
Thumping Tails Policy: Our walkers always carry waste bags, enforce polite greetings, and keep your dog at a safe distance from distractions.
Fairfield County homes and businesses appreciate considerate pet owners:
- ✔ Avoid letting dogs pee on landscaping (especially in front of boutiques or historic homes).
- ✔ Keep barking minimal in residential areas (we redirect anxious pups with treats or toys).
- ✔ Never enter private yards/driveways without explicit permission.
Thumping Tails Difference: We train our walkers to be neighborhood ambassadors—keeping walks quiet, clean, and respectful.
Popular local spots have extra guidelines:
🏞️ Greenwich Parks (Bruce Park, Binney Park, etc.)
- Leashes required outside dog zones.
- No dogs near playgrounds or sports fields.
🏖️ Stamford Beaches (Cummings Park, West Beach)
- Seasonal restrictions (often no dogs Memorial Day–Labor Day).
- Always rinse salt/sand off paws after.
Thumping Tails Pro Tip: We adjust routes based on seasonal rules so your dog gets the best (and legal!) outdoor time.
Even the best-trained dogs can get excited on walks. That’s why Thumping Tails walkers:
- 🔹 Reinforce training (like “leave it” for trash or squirrels).
- 🔹 Know every town’s leash laws—no guesswork.
- 🔹 De-escalate tense moments with other dogs calmly.
We make it easy to keep your dog active, happy, and community-friendly—even when you’re busy at work or commuting.
📲 Greenwich & Stamford Clients:
📞 Call: (203) 661-3647 Let’s keep our neighborhood beautiful—one well-mannered walk at a time. 🐾