Frequently when I speak about dog training, I say that my wish is for every dog to have a day on the beach.  I have fond memories of being on the beach and watching happy dogs running after balls, Frisbees, each other and of course seagulls.  I have video tape of my own dog in the beach digging in the sand after a red rubber ball.  She threw sand ten feet behind her and dug at least a feet deep hole before coming up with the ball.  Her eyes, nose and face were covered in sand and she was smiling.  She would walk over to the loose sand and drop the ball just to dig for it all over again.  It's rare to see an unhappy dog on the beach.

 But, not all dogs can experience the pleasure of a day on the beach because they don't have the training needed to be safe in that environment.  First of all, a dog loose on the beach playing with its family needs to be socially appropriate with other dogs. Being good with other dogs isn’t necessarily a trait that is born into all puppies nor are there experiences as puppies always reinforcing of good social behavior.  According to Scott & Fuller’s research puppies learn best how to interact with other dogs between three to eight weeks of age.  Furthermore, of a puppy’s critical socialization period is between four and five months.  To help a new puppy learn good social skills attending Puppy Kindergarten between the ages of 10 & 14 weeks is ideal.  Social, well-managed doggie day care is another fantastic way to help puppies and adolescents learn good social skills with other dogs.  Even just two days week in a good day care program can help a young dog, who is uncertain of other dogs, learn how to play and become more comfortable with dogs of all ages.

The second critically important skill a dog needs to learn before hitting the beach is to come when called 100% of the time.  There are many serious hazards on the beach for a dog who doesn’t come such as chasing waves or birds too far into the ocean, running off the beach after bike riders, chasing the ice cream vendor, and of course running off with new dog friends.  Teaching your dog to come when called can be really fun and easy. Total Recall class is designed to teach owners how to teach their dogs to come when called even with distractions. 

When you have a social dog who comes when called all of the time no matter what, it is time to head to the beach.  Don’t forget to check the dog laws of the beach.  Some places don’t allow dogs at all, others only allow dog on the beach during off peak times, and some beaches actually welcome dogs year round.  Once you figure out where you’re going, pack a long line (20 feet or so), and start out slow and safe.  Don’t forget a few beach toys to help keep your dog focused on you.  Finally be prepared to see your dog differently; watch them smile, frolic and enjoy life in way that is pure joy.