Back in college, the professor of my Research Methods class had us review a study of how municipalities tackled the issue of citizens not scooping their dog’s poop. It’s been nearly twenty years, and all I remember from the assignment is that there were validity issues with some of the conclusions.

I was reminded of it early on after our move to Beijing. Dog ownership isn’t a new thing in China, but the rapid rise of it over the last decade has turned it from a novelty into something more commonplace. This is especially true for millennials who have, for several reasons, put off starting a family.

But unlike in the US, where certain, dirtier aspects of pet ownership see both widely held adherence and some level of public opprobrium if not followed, those things are the exception rather than the rule in China.

Scooping poop just hasn’t been a big thing in China.

In the three months we’ve spent here, I’ve seen two pet owners picking up after their pets while walking them. Our neighborhood is primarily residential and full of dog owners, so the sample size is large. Additionally, I take a lengthy stroll most days.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘David, just because you don’t see someone scooping poop doesn’t mean folks aren’t scooping poop.’

While this is true, I feel confident in my assessment.

My daily walks are peppered with moments when I have to dodge steaming piles of dog shit. Brand new piles. Day-old piles. And stacks with origin dates that are hard to determine.

If this were America, there’d be daily posts on Nextdoor by a Karen or Chad demanding that folks scoop the poop. And who knows, maybe someone is doing that here. If they are, it’s not working.

I grew up on a farm learning to dodge cow pies the size of an extra-large Papa John's pizza. So, I’m used to this sort of thing. But come on, folks, how can I be expected to monitor the sidewalks for tiny shit grenades if I’ve also got my head on a swivel watching for scooters.

I’m still waiting for that moment when my boots step into a pile of shit. It’s not going to be fun. And I’m confident I’ll be cursing myself for not remembering the conclusions of that study.

The bottom line is that the streets are mostly clean, which I can appreciate. But you still gotta pay attention because someone’s four-legged companion has left a surprise for you the moment you let your mind wander.