Dog-lover Ann Gadd digs into what acceptable dogwalking behaviour on SA beaches entails, and offers advice on how to make your pooch a top (beach) dog.
Marilyn Monroe, singing ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ clearly never owned a dog. There’s nothing quite as happy as a dog at the BEACH (Best Escape Anyone Can Have). Being stuck in confined quarters or behind fences is literally a dog’s life, soon altered with that precious beach walk. Dogs and their owners benefit hugely from a regular dose of Vitamin Sea.
I’ve been walking dogs on the beach for over 30 years and their enthusiasm and joy at the freedom of space never ceases to lift my spirits. While we humans don’t get quite so up close and personal when we first meet (thankfully!), dog walking provides a great chance to socialise.
But, there are serious issues at stake – too many small dogs have been ravaged by untrained dogs, resulting in dogs being banned at some beaches. Breed is naturally a major issue when it comes to aggression – some dogs are wired to fight, while others were raised to hunt or retrieve. But it’s not always breeds that indicate an inclination to fight. If a dog has been abused or confined in a small space, even the gentlest retriever can turn vicious, and some dogs just have fiery temperaments. If they are afraid, want to dominate or are trying to protect their owners, they may also attack.
If your dog is not very well socialised and has not been for proper training, keep him on a lead.
“Most importantly, be quick, stay mindfully aware, emotionally in tune, and remain calm and assertive.” - Cesar Milan
It’s not all about Rover. Being at the beach is also time for you to unwind. So, throw the ball, have a seaweed tug of war, run laughing through the shallow water and generally have a doggone good time yourself!
TIPS
Watch your tail!
This story is from the January/February 2018 edition of Natural Medicine South Africa.
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This story is from the January/February 2018 edition of Natural Medicine South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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