Countdown to summer is here! And that means the Dog Beach Rules for many towns in New Hampshire and Maine are in effect. In the past, we’ve shared with you an updated list of dog friendly beaches, with the dates and times dogs are allowed, as well as other specifics for each local beach. However, I apologize that this year we did not have the time to do that comprehensive research. I’m sorry. But that does NOT give you the excuse to break those rules! In recent years many towns have changed their ordinances because of dogs not following the beach rules, making them more restricted or outright banned. Please keep the beaches dog friendly by looking up the current town ordinance for where you plan to visit, and follow those rules!
In addition, here is our friendly reminder on dog etiquette when out enjoying beaches this summer:
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. It is especially important to steer clear of the restricted areas where endangered bird species are nesting, including the Piping Plover. 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. 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. Set a good example!
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 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! Did you know 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 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, and also can lead to algae blooms that can kill native plants and species. 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 beaches. Is it really asking too much to clean up the mess, so that we can continue to enjoy going to these places?
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 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. I, too, enjoy making new friends. 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 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. Also no loopholes of using a really long leash! In recent years many Maine beaches have added leash length requirements because of dogs given too much freedom on overly long leashes. It’s all about respecting your fellow beach visitors.
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 flock of seagulls came flying through? You’d be pretty unnerved, right? Well that’s exactly how it is for the animals who live along these beaches. One minute they are enjoying a quiet day, and the next there’s some dog trying to chase them! This especially applies to birds who nest in the beach dunes or turtles who bury their eggs in the sand. You are the intruder. This is their beach, not yours, and you can accidentally injure or kill them by disrespecting their space. Please show wildlife the respect they deserve by playing it cool, don’t even think of barking or chasing them, and stay out of the restricted areas. 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.
In Summary please keep the beaches dog friendly by remembering to:
- Obey the leash rules and dog friendly times
- Clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly
- Obey the Piping Plover / restricted area rules
- Respect your fellow beach visitors and wildlife
