This evening yet another town council is having a meeting to discuss tighter restrictions on dogs at their beach. In the past few years, we have seen places we once enjoyed ban dogs entirely, or enact highly restrictive rules, and yet we understand why towns feel they have no other choice but to do it. We’ve all been there. One moment we’re enjoying a great day at the beach or on a trail, when all of a sudden that dog shows up and ruins it for everyone. Maybe he’s running with reckless abandon off-leash, or perhaps she’s a bit too friendly when greeting fellow weekend warriors, or worst yet they looked the other way when their humans didn’t pick up their poop! Well as the saying goes, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole barrel. Therefore, it is crucial that we all work together to help keep our favorite places open to dogs!
Yes, it is a great feeling to cut loose and have fun, and we should enjoy our outings. Yet it is important to be mindful and respect those around us. We must remember that wherever we go we are being watched and judged, because not everyone wants dogs to be there. This is especially important this summer. After staying close to home this past year, we’re all really excited to return to our favorite places and explore new ones. In addition, with so many families getting new puppies or rescue dogs during the pandemic, there will be a lot of dogs who have never experienced the excitement of going to a beach or hiking on a trail before. However, we all need to put our best paw forward and set a good example for dog friendly adventures by obeying the rules. Because one lapse in judgement can have lasting repercussions for all of us. Therefore if we want to continue to experience the joys of dog friendly places, we need to remember our dog etiquette.
Rules are meant to be…followed! If there’s one thing I know about humans is they like to make rules, lots and lots of rules. Although some seem a bit nit-picky, rules are there for a reason, and are meant to keep dogs, our humans, and the wildlife safe, so that we can all coexist. If the rules call for a leash, make sure you are tethered to your human. When hiking there could be a hidden hazard around the bend that requires keeping your humans close, or on a beach a restricted area where you can’t explore to protect endangered species who call it home. If the rule allows for off-leash under voice control, that means you must be able to obey when called, not some of the time, but all of the time. Nobody wants to hear your human repeatedly yelling a command while you ignore it. If you can’t obey, please keep the leash on. Also it’s important to comply with the times when dogs are allowed on beaches, and to stay in the allotted play area. A lot of thought and public input go into establishing these rules so that everyone can enjoy their time at the beach or on the trails. In addition, don’t fall for the pack mentality. If you see dogs not obeying the rules, that doesn’t give you a free pass to join them.
Know before you go! Don’t be caught off-guard. Take the time to learn what the dog rules are before heading out on an adventure. A place that was off-leash the last time you visited, may have new rules this year. Also visiting a place for the first time, or being on vacation are NOT excuses for breaking the rules. You may only be visiting that beach or trail for a short time, but your actions could have long lasting negative repercussions after you leave for the dogs who live in the area. Humans are more likely to remember the one dog who wasn’t behaving than the dozens who were following the rules. So please before heading out, whether it be for the day or an extended stay, research the rules and be prepared to follow them.
Poop bags are nonnegotiable! Now I know what you’re thinking, if bears can poop in the woods, why can’t I? Well just like you wouldn’t like it if bears pooped in your yard, they don’t like you pooping in theirs. Besides, without realizing it you may be introducing a disease that the wildlife isn’t immune to and could make them sick. Each gram of dog waste contains more than 23 million units of fecal bacteria that are harmful to humans and other animals. This issue goes beyond causing gastrointestinal problems. The unstable conditions caused by the bacteria and pathogens in dog waste being washed into our water can lead to algae blooms in rivers, lakes, and streams, which creates an inviting habitat for invasive weeds that slowly kill off the local plant and fish life. In fact the EPA has found that just two to three days of waste from 100 dogs can contribute enough bacteria, nitrogen and phosphorous to close 20 miles of a bay-watershed to swimming and shellfishing. But this can be avoided if you pick up the poop and dispose of it properly. And not just your poop. If you notice another dog left theirs behind, be a good sport and carry it away with yours. I know that’s gross picking up another dog’s poop! However, poop is the number one reason why dogs are banned from places. Is it really asking too much to clean up the mess, so that we can continue to enjoy going to these beaches and trails?
It’s NOT ok to say “It’s Ok!” The impolite greeting of strangers is another reason dogs get banned from places. I have to admit this is my biggest pet peeve. I can’t count how many times I’ve been enjoying a hike or a walk on the beach, when all of a sudden a dog comes charging out of nowhere into my space. While in the distance the owner yells, “It’s ok! She’s friendly!” It’s not ok. Especially if the rules call for being leashed, and the offending dog is off-leash. Now I totally understand your enthusiasm wanting to greet everyone you meet. There have been times I’ve been hiking forever with no signs of other dogs or humans. So when one suddenly appears it is an exciting moment! And who doesn’t like to make new friends on the beach? But you need to remember to be respectful. The dog on the receiving end of this overly enthusiastic greeting could be skittish, reactive, have health issues, working as a service dog, or just doesn’t want be bothered. So please have your human ask BEFORE you approach. Also even if the trail or beach allows dogs to be off-leash, if you’re not 100% trained with your recall command, keep the leash on. Under voice control means just that, control. Repeatedly yelling a command to a dog who isn’t responding does not count. So when your human tells you to “come,” you come! Otherwise keep yourself leashed to your human.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Respect also applies to the wildlife you encounter. Think of it this way. What if you were sitting in your living room and deer suddenly came running through? You’d be pretty unnerved, right? Well that’s exactly how it is for the animals who live along these trails and beaches. One minute they are enjoying a quiet day, and the next there’s some dog bursting in on their privacy. They may even be caring for their babies, grouchy after being rudely awoken, or aggressive as they search for a new mate. In all these situations, and many more, you are an intruder. Please show wildlife the respect they deserve by playing it cool, and don’t even think of barking or chasing them. This also applies to birds who nest in the beach dunes or turtles who bury their eggs in the sand. This is their home, and they face so many obstacles to survive that you should not be one of them. And whatever you do, NEVER try to take a dog selfie with wildlife! This includes the adorable seals sunning themselves on the beach. If you do see wildlife, keep your distance, politely wag your tail, and walk away. We are guests in their homes, please behave that way.
I know I’m probably preaching to the choir here. However, it is crucial that we all work together to help keep our favorite places open to dogs! Humans are more likely to notice the one dog who wasn’t behaving than the dozens who were obeying the rules. So please remember that wherever we go we must set a good example by following the rules and being respectful, because far too many places are heading in the opposite direction and banning dogs due to pups disobeying. This summer we can still have fun, but we all need to put our best paw forward while enjoying dog friendly places.
