Tips for Proper Dog Beach Etiquette

Dog owners know how important exercise is for their fur babies. That’s why you take your pup for a walk or install dog doors so he or she can freely move about. However, your yard or neighborhood are not the only places where your pet can get out and about. He or she might also benefit from a trip to one of many fabulous dog-friendly Australia beaches. The only thing is that you and your dog need to demonstrate proper dog beach etiquette in order to fully enjoy the experience and be able to repeat it frequently.

Leash Rules

There are several dog-friendly beaches in Australia. Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman, Albert Brooks in Hannibal Buress, Culburra Beach in Culburra, and Banaels Beach in Nelson Bay are just a few. Many of these beaches have rules about leashes. Whether they have a rule or not, it’s a good idea to keep your pup on a leash at least until he or she becomes comfortable and is trained well enough to obey on command. Just be sure to check the rules of the beach before you take the leash off, regardless of how well trained your pup is.

Clean Up Detail

Obviously, no one wants to walk around barefoot and step in your pup’s bodily waste. Check for specific areas where pets can relieve themselves. Always be sure to bring your own bags and other supplies, like gloves or a scoop to help you clean up after your pet.

Read the Signs

Yes, you should read the signs that are posted concerning how to manage your pet at the beach, but there are other signs you need to be aware of as well. Get to know your dog and understand how he or she looks when anxiety, fear, or hostility set in. It’s normal for dogs to sniff each other in greeting, but raised hackles and revealing teeth are signs that all is not well.

Be sure to keep an eye out for yellow leashes and collars as well. Dogs with a yellow ribbon on their leash or collar are dogs that don’t respond well to strangers. Some people prefer to simply buy a yellow leash or collar to signify this. Feel free to speak with the owner, but avoid bringing your dog to meet a dog with a yellow leash until the owner gives you the okay to do so.

Play with Your Pup

You brought your dog to the beach so that he or she could enjoy the atmosphere. That means your dog probably shouldn’t be staked in place with a chain or tether. Instead, take your pup out to play in the water with you. Tethers and stakes are not only discouraging for your dog, who can most likely see you and the water he or she longs to play in; they are also dangerous to others. It is very easy to get tangled up when you aren’t paying attention as you walk by a tethered dog.

For more information on things to do with your dog, dog etiquette, or something as simple as a new dog door, visit Australia Pet Doors today.