Beach Turned Off-lead

[ludwig09]

I went to walk my dog on our usual beach this morning and i noticed that literally over night signs have been replaced and it is now an off lead. I am not a fan of off leads after witnessing too many attacks and unruley dogs not under control. We have given up walking our dogs around the streets because of dogs bolting out at us from houses but now that the on leash beach has gone it seems options are getting slim. I do have a treadmill for my dogs which they use a couple of times a week but there is nothing like getting out there for a walk. What to do. Does anyone else feel that it is getting harder to safely walk your dog?

[Guest lavendergirl]

I went to walk my dog on our usual beach this morning and i noticed that literally over night signs have been replaced and it is now an off lead. I am not a fan of off leads after witnessing too many attacks and unruley dogs not under control. We have given up walking our dogs around the streets because of dogs bolting out at us from houses but now that the on leash beach has gone it seems options are getting slim. I do have a treadmill for my dogs which they use a couple of times a week but there is nothing like getting out there for a walk. What to do. Does anyone else feel that it is getting harder to safely walk your dog?

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

[Agility Dogs]

I'm the first to say that I'm not a fan of off leash areas, but I think the beach is about as good as it gets if there has to be one.

There is plenty of space to get away if you need to and the dogs don't feel quite so restricted/hemmed in.

I know what you are saying though - it only takes one to spoil the day for everyone.

[rebelsquest]

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

It's not just bigger dogs either.

[seeana]

I am one that is all for having off lead places for Well behaved dogs to run free .....that being said and owning 4 bigger dogs the only problems I have had is with one or two very small dogs (it must be the small dog syndrome) but my guys just put their head up and ignore.

That was a few years ago and I must be lucky as now no problems at all.

It all gets down to the owner of the dog in question as we all know the few spoil it for the rest ...anti social owner anti social dog or just sheer ignorance.

There is nothing better than watching my dogs off lead enjoying themselves without a collar and lead they need to run free sometimes..... I have Never had a complaint in fact they are often approached and respond with kindness and restraint as I have trained them to.

It is great that another leash free area has been opened up as there is so few of them.Pressure must have come from somewhere and those that pushed for that should make sure as much as they can that the few that spoil it for others are made unwelcome and or reported.

All going well it would be a happy social place ......to those those that like to keep their dogs on leash ' take your pick there are many places to go.

Surely you would not begrudge one or two places opening up to let our best friends run free sometimes.......would you.

[seeana]

I am one that is all for having off lead places for Well behaved dogs to run free .....that being said and owning 4 bigger dogs the only problems I have had is with one or two very small dogs (it must be the small dog syndrome) but my guys just put their head up and ignore.

That was a few years ago and I must be lucky as now no problems at all.

It all gets down to the owner of the dog in question as we all know the few spoil it for the rest ...anti social owner anti social dog or just sheer ignorance.

There is nothing better than watching my dogs off lead enjoying themselves without a collar and lead they need to run free sometimes..... I have Never had a complaint in fact they are often approached and respond with kindness and restraint as I have trained them to.

It is great that another leash free area has been opened up as there is so few of them.Pressure must have come from somewhere and those that pushed for that should make sure as much as they can that the few that spoil it for others are made unwelcome and or reported.

All going well it would be a happy social place ......to those those that like to keep their dogs on leash ' take your pick there are many places to go.

Surely you would not begrudge one or two places opening up to let our best friends run free sometimes.......would you.

Sorry meant without lead, all have coller on.....oops.

[Guest lavendergirl]

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

It's not just bigger dogs either.

I know - but a lot of SWF owners worry about their dogs being viewed as "prey" by some larger dogs and they are less likely to survive an attack.

[sandgrubber]

Good on them! Some dogs need to run in the sand and play. Some dogs love to swim, or need to swim for health reasons. Many puppies get their basic socialisation at the beach.

I went to Fremantle dog beach daily for a couple years . . . when I lived down that way. Yes, there were a few problems with people who were dumb enough to try to picnic on the beach and got sand in their food, people getting knocked over by games of dog tag, fishermen getting bait stolen, and half a dozen dogs got snake bites in the dunes each year. But the good it did to hundreds of dogs to have a chance to run and chase surf is not to be scoffed.

What is needed is better patrolling of beaches to keep aggressive dogs / owners out. I think the Fremantle and Cockburn rangers did a pretty good job patrolling the dog beach . . . and the regulars tend to gang up on anyone whose dog is creating problems. Don't know if it's still like that.

If you don't like off lead parks, don't go to them. There are millions of places you can walk your dog on lead!

[Pollywaffle]

I have never seen anything more wonderful than my two playing on the beach, running up to the waves and then darting away at the last minute, wind literally in their hair..delightful to see them being dogs, with all the magic that entails! Priceless!

[BC Crazy]

My 2 love nothing more than their daily run on the beach for a couple of hours, leash-free. I think once again you have to use your common sense as a responsible dog owner. Have your wits about you.I am very careful with mine.

Check whats around you & in the distance before you let you furry kids run free. I am very lucky here because I have been using the leash-free for 18 years now so I know most of dogs here, nice or not so

so if I don't like the look of who is coming up, 'leads on' until I think it is safe to let them of again. I hate holiday time here cause we tend to get invaded by lots of visitors, so I don't let my 2 off lead if I am in any

doubt. You will never be able to protect your beloved's from everything but they need to LIVE alittle too.

Yes there are alot idiots that think 'leash-free' means they sit & drink coffee while their little darling's go & terrorize every other pup around. I have had my share of them, everything from a guy who thought he was Caeser

Millan AS IF, proceeded to "disipline" Stella by hitting her & then me with his umbrella after I flew for him. To a lady being p**sed off at me for not allowing her little "Fee Fee" play with Sonny. My choice, my dog !

In the end my 2 love to run,play & swim sooooo much I choose to take them. I will always protect as much as humanly possible. Couldn't agree more Pollywaffle, isn't it just beautiful to watch.

Edited December 15, 2011 by BC Crazy

[RubyStar]

I'm the first to say that I'm not a fan of off leash areas, but I think the beach is about as good as it gets if there has to be one.

There is plenty of space to get away if you need to and the dogs don't feel quite so restricted/hemmed in.

I know what you are saying though - it only takes one to spoil the day for everyone.

Not at our dog beaches on a weekend on a lovely morning Can't take two paces without hitting another dog. Luckily have only had one incident and it was a less busy beach, with a little dog latching onto Millie's neck and she just stood there like WTF The few times I've gone the dogs have all co-existed peacefully, but it still worries me that a few unsavouries do ruin it for everyone, so I hardly go.

[Guest donatella]

This is precisely why I find other ways of exercising/entertaining my dog. One out of control off leash larger dog with the desire to attack and my dog is a goner. I'm not risking it.

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

It's not just bigger dogs either.

I know - but a lot of SWF owners worry about their dogs being viewed as "prey" by some larger dogs and they are less likely to survive an attack.

[Ness1409]

I'd love to know where in Qld this new off-lead dog beach is, if it's anywhere from Noosa south please can you let me know as we like to get out for drives on the weekend and another place to visit on either Sunny or Gold Coasts would be great!

Cheers

Ness

[seeana]

When you think about it this is the world we live in being dogs or humans there is always someone who takes pleasure in ruining it for everyone.

It would be great if it could be arranged where there is a leash free beach to try and arrange for some sort of doggy club could be formed so there could be reguler meets with caring dog owners as there is safety in numbers.

When we can sell our property and find a place to live near a leash free beach I know that is what I would try to set up somehow.

Well I can dream cant I.

[HazyWal]

This is precisely why I find other ways of exercising/entertaining my dog. One out of control off leash larger dog with the desire to attack and my dog is a goner. I'm not risking it.

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

It's not just bigger dogs either.

I know - but a lot of SWF owners worry about their dogs being viewed as "prey" by some larger dogs and they are less likely to survive an attack.

It's the small breed dogs I seem to have the the most trouble with in my area and I don't mean in offleash areas I mean just walking down the street.Numerous times I've had little dogs running around my greyhounds barking madly and nipping.Greyhounds have thin skin and a nip can result in stitches.

[Danois]

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

It's not just bigger dogs either.

I know - but a lot of SWF owners worry about their dogs being viewed as "prey" by some larger dogs and they are less likely to survive an attack.

And a lot of large dog owners are sick of SWF owners who think its amusing for their little precious to be brave and bark at the large dog or get under large dogs' feet andf cause them to come crashing down.

Its a 2 way street...

[Guest donatella]

be very thankful nips and scratches is all they endure. One vicious off lead dog vs mine = dead dog, there are no nips and scratches it is life and death.

The owners that let their little dogs off leash are morons and asking for a dead dog really.

This is precisely why I find other ways of exercising/entertaining my dog. One out of control off leash larger dog with the desire to attack and my dog is a goner. I'm not risking it.

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

It's not just bigger dogs either.

I know - but a lot of SWF owners worry about their dogs being viewed as "prey" by some larger dogs and they are less likely to survive an attack.

It's the small breed dogs I seem to have the the most trouble with in my area and I don't mean in offleash areas I mean just walking down the street.Numerous times I've had little dogs running around my greyhounds barking madly and nipping.Greyhounds have thin skin and a nip can result in stitches.

[HazyWal]

No I am not thankful for a nip or scratches my dogs are muzzled and cannot even defend themselves.

[RubyStar]

Let's not turn this into another little dog vs big dog thread

[Guest lavendergirl]

I agree. I would much rather take my dog to an on lead beach because I don't trust that other bigger dogs are under proper control off leash.

It's not just bigger dogs either.

I know - but a lot of SWF owners worry about their dogs being viewed as "prey" by some larger dogs and they are less likely to survive an attack.

And a lot of large dog owners are sick of SWF owners who think its amusing for their little precious to be brave and bark at the large dog or get under large dogs' feet andf cause them to come crashing down.

Its a 2 way street...

Look my comment wasn't meant to be taken as a personal insult by owners of large dogs or generate an argument between lovers of small and large dogs. I was just stating the fact that some larger dogs may view little dogs as prey in certain environments and the smaller dogs are less likely to survive an attack by a considerably larger dog. Of course there are ignorant owners amongst all categories of dogs.