Beach Dog Etiquette!

OFF LEASH FUN IN THE SUN… AND THE DIFFICULT DOG!
 
I hope all of you are staying cool and remember to keep your pets cool also!  What a great time of year to go to the beach.  Motel 6 in Ventura has been one of my hangouts with my dog this summer because it is the only rental place in Ventura that allows pets.  Dogs are allowed on a leash on the beach in Ventura, on a leash being the operative word.  Although they are not really sticklers about the leash law, the laws are there so that people do not ruin other peoples beach time with dogs that "only a (dog) mother could love!" 

I believe the reason more family vacations (and vacation rentals) don't include dogs is an apparent lack of manners, obedience training and social skills of dogs when they are away from home (…and often a lack of understanding  of the necessity of rules on part of dog owners).

I watched one family struggle through the day with a Labrador and Great Dane on leashes because every time they let the one off it would run at other dogs and people nearby, covering all with sand and sea water as it jumped all over people's blankets and shook!  It was, however, very considerate of them to put their dogs back on leash and save the rest of us!  These dogs seemed to have had some basic obedience training, but probably never went on to intermediate or advanced level training so they could be off leash.  I watched as a Pomeranian ran on the beach peeing on everyone's beach chairs and bags, the owners seemingly nowhere in sight.  Another couple walked past me, hand in hand, with their husky mix on leash, stopping only momentarily for their dog to poop, then they continued walking, as if there was some mysterious doggie poop scoop patrol following them to clean up.

It was a pleasure to be there with my dog remaining on my own towel and running in the waves with me when he was off leash.  He was always under enough voice control to remain with me and not bug others (and i had poop bags)!  I kept thinking how fortunate i was to have trained my dog beyond beginning level training and that i was a courteous dog owner.  Obedience and courtesy are not as difficult as one may think and, on the contrary, well worth the effort.  I save a lot of money on pet sitting and kennels, and my dog is happier for it.

We are starting our Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, end of summer beginning and intermediate dog training classes august 1st, 3rd and 4th.  Our Wednesday class will start august 28th …and that is it until October!

You too could be ready for the beach next year with your dog!  Even hiking in the mountains can be more pleasurable if you know you can let your dog off leash and remain in control.

Some people who have trained their dogs to an advanced level still cannot let them off leash due to aggression problems.  Some of these problems can be averted by socializing dogs while they are still puppies or young adults.  Even if an aggressive dog cannot be cured, its owner can still learn to control him/her in public.

It is very difficult for an owner with a leashed dog (especially if it is aggressive) to be confronted by an off leash dog, even if the off leash dog is friendly, unless the off leash dog is not under it's owner's complete control.  Due to our existing leash laws, whether it happens on a trail, the beach, or just passing by a dog loose in it's own front yard, the owner of the off leash dog is almost always legally liable if there is an incident!   Leashes often cause dogs to behave more protectively toward an approaching person or dog, but letting the leash go is not an option for the aggressive dog's owner.  Some dogs are territorial over their people, their own yards and/or their neighborhoods.  Even owners of the friendliest dogs must understand that other dogs (and people) are not always as friendly!  Some dogs and people are just plain afraid of dogs.  The friendly dog owner needs to be just as concerned about complete control of his/her dog as an owner with an aggressive dog.  Any owner intending to have his/her dog to off leash must be train a 99.9% reliable "leave it or no" command, as well as "come or heel" to use when encountering non dog people and dogs.  Again, in the case of a dog attack, the off leash dog is almost always liable, regardless of the provocation for the attack (that means regardless of who started it)!

Many owners of friendly dogs do not realize their legal responsibility.  Some even think aggressive dogs and people should just not be allowed to exist, and particularly not in public!  But that is not reality.  I agree that aggressive/fearful dogs or people do not belong in off leash dog areas, unless accompanied by a trained professional.   But I also feel that those who have leashed dogs with aggression issues have just as much right to use beaches, trails, and sidewalks as anyone else as long as their dog is under their control.  Always ask if the other dog is friendly whenever you, your children or your dog want to interact with someone else's dog!  Do not assume that just because there is no aggressive display that the dog will be ok!

Just a paws for thought and incentive to complete that dog obedience training!  Remember this is just an opinion…but at lease it is an educated one.  Enjoy your vacation and your dog time.  Be courteous to others, especially the non-dog people, they do have a great deal of control over our continued freedom with our dogs in public areas!    Whether you are just starting out or need more advanced training help, we would be honored to be your dog training choice!

Thanks for your interest in dog training with my best friend obedience!