Loose dogs on the beach

Impact of ball throwing.

"CAM would go as far as to say that it is not an ideal activity for any dog, whatever their age or condition. Here, three team members look at the impact of throwing a ball on a dog, both physically and mentally."

(Physio, myotherapist and veterinary behaviourist)

caninearthritis.org

From the Canine Arthritis Management Team: On Throwing Balls | Canine Arthritis Resources and Education

Guest article from the team at Canine Arthritis Management: Hannah Capon, MA Vet MB MRCVS Danielle Pountain, RVN dip AVN dip HE CVN Cert SA hydro Lynsey Tindall, RVN dip AVN Rebecca Barr, BVMS MSc Behaviour MRCVS Melanie Bruder, DipCOT, […]
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Would suggest avoid bank holidays as that’s always going to be busy & maybe look for a less “well known” dog friendly beach. I’ve also found if it’s a decent size beach people tend to congregate near the parking area but if you can head away from there then there’s likely to be less people.

Dog’s charging up to you / rifling through picnics etc is rude but throwing balls, frisbees etc for their dogs is a thing a lot of people do at the beach so it’s something you’re almost certain to encounter there.

If even on a quieter day that’s too much for your dog to deal with maybe make the beach a winter only activity when you’re likely to have a lot less people there (especially if you pick a day it’s below freezing!)
 
MurphysMinder said:
Do you have any UKA shows local to you? They have just started running a few round here and they are a game changer. My younger heeler measure 275 mm, at KC he has to jump 300, at UKA it is 250. The older boy is 305 mm, he has jumped 300 without a problem but now at nearly 12 I was going to retire him. However he can jump 200 select at UKA and is loving it. I know quite a few people whose dogs would have to jump 600 at KC but are jumping 500s at UKA shows.
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How did I not know this was a thing?!

Thanks xx
 
Our nearest beaches are pretty much miles of empty sand all year round, but the local NT properties are absolutely rammed over public holidays and I avoid them like the plague. People (and their dogs) annoy me at the best of times so I'd definitely avoid the beach if it was busy and/or it upset my dog/s.
 
I don't even have a dog but the beaches near me stress me out as there is no way of stopping loose dogs getting onto the road. I've had to retrieve a stressed out dog from playing chicken with cars for someone who was no where to be seen. I know my dog doesn't have any recall and is stressed out by other dogs so why don't I let it off and watch as it runs into the distance 🤷 it would be cruel to keep it on the lead on the beach right 👍
 
I ditched ball throwers years ago sure they love it but it is too wearing on them .
I play ball rolling with Dram and Pearl often along the corridor in the stables it’s good for the horses .
 
Just seen this thread, very topical for me today. I walk on our shore virtually every morning, this is more of a walking, bird watching area so we don’t get the ‘seaside holiday ‘ sort of people even at peak times. However at 8am today , I was walking along the track above the shore as someone was coming towards me but on the waters edge throwing a ball with a launcher for her labrador. I caught my flatcoat, mostly because she is so sociable she loves to say hello to people almost more than dogs but my rescue collie/ retriever, I was pretty sure would leave them alone. As we got closer this woman continued to throw the ball, sometimes up towards the track instead of ahead of her. I watched with interest if she would stop on passing me. No! My dear dog was sorely tempted and I did have to shout ‘stay’ to her. It made the woman jump, who suddenly stopped the throwing! 🙄
A year or so ago , someone didn't stop throwing and my dog couldn’t resist and intercepted the ball and returned it to me. I shouted sorry and threw it back. It was a man with a spaniel this time and he said thanks and launched it again! My dog was the quickest, I suggested he stop for a moment! It was unbelievable. I never take a ball on a walk and in fact rarely play with one at home. I never really wanted a dog with collie in its breeding but my goodness she is intelligent and obedient now. Very proud today!
 
Jenko109 said:
Yes. I think it needs a shake up tbh.

We don't compete much because I wont compete her at 600. I will take her to more relaxed local shows who will allow her to enter as a large dog jumping as an intermediate.

She predominantly trains at 500 and will occasionally do a bit of simple work at 600 but this is rare.

The KC say she should be jumping 600. I think it's too big for her unless it's a simple jump on a straight line. I've never asked her to backside jump over 600 and doubt I ever will.
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Look at UK agility shows, they measure independently of KC and also allow you to create a height down from their measured heights of she measured into 600. You have progression just the same and a grand final at the end of the season to aim for. Nice friendly shows too from our experience.
 
MurphysMinder said:
Do you have any UKA shows local to you? They have just started running a few round here and they are a game changer. My younger heeler measure 275 mm, at KC he has to jump 300, at UKA it is 250. The older boy is 305 mm, he has jumped 300 without a problem but now at nearly 12 I was going to retire him. However he can jump 200 select at UKA and is loving it. I know quite a few people whose dogs would have to jump 600 at KC but are jumping 500s at UKA shows.
Click to expand...

Just joined UKA this weekend, mine is just in large at KC, he’s a relatively small lurcher.
 
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