Pax's Frirst Day At The Beach

[Colorado1234]

Pax got to dip his paws in the Atlantic for the first time yersterday. I found a dog beach park near Point Pleasant NJ and Pax loved everything about it, almost too much. I kept him on the leash (even tho its a leash optional beach) for a while and noticed he had no fear of the waves and wanted to get in the water. However, I was afraid and kept him on shore. After Pax calmed down I did give him 5 min in heaven, I let him off leash and ran down the beach with him. We were the only ones there, but as soon as Pax got too close to jumping in I put him back on the leash. What are everyones thoughts on letting dogs swim in the ocean if the currents are safe? Pax is only 7 months so I was thinking that he is too young. For right now he will just have to enjoy eating the sand.

 

[Cobalt]

I'm in the same situation right now; "Bea" just turned 8mos and recently had her first beach visit. While she was hesitant at first now, it's hard to keep her out of the water, she loves it! But I'm now trying to get her to swim in a smaller lake area first so that 1. I know she CAN swim, and 2. it's a more controlled environment that I can dive into myself (pardon the pun) to rescue her if she needs rescuing. Once I'm comfortable with her ability to swim, I'll let her have a go in the ocean on a good conditions day.

 

[Max's mom]

I have always been scared of the beach and tidal waters due to riptides and currents. Even when I let my lab swim in the "river" I keep him on a retracting leash so that if there is danger or problem, I could pull him. He's much smaller than a mastiff though. I am too overprotective of Max to let him anywhere near the beach/ocean. I'm considering the river and swimming with harness and 26 ft lead, but have not figured out how to get him home wet/muddy/smelly without ruining my car!

Beware of current, riptide and know the water you are allowing your pet to swim in.














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[DDSK]

Most dogs swim stronger than most humans.
What scares me more are deeper creeks and rivers where they may get confused and try to swim
Up against the current.

 

[Smokeycat]

Most dogs swim stronger than most humans.
What scares me more are deeper creeks and rivers where they may get confused and try to swim
Up against the current.

My parents dog does that. Jiggers thankfully swims towards the shore and then runs back.
I have no experience with ocean currents but its a fairly wide river here and I think the best you can do is to know the currents and your dogs strength. If the dog plays fetch you can keep the ball or stick close to shore to avoid the stronger currents too.

 

[scorning]

I would start with a life vest and a long line. I like my ruffwear life vest, it fits my dane well.

 

[Colorado1234]

Wow, Bae is absolutely beautiful. I never saw such interesting markings with such rich colors. What breed is she?

 

[DennasMom]

Denna LOVES to swim. So much, that she'll head out and not turn around.... so, I keep her on a long line when we're near deep/wide water, so I can redirect her back to the beach when needed. I would probably give her "5 min of heaven", too! But, I'd be keeping up with her and making sure she didn't see a spot on the horizon that she needed to swim after.