Beach Etiquette for Dog Owners

Many beaches remain closed completely to dogs; however, there are some that do permit dogs if owners follow the rules of etiquette. 

The primary observance is that owners must have control of their dogs at all times whether leashed or unleashed.

The best times to bring dogs to the beach are in early morning and late evening, which are cooler times for the dogs.

It also encourages that walking and running with dogs will not interfere as much with adults and children walking, playing, sun-bathing and swimming.

Follow Rules & Regulations

In addition, it is proper and common etiquette that dog owners be prepared to come to the beach with whatever is necessary to keep the beach clean and to pick up after their dogs.

Some beaches have strict rules for dog owners that should be followed.

At some beaches, dogs may run free in certain areas and at designated times.

It is interesting to note that many beaches follow regulations that prohibit dogs on the beach from sun-up to sun-down.

Other beaches maintain more lax laws and regulations that permit dogs during certain hours.

Various beaches have different laws, rules and regulations that dogs owners must acknowledge and follow to use the beach.

Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day

Dog owners should consider not bringing their pets to the beach during the hotter parts of the day so that their dogs do not dehydrate and suffer from the intense summer heat.

Also, there are more people at the beach during those hours and dogs could create some issues that would not be the case if the dogs were brought earlier or later.

Another thing pet owners could do and for health purposes is to make certain that their dogs wear flea and/or tick collars so that they remain free of such infestation and also do not infect other dogs or humans.

To Swim or Not to Swim

As a courtesy to swimmers and sun-bathers, some beach rules insist that dogs should not be permitted to swim in the sea or ocean during the times that humans are swimming.

These days such policies are considered more as common-sense etiquette; however, many dog owners do not subscribe to them and there have been issues in the past, many beaches now have rules and regulations governing when dogs may be brought to the beach.

Humans Have the Right of Way

One rule is general at most beaches, that humans have “the right of way”.

Dog owners must recognize and acknowledge this fact and use the proper etiquette that enables dogs, owners, and beach-goers all to get along and cooperate so everyone has a great time at the beach.