If you’re looking for a great place to take your dog this summer, we’ve got the list of dog beaches in West Virginia. From Huntington to Parkersburg, and everywhere in between, there are plenty of spots for you and your pup to enjoy.
8 tips when going to a dog beach in West Virginia
A lot of people don’t understand the etiquette involved in taking their dogs to the dog beach. Taking your pooch to the dog beach might sound like fun, but if you’re not careful, it can turn into a nightmare.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy the dog beach responsibly and safely:
1. Avoid mixing different dog breeds
Dogs who don’t know each other should be introduced cautiously at the dog beach — especially if there’s any size difference. Large or dominant dogs can injure small or submissive dogs without meaning to do so.
2. Don’t leave your dog unattended at the beach (especially during peak hours)
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill off-leash area. Things happen quickly on the beach, and it’s easy for new playmates to get too rambunctious, search for food from other strangers, or become a little too playful towards young children.
3. Don’t leave your dog unattended in the parking lot
This is not only against the law, but it’s dangerous because cars could hit and injure your pup. It also tempts thieves who want to steal an unattended car with a dog inside.
4. Clean up after your dog
You might not want to step in it, but the most important reason for picking up dog poop is to protect our local watershed. Dog feces can spread diseases like giardia and E. coli into the water supply which causes human health issues.
5. Cover up any holes your dog has dug
Dogs love to dig, but at the dog beach, these could become a hazard for other dogs and humans that attend to the beach. Be sure to quickly cover up any holes that your dog has made and make sure that the sand is packed in well over the hole.
6. Try to avoid bringing treats for your dog
Treats will attract the attention of other dogs at the dog beach, which can cause tension if dogs are trying to get to the same resource.
7. Be considerate of others
Not everyone at the beach wants to be around dogs, so please be mindful of other people and their space. Keep your dog on a leash where it is required to do so, and don’t let them bark, whine or jump on anyone.
8. Have fun!
The main reason many of us go to the dog beach is that it’s a blast for our pups. So when you’re there with your best furry friend, just relax and enjoy yourselves. Your dog picks up on your energy, so if you’re relaxed, calm, and there to have fun, your dog will be more likely to be in the same mood.
