Helpful tips for taking your dog to the beach.
1. Make sure it's a dog friendly beach.
Before you drive an hour and a half to your destination, either check the website of the beach, or call in directly to find out whether or not dogs are allowed at the beach. Some beaches will allow dogs at any time, other beaches will welcome dogs only during specific hours of the days or even months of the year, others - not at all. Taking into consideration that rules may change year to year, it is wise to double check before making the long trip.
2. Bring water.
It's extremely important to have water available for your pup and to watch for the signs of overheating and dehydration while you are enjoying your time at the beach. Make sure you have a dish for your dog to drink from as well.
3. Choose early morning or late afternoon.
Especially if your dog hasn't visited the beach many times before, it's important to keep in mind that the whole ordeal will be exciting and overstimulating as it is. The sand, the ocean, the people, the smells, the noise! Don't make it harder on your dog than it already is, and choose less busy hours of the day.
4. Leash your pup and be ready to clean up the mess.
One would think it goes without saying, yet we see people ignoring common sense time after time. Bring bags to clean up after your dog and keep them on the leash. Not everyone loves dogs, and some people won't care how friendly your puppy is.
5. Bring treats: be ready for the perfect training opportunity.
It is a great environment to practice basic manners with your dog. Will your pup still listen to you while a group of kids is throwing a frisbee nearby? Will your dog obediently lay down, when a child comes up to pet him? What if a couple next to you is getting ready to leave and shaking the sand out of their towels right in front of your dog's nose, and your pup is still paying attention to you. Be ready to reward good behavior.
