Sunday 30 September 2012

Last Day Of Cornish Beach Summer Dog Ban

Can you tell I am a little excited, today is the last day of the Cornish Beach Summer Dog Ban.
From 1st October you will be allowed to take your dog on the beach at any time of the day.... freedom!

You will normally see notices at the start of beaches like the one below, but sometimes they are not completely up to date.  For all up to date information on which beaches dogs are allowed on please see the Cornwall Council Web Page on Beaches.

Cornwall Council Beach Guide For Dog Users taken at Gwithian
Cornwall Councils Sign For Dog Owners photo taken at Gwithian

I was really pleased to hear that St Ives Town Council has received over 1000 responses to their consultation about the potential complete dog ban to their beaches, the results will be out at the end of October 2012.  I think there are a lot of dogs sat at home with their paws crossed as I type about the out come.

I do understand that not everyone likes dogs, however I do feel that with responsible dog owners making sure that your dogs do not interfere, upset others and of course scoop that poop that we can all share the fun in enjoying our beautiful coastlines.

I hope you all enjoy walking your dogs along the beach this winter, I know I certainly will!



Friday 28 September 2012

Count down to run free

It's nearly that time of year that us dog owners look forward to..... it's nearly time we can walk on the beaches without worrying about what time it is.

 Most beaches in Cornwall with bans during the summer months only allow dogs from 7pm to 7am, so either its a mad dash in the early morning to get a good walk before 7am or a late one.  I know Jem is far too eager to wait that long for a good walk in the evenings.

 From the 1st October most beaches with bans allows our four legged friends to run free at any time. Woo Hoo.  This has to be one of my favourite all time things to do on a cold day, wrap up warm and go for a long walk with the sea air and wind in both mine and Jems hair.

It is so funny to watch dogs run free on our beaches especially if there is a bit of wind, they run crazy and I feel they really enjoy the freedom and meeting other dog walkers. I am so excited about walking on the beaches, and I know Jem can't wait.  I look forward to see many of you fellow dog walkers on the beach.

 Though it's a great time for us we need to appreciate that not everyone loves dogs, so please bear this in mind especially those with children. This is not only for the people's sake but also we never know how our dogs will react to different situations. Oh and don't forget to scoop that poop!

Before you set off  you can check the dog bans on beaches on this web page Cornwall Council Beaches in Cornwall, where you can check out the main beaches.

Cornish Beach, Dog Running Free, Dog Ban Lifts
Freedom to RUN on the Cornish Beaches


There are often concerns that some beaches might be banned completely from dogs in the future and I personally would hate this to happen.

In the press recently there has been stories about St Ives Beaches which might be banned to any animals all the time. Disaster (in a Strictly Judge kind of speak). 
A group of residents have formed called St Ives Dog Owner Group are trying to combat this.
Here are links to the story on the ITV WestCountry and This is Cornwall.

Currently there is a consultation about the ban and walking dogs in St Ives- which actually ends today (28th September 2012) so please be quick to respond if you wish to .  The link to the consultation is here.
Fingers crossed it works out that there is no full ban.

Don't forget if any of you or a member of your family need the use of wheel chairs or help with getting around you can still join in the beach dog walk fun by using a sand chair which are located around Cornwall's beaches for full details see Disability Cornwall.

I hope that the weather stays well so at least we can enjoy some time down on the beach with our four legged friends.  Have fun and I will see you at the beach.

Thursday 20 September 2012

Dog Stop at Asda

Popping into Asda with a dog is made much easier with their 'Dog Stop'.

Often disabled people and parents are the pure focus for customer care but I was impressed when I popped into Asda at St Austell recently by its approach to looking after our dogs while we are shopping.  

Asda at St Austell Pet/ Dog Stop


Asda St Austell now offers a Dog Stop with shade, water and a chain to tie your dog up while you visit the store.  

I was really touched by the care and attention that had been put into us dog owners, who are concerned leaving our best friends in our cars in hot days.

Personally I would be a little worried about anyone stealing my dog while I shopped being tied up there for any period of time however I really praise these efforts. 

Have you seen any other great dog facilities in Cornwall?

Let us know and we can do a review about them.