VIDEO NEWS: Dog do's and don'ts in Montrose Park

As dog parks become a flashpoint in a hotly-contested D.C. mayoral primary, Georgetown's pooches continue to maintain their good manners, residents say. Could this good behavior be passed on to humans, even when emotions run high? We caught up with a few dogs and their owners at Montrose Park.


Whether you have a pure bred or a rescue dog, there is no excuse for ball-stealing or begging says Georgetown resident Debi Tulou, who is dog-sitting four top show poodles. When an unfamiliar dog of about 80 pounds bounds toward her - no owner in sight - the four poodles keep their cool. A few minutes later, the dog jumps into a contractor's van. "See," says Tulou, "They're not from around here." 

In Georgetown,  owners and park visitors expect dogs to stay in sight. These furry-family members respect the rules in part thanks to early training.   Sadie, a 9-week-old Bernese Mountain Dog, obediently sits and trots back to Anna Leder, 8, when her name is called.

Even in a flurry of activity - kids spinning in the merry-go-round, squirrels running up trees, tennis players hitting bright yellow balls - most dogs know not to wander away from their owners. 

Brutis, a Basset Hound living at the British Embassy, enjoys Montrose Park on holiday visiting his Labrador friend. Brutis quietly sunbathes and doesn't disturb the pair of Golden Retrievers or the woman reading on the park bench. Brutis is a welcomed guest because he plays by the rules. Fitting in at Montrose Park means respecting all the boundaries - not just the one separating the park from R Street.

Have you ever witnessed a dog etiquette faux pas in Georgetown? If so, share your story in the comment section.