Dogs on the Beach

Like most seashore towns, Avalon and Stone Harbor have restrictions for dogs on the beach.

In Avalon, leashed dogs are permitted on the the beach only in the off season- between September 30th and March 1st.

Stone Harbor allows leashed dogs on the beach between 7pm and sunset  from June 1st through September 30th; and this year, installed doggie clean up bag dispensers at some beach paths. 

Now for my rant: my early morning walks on the beach technically should be “dog free”.   I am not a dog owner, but I understand the appeal of taking a dog for a run on the beach, or a swim in the ocean.   And dog owners may genuinely feel they can control their pet, and therefore, remove the leash.

Unfortunately, when a dog is charging at me, I see aggression.  I don’t believe  “he is just saying hello”, or “she won’t hurt you”.   I have even tried Dog Whisperer techniques- avoid eye contact, walk farther away, make the chhhhttt noise…without success.  My fear may not seem rational to the dog owner, but it’s based on prior experiences with other “friendly” dogs.

So I will appeal to my readers.  If you own a beach dog, please follow the local leash laws.  It will make for happier blog posts 😉