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Original poster

To think if you go to the dog beach you should expect dogs

444 replies

Blackdogagain · 14/06/2014 21:38

I took my pooch to the beach for the first time today. The beach is huge and split in half, one half is for dogs, and there were many of them. Most dogs were off the lead and playing freely.

A few families were also on the dog beach, but were without a dog. However, a few families were obviously irate with the dogs running and swimming everywhere.

Is it me, but if you sit on the dog half of the beach, you can't get huffy over dogs running around.

One father and daughter were on inflatables in the sea and 3 dogs were running into the sea next to them and the girl was obviously worried and scared of them. The owners called their dogs back and walked up the beach a bit, which was good of them.

Surely though, if you don't want dogs around, bloody well go to the dog free half of the beach!

OP posts:
everlong · 15/06/2014 14:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SirChenjin · 15/06/2014 14:50

Everlong - I have explained slowly and clearly to you previously (when you have claimed incorrectly that I hate dogs) that I don't hate all dogs - just those badly/poorly controlled ones which spoil everyone else's enjoyment of a day out.

The beach in question is not a dog beach. From what I can see from the map that I linked to previously it is a beach where dogs are allowed. I could have got the wrong beach though.

matildasquared · 15/06/2014 14:52

Again, because there is the expectation of basic consideration from dog owners in a communal space? Because not all dog owners show the clueless entitlement you're embodying? Just to throw something nutty out there?

Have you noticed a pattern here everlong? Anything to learn here?

HappyAgainOneDay · 15/06/2014 14:56

I often wonder what would happen or what would people think if I were out pushing a pushchair or sitting on a park bench when a dog ran up to us. Would I be 'allowed'' to push it away with, say, an umbrella? Or a leg? I probably wouldn't want to touch it.

I'm not a dog hater. I do like some breeds. Anyone got a pekinese they don't want? I just don't like the way some dog owners think it's all right for their dog to run up to others, steal bits of picnic and think it's funny, jump up at people and spoil clothes regardless of where it is - beach, park, playground, outside school, along the road

vindscreenviper · 15/06/2014 14:56

Perhaps the girl and man in the op were with other family members and maybe even a dog (who didn't want to play in the sea)?

Hakluyt · 15/06/2014 14:57

"Keats people don't care if it's a dog beach that allows dogs to run free. They still think that they can picnic and sunbathe without possibly being mithered by a dog. Why they wouldn't go elsewhere is beyond me. You know to the non doggy bit of the beach."

BECAUSE THEY'VE GOT A DOG!!!!!!!!!!!

KeatsiePie · 15/06/2014 14:57

everlong I think (hope) most people aren't like that about dog beaches ... as usual said hopefully this is just a MN-as-parallel-universe moment ...

It's a communal space for families to enjoy with their pets.

matilda totally agree, but as a dog beach is a place where dogs can run around together -- and dogs tend to get really excited about that, especially as so many really love water, so they just naturally get very rompy. I honestly don't think that kind of beach could be kept very peaceful unless the dogs were kept leashed or controlled pretty tightly, which would sort of defeat the point of the dog beach. I see what you mean about how it's nice if the whole family can take the dog there, but it just might not be suitable for small or timid children. And I get how that would be annoying or present a conflict for the family, but I do think it's important that those beaches prioritize the dogs; not many places do.

To take the dog out with the whole family, if the family included small children, I'd go for a beach that allowed dogs rather than an actual dog beach.

Enjoying imagining dogs dropped off with pocket money tied to collars though, like day camp Grin

MicrochipsAndMemories · 15/06/2014 14:58

I don't get how Everlong can't seem to understand that you can own a dog, not be a dog hater, yet still not want other peoples dogs bothering you. If you own a dog and want to go for a picnic at the beach you have to go sit on the part which does allow dogs.

At the park with my child I don't want or expect other peoples children to run up to me trying to get my attention and ruining my day. I have a kid and am not a kid hater just because I think the child's parent should have some sort of control over them and stop them bothering others.

KeatsiePie · 15/06/2014 14:59

No but honestly, if you want to take both a dog and a picnic to the beach, then you go to a beach that allows dogs. Not a dog beach. Dog beaches really are just for dogs to run and play freely on. If you can get away with picnicking without being overrun, great, but it wouldn't be fair to be irritated if it didn't work out.

Hakluyt · 15/06/2014 15:00

Seriously, are there beaches which are specially for dogs? I like in Kent- are there any round here?

MicrochipsAndMemories · 15/06/2014 15:02

dogs are more than capable of running around and having boisterous fun without bothering other people or ruing picnics. They just need to be trained properly.

matildasquared · 15/06/2014 15:03

Enjoying imagining dogs dropped off with pocket money tied to collars though, like day camp.

If they keep emphasising it's a "dog beach" then someone will do that one of these days. "But... it's a dog beach. I thought people weren't allowed!"

KeatsiePie · 15/06/2014 15:03

Hakluyt there are I think the OP said upthread where the one she goes to is located but I have to admit I don't know where.

Sallyingforth · 15/06/2014 15:10

Does anyone have a reference for a 'dog beach' - i.e. one where dogs have priority over people?
I've never seen or heard of one, and as naturist I've explored a lot of beaches all round the country.

ComposHat · 15/06/2014 15:12

As far as I can make out from thr op's post and the camber sands website, the term 'dog beach' is misleading but it is an area of the beach where dogs are allowed, not an area for the exclusive use of dogs.

Whilst it would be reasonable to expect dogs to be off the lead, it doesn't mean anything goes and dogs and their owners can do as they wish and sod anyone else on the beach. Owners should have their dog in their sight and be able to call it heel, prevent it from jumping up at people and clean up any mess they generate.

Just as a child friendly restaurant would expect some noise it doesn't mean a) only people with children can eat there b) that children have the right to run around pushing glass off the table, spitting in people's food pr swearing at other diners.

Just as

KeatsiePie · 15/06/2014 15:17

Ah. I assumed from the OP's post that that's what we were talking about here -- sign said "dog beach."

I feel sure I have heard friends in the UK use that term but perhaps they were talking about beaches that were not literally dog-dedicated?

In the US you'd have to search "dog park" in a location to find beach areas that are actually dedicated to dogs.

SirChenjin · 15/06/2014 15:20

Sad No, its a beach where dogs are allowed, as opposed to a beach that is for the sole use of dogs and their owners

SirChenjin · 15/06/2014 15:20

No idea where the Sad came from!

Hakluyt · 15/06/2014 15:26

Oh. camber sands.

A fabulous beach. It has dog free zones, and zones where dogs are allowed. But nowhere which gives dogs priority.

And to add another element- my dd rides on Camber Sands and if an uncontrolled dog made her fall off her pony I would be very displeased indeed.

Goblinchild · 15/06/2014 15:35

Whereas if it's a beach where dogs were allowed, I would expect the sort of inconsiderate, irresponsible and egocentric behaviour that is often on display from owners.
I'd expect to be run at, jumped up on, and to have to defend any interesting food or toys from theft, with owners smirking and saying 'She's sooo friendly,. just loves children. Oh well, you shouldn't have been eating an ice cream in front of her...' and all the rest of the usual platitudes.
So dog-friendly, dog-beach, dog-accessible are just synonyms for dogs and owners doing what they like IMO.
If I went into a dog zone, I'd be prepared. Or if it was labelled, I'd avoid it.

Goblinchild · 15/06/2014 15:37

' the term 'dog beach' is misleading but it is an area of the beach where dogs are allowed, not an area for the exclusive use of dogs. '

I don't think a lot of people would get the distinction, ComposHat. Smile

KeatsiePie · 15/06/2014 15:39

A true dog park on a beach that also allowed horses would be so dangerous! Unless it was divided off really well.

I do feel like if half the beach is dog friendly and half is not, it would be nice if people were a bit forgiving if a dog annoyed them on the dog-friendly half, since there aren't many places where dogs can run around and a lot of them really do kind of lose their heads with joy when they get on a beach.

But I'm embarrassed that I made the assumption that "dog beach" in the UK meant the same as "dog park/dog beach" here and therefore misled people, so am bowing out.

Hakluyt · 15/06/2014 15:52

Right. So. Dogs allowed, not dogs prioritised. Anyone still think it's OK for dogs to behave exactly as they want, including jumping up, stealing food and galumphing through picnics?

And (Camber Sands specific) barking at ponies?

mygrandchildrenrock · 15/06/2014 17:37

No, but many people round here go on the beach where dogs are allowed knowing that dog owners will keep their dogs under control.
I know you won't agree with that though everlong!

everlong · 15/06/2014 17:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.