Skip to main content
Skip to main navigation
Skip to talk navigation

Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Saved Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Flip

1 2

AIBU?

Dogs on the beach

42 replies

clarinetV2 · 25/06/2013 16:46

Last summer I decided to do more physical activity. Tried joining a gym, tried swimming, but couldn't get the motivation to keep it up. So instead, since November-ish, I've walked part of the way to work, about half an hour each way. The bit I walk is lovely, along the sea front which has a prom all lit up so it's quite safe in the dark winter mornings. Haven't had any problem keeping to it, and I look forward to my walks as down-time.

In the winter everything was fine. I walked along the prom in my work clothes with trainers on, got to work, changed into work shoes there, ready to go. Now that summer's here it's nice to walk along the beach itself especially when the tide's out. But with the light mornings, the beach is full of dog walkers. I'm no dog hater though I don't have one myself, but I'd really rather they didn't jump and slobber all over me when I'm in my work gear. So AIBU? If I'm on the beach itself, am I fair game to friendly dogs? Should I stick to the prom (or take a change of clothes with me) if I don't want to arrive at work dog-stained? Or should I expect dog-walkers to have more control over their pets? Genuine question here.

OP posts:

Report

5madthings · 25/06/2013 18:49

chunderella that is exactly what they have at the beaches near me (Norfolk) and yes the odd nob ignores it but they get fined.

LtEveDallas · 25/06/2013 18:50

Brean beach where we walk mutt has exactly that. A place for families with cars, a place for families with animals and a place for families without either. Each section is a mile or so long, it's ace.

olidusUrsus · 25/06/2013 18:53

I thought all beaches were divided like that? All the ones I've been to have been. That or dogs are restricted to certain seasons.

clarinetV2 · 25/06/2013 20:15

Ok so in the winter you walked along the prom and not the beach. You saw no-one.

No, there were dog-walkers on the prom, but mostly the dogs were on leads on account of it being dark I suppose. A few were on the beach with lighted or flashing collars, but those dogs did not seem interested in making friends with people on the prom.

OP posts:

LtEveDallas · 25/06/2013 20:20

No, most of them would have been on leads because they were ob a public pavement. It's different on a beach or in a field.

How many times have been jumped on then?

Takver · 25/06/2013 20:36

Well, clearly YANBU, but I have to say that I spend a lot of time on the beach here, where there are many dogs, and I can't think that I have ever been jumped on. I will admit to saying NO! very firmly to any dog that has the air of being about to jump up at me, though, as I don't like it (despite being a dog owner & dog lover).

However, I am always a bit dubious about dogs running free on the beach on hot sunny days when there are loads of little children about - I only take ddog on the beach in winter time/bad weather for this reason (that and being an antisocial so-and-so & preferring to go up the mountain where I will get peace & quiet on a hot day).

Ifancyashandy · 25/06/2013 20:48

I love walking FancyDog on the beach. She loves the waves! But she's a hairy bugger (Beardie) and gets full of sand and sea. And she does love to shake so . Wet Beardie is both messy and smelly.

For that reason, she is trained to DOWN, COME and STAY whilst off lead. But I only walk her on the beaches where she is allowed May - Sept. Places for humans and places for dogs (with their humans) seems to work. They need places to run free.

Takver · 25/06/2013 21:03

I agree that having dog and not dog beaches works well.

Some round here have dogs to one side, no dogs to the other (obviously only works when the entrance to the beach is in the middle, and it is a large beach!), or as you say summer restrictions.

Our beach not only has no dog rules, but you also get cars on the beach which I dislike equally (though at any rate they are limited to one area).

binger · 25/06/2013 22:58

Just a thought but do you completely ignore the dogs or look at them or make a noise to them? Only asking because my dog ignores people unless they give her any sort of attention. I also find that most dogs only jump on me if I give them attention, even just a bit of eye contact or a smile - mind you that's the ones I know.

I must admit though if she shows the slightest bit of interest in non dog walkers I get her full attention back on me and lead goes on to prevent the chance of it happening as I wouldn't appreciate work clothes getting mucky paw prints on.

clarinetV2 · 25/06/2013 23:05

Hmmm, you may have a point. I think I probably do look at any likely dogs as I'm worrying about them jumping on me. Does that mean 'come and say hello, I want to pat you' in dog? Tomorrow I will try looking in the other direction, and if that doesn't work I'll say 'No' in my firmest voice. Have to say, that never worked on DDs when they were small, but maybe I'll be more successful with dogs.

OP posts:

saintlyjimjams · 25/06/2013 23:10

Im surprised you get so many dogs jumping on you on a beach. I walk my dog on the beach all the time and have pretty much never been jumped on by someone else's dog (unless I've made the effort to really attract their attention). I find my own dog is more of a concern in a park (I keep my eyes open and call him away from people) but he's far more excited in the sea and the wide open space of a beach than people.

Hercy · 25/06/2013 23:18

I agree not to look at the dogs, you may be unwittingly inviting them over to say hello. If one does approach you, simply turn your back on it (that's how we taught our puppy not to jump up and it really works)

saintlyjimjams · 25/06/2013 23:21

Oh yes that's true. If anyone talks to my dog on the street he thinks they want to be his friend, if they ignore him he ignores them.

VixZenFenchell · 26/06/2013 00:46

We have a large beach. One area is clearly designated no dogs allowed and it is dog-free. The next area is a designated off-leash dog exercise area and is full of dogs.

Works well until you get someone on the dog beach area who doesn't like or want dogs around and complains.

My dog doesn't jump up or slobber, but I have no problem with being greeted by strange dogs on the beach, it's a dog exercise area and I expect them to be there.

I wouldn't have a dog off leash if it wasn't recall trained though.

Takver · 26/06/2013 08:50

"Have to say, that never worked on DDs when they were small, but maybe I'll be more successful with dogs."

Definitely works better on dogs than dds IME. DC are such a disappointment compared to dogs in that respect (well, in anything to do with immediate obedience)

maninawomansworld · 02/07/2013 13:26

As an owner of many dogs myself I believe dogs should be under control at all times. They should not go up to people when out and about, mess should be cleaned up immediately but on the other hand people should not approach or pet my dogs without checking with me first.

As long as these rules are followed then I see no reason why I should not take my dogs on to the beach though!

LouiseSmith · 02/07/2013 13:47

Id check the signs on the beach. I though dogs were only allowed on beaches at the off peak times!! Atleast that what it used to be. I think between May and September they shouldn't be allowed.

But people should keep control of there animals. Saying that my dog runs rings around me, espically on the beach.

Flip

1 2

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.