Vogue Etiquette: The Dogist and Jas Leverette Break Down Doggy Dos and Don’ts

Are strollers for small dogs adorable or unnecessary?

Leverette: Why does a dog need a stroller? It’s got legs. I mean, if it’s a paraplegic dog, has nerve damage, or breathing issues, maybe. But if the dog has four legs and can bark, it can walk.

The Dogist: I think oftentimes they are very functional, especially if it’s a senior dog that may have trouble walking or going on a long walk, they are totally necessary.

Is it appropriate to refer to yourself as “Mommy” or “Daddy” in casual conversation when talking about your fur baby?

Leverette: I don’t get caught up in that kind of stuff. I get caught up in the misbehavior and the things that contribute to putting society at risk. So when it comes to things that people want to just say to feel good, there’s nothing wrong with that. You can call yourself whatever you want.

The Dogist: Knock yourself out! Your friends may find it annoying or embarrassing, but my wife and I use that terminology. Like Elsa always jumps on Mommy’s side of the bed to keep it warm. Or whenever I’m out photographing a dog and Elsa happens to be there, we have this joke of like, “Hey, that’s my dad—not yours!” She’s the jealous type for sure.

Should your dog have its own Instagram account—or is that a step too far?

Leverette: I don’t see why not. If I enjoy my car, I can take pictures of it. If I enjoy my kids, I could take pictures of them. I like to watch dog stuff online, and people like to see my dog—it has its own fans. There’s nothing wrong with that; that’s not contributing to bad behavior.

The Dogist: I think it’s great because sometimes friends want to follow you for your own personal life; an account dedicated to your dog’s pictures gives a little bit of separation. It is a lot of work, though, so if you’re up to the task, then great. I, of course, manage one for all the dogs, and it is a lot of work, but it’s extremely joyful to me.

If your dog clearly dislikes someone, should you trust its instincts and cut ties?

Leverette: Generally, dogs don’t like people because they’re insecure. So you can’t really take it as your dog is making these judgment calls. I would trust a trained dog more than I would trust an untrained dog, though.