This is another in our series about pets. It was written by Medina, a pet specialist who offers us articles from time to time. We hope you enjoy.

Dogs may be considered man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean your neighbor is automatically going to love yours. What you might easily overlook as a dog owner may be getting under your neighbors’ skin. Here are some “petiquette” tips to help you be a conscientious owner and stay in the good graces of those around you.

Polite pottying, please!

The number one tip: Watch where your dog goes number one and number two. Nothing makes people angrier than finding pet waste in their yard. Not only is it gross, it can cause a health hazard, especially for families with small children. Don’t overlook your dog’s peeing practices, either. According to Mother Nature Network, canine urine (both male and female) can cause spotting in grass and frustrate neighbors who are particular about their landscaping. There is only so much you can do with dogs who want to mark their territory, but whenever possible, you should steer your dog toward public areas or your own yard as their major relief areas.

Don’t unleash the beast

Leash laws and restrictions exist in most locations for a reason. While your dog may be well behaved, you cannot control the behavior or comfort level of other animals or people. Even the best-trained dog may find themselves tempted by an errant squirrel or fellow furball, and some people have strong dog allergies or fears and need to stay away from even the friendliest of dogs. Respect that. Restrict your unleashed activities to designated dog parks or fenced-in areas where you can control access.

However, if your back yard doesn’t have a good fence, now’s the perfect time to invest in one. How only will a fence protect your dog from roaming animals, but it will also prevent your new buddy from escaping and possibly getting injured. Plus, your neighbors will appreciate that your pooch isn’t invading their yard and causing trouble. When pricing fences, keep in mind that the national average to install an electric fence is between $965 and $1,461, but those figures will vary depending on location and the size of the fence you need.

Consider a doggy diploma

Training your dog is a good idea even if you live in the middle of nowhere, and you should always be seen as the leader of your pack. However, training is especially important when you are living in close quarters to other people and animals. According to the New York Times, some co-ops are requiring dog interviews before allowing people to move in. While your neighbors and community might not go to that extreme, you should still consider enrolling your dog in a training program. The American Kennel Club offers a popular program, and your local pet shop may as well. The experience will strengthen the bond between you and your dog, and your neighbors can be comforted when they see your dog is well behaved.

Keep them stimulated

Many of the major grievances neighbors have with nearby dogs -- such as nonstop barking or howling -- are caused because the dog in question is anxious or bored. Women’s Day notes that the best cure is making sure your dog gets enough exercise and attention. If that proves difficult because you work long hours or have a particularly rambunctious pup, you can hire a dog walker or dog sitter to help you and your dog out. You’ll be rewarded with a happier, healthier dog when you come home, as well as grateful neighbors who won’t feel tempted to get you in trouble with your homeowner’s association or rental office.

Practice responsible playtime

People living in condos or apartments need to be especially mindful of the noises that carry through shared walls and spaces. This doesn’t just apply to barking or howling (though you should definitely address those first if it is an issue). Fetch, tug-of-war and other forms of healthy play often result in the pitter patter of paws across floors. That is bound to annoy the person in the unit below you, especially if playtime is too early in the morning or too late at night. Being mindful of schedules is key, or dampen noise by playing only on carpeted areas or in rooms you know have a better sound barrier with your neighbors.

Owning a pet is a rewarding experience that shouldn’t come with the stress of dealing with annoyed neighbors. By investing in your dog and remembering to be considerate, you and your furry friend can live in harmony with all those around you.