New Yorkers love their dogs! We are very fortunate to live in such a dog friendly place as New York City. With so many people taking their pets out with them to a neighborhood outdoor cafe, out for a morning run, or just an outing at one of the many local dog parks, it’s important that you and your dog have some manners. Remember, there are plenty of other people out there with dogs (and many without), so keeping others in mind is going to go along way in keeping our city dog friendly.

Here are some tips to help you ensure a fun time for you and your pooch when you’re out and about this summer.

They’re called the Dog Days of summer for a reason, you know.

Between the patios and the picnics, the sidewalks and the social events, there are plenty of places that will welcome your pooch this summer. But getting him to behave — well, that part isn’t always a walk in the park.

We asked professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Bradley Phifer to help us compile a list of best practices to make sure that you and your dog are best in show.

So what makes a well-behaved dog? According to Phifer, it’s one that has a good temperament, is confident, outgoing and trusting, not fearful or phobic.

“Dogs are dogs; they eat feces, chase cats, dig in the mud and jump on people for attention. But proactive training teaches dogs expectations and good habits — most behavior is pattern and habit which allows the dog to self-reinforce,” said Phifer, who has worked as a dog trainer since 2002. He favors the saying that a trained dog is a free dog.

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