Beach Paws
One of the great joys of living on LBI all winter is the opportunity
to take your dog on the beach and to take long
walks around the neighborhood fairly uninterrupted. But
this privilege carries with it the importance of responsible
pet ownership. If we want the beaches to remain open to
our furry friends we need to be good stewards of the beach
and ocean and mindful of others using the beach. Believe it
or not, not everyone loves our dogs! Be sure not to let your
dogs run on the dunes – when it says keep off the dunes it
means them too. Note where and when you can and can’t
take dogs on the beach. For instance the wildlife refuge at
the south end of the island (Holgate) is off limits to dogs
all year round.
Every dog should have basic canine good citizen manners.
When out walking your dog be mindful of where they are
at all times, especially when walking through a crowded
area. Just because your dog is on a leash doesn’t mean he
is under control or not bothering people. A good practice is
to carry dog treats with you at all times, or a favorite toy, to
keep your dog’s attention on you. Practicing sits and downs
also are useful. Just keep it fun and don’t use coercion or
force.
If you intend to take a walk on the beach with your dog,
sure he has relieved himself. Be sure to pick up after your
pet – just because most people close up their houses for the
winter doesn’t mean their yards are public bathrooms for
your canine friends. Never leave dog waste on the beach –
ever! Carry poop bags with you at all times and dispose of
them properly. Dog waste is an environmental pollutant.
In 1991, it was labeled a non-point source pollutant by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), placing it in the
same category as herbicides and insecticides; oil, grease
and toxic chemicals; and acid drainage from abandoned
mines. EPA even estimates that two or three days’ worth
of droppings from a population of about 100 dogs would
contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay, and
all watershed areas within 20 miles of it, to swimming and
If your dog does not come readily when called but you
want to give him some space while walking on the beach
you might want to invest in a 15 or 30 foot training line –
dog to pull. Every time your dog returns to you reward him
with a small treat. He will learn that being near you is the
best place to be.
So don’t forget:
Carry poop bags with you at all times and use them!
Carry treats in your pocket at all times to reward your dog
for paying attention to you.
Invest in a long training line to give your dog some space
when walking on the beach.
Keep dogs off the dunes and off the wildlife refuge year
round.
Enjoy the beautiful beach!