There is no more blissful an environment for a dog than a beach. To see a dog running with the wind in its fur and an ocean breeze in its face is to witness sheer happiness.
As dog expert and author Stanley Coren has said, there is no greater happiness for a dog than when it is running.
To that end, a day at the beach, where possible, is a must-do for any dog.
As well, exercise is essential to owning a happy, healthy dog that doesn't cause its owner any problems.
According to the Vancouver Professional Dog Walkers Alliance, socialization and exercise provided by walking your dog results in city pets that are calmer and friendlier.
When a dog is not properly socialized it can become aggressive and even a danger to other dogs and people. When a dog receives exercise it releases doses of serotonin to the brain, much the same way that people feel good after a workout.
But a day at the beach can also be a disaster if proper dog etiquette is not observed. Remember the mantra: "there aren't bad dogs - only bad owners."
To help you keep your dog - and you - out of harm's way or an embarrassing social faux pas, follow these tips when taking Rover to the beach for a frolic:
Beach Etiquette for Dog Owners
- Always keep your dog within view. This means being vigilant because a dog can disappear quickly while you chat with your dog-walking friends
- Do not feed treats to strange dogs - they could have a medical condition or might be on a weight loss program
- If someone appears fearful of your dog because it's big or aggressive looking, offer a few words of reassurance or if your dog is leashed, steer the dog away
Keep your dog away from horse and bicycle riders who might have an accident if your dog gets in their way - Before allowing your children to approach a strange dog, always check with the owner first
- Carry fresh water with you so that your dog doesn't over heat and isn't tempted to drink salt water
- Don't encourage your dog to run over large rocks. A dog can easily cut its paw on beach glass or twist its leg
- Discourage your dog from examining or eating dead marine life that might float up on the beach. Also discourage your dog from chewing on wood that might lodge in its teeth
Dogfriendly.com offers a few more tips:
- Always keep your dog leashed when there is a leash law
- Always clean up after your dog by using a poop bag or pooper-scooper
- Do not let your dog visit with other beach-goers or dogs, unless welcomed
- If using an official off-leash area, your dog needs to be well behaved and must listen to your verbal commands.
- In an off-leash area, always pay attention to your dog.
