On which side of a sidewalk or small pathway should a person (with a dog) walk?

Question

I typically walk a very small (4 pound) dog close to my left side, and I like to walk on the left side of a pathway so that if a biker comes along, my dog is safe between my body and the left side of the path, because I'm afraid of a biker hitting the dog. Someone told me recently that the custom is to walk on the right side. I live in Maryland; does anyone know if it matters, or if there's a rule?

Answer 1

i've always walked on the right side when walking.  my dog is trained to heel on my left.  if i'm afraid of her getting hit or in the way, i pick her up.

Answer 2

I hold the leash in my right hand, and when walking in a traveled area, keep a very short leash.  If you are in Maryland, don't you walk on the left facing traffic when there is no sidewalk?  Probably a good idea for walking a dog too, but I'm odd and there isn't much traffic here in the country although it's getting worse.  Good luck to you and your dog.

Answer 3

It really does not matter.