Do you know great beaches but a sign prohibits you from accessing them with your dog? Why are some beaches closed to dogs? In this article, you will find out why dogs are sometimes refused at the beach.

Summary

Going to the beach with Musher was a big dream of mine before she joined the family. How disillusioned I was when I realized that dogs were not allowed on the majority of French beaches!

Depending on the municipalities, some beaches are completely closed to dogs. Other beaches refuse dogs during the summer season, or during the day.

I can reassure you right away, there are still beaches allowed for dogs! You will find their list at the bottom of this article.

Among dog owners, we often wonder the reason for these bans. I also asked myself the question, so I'm sharing with you in this article the different answers I found 😉

Dogs refused on beaches: priority given to humans

It's mainly in tourist areas that dogs are refused on beaches. Indeed, beaches quickly become crowded during the summer season, and it becomes difficult to find a spot. I'm thinking in particular of the beaches in the Calanques or on the French Riviera.

Even when they are not crowded, beaches may be closed to dogs. For these destinations, priority is given to humans, and especially tourists. Municipalities prefer to avoid any risk of disturbance due to a dog.

Admittedly, some dogs exhibit behavior that can be bothersome to humans . They might bark, run, or even jump on people. Granted, it's not their fault, but it's up to their owners to ensure they behave properly! It's all about training. Despite the fact that many of us are responsible, it's understandable that dogs are refused entry to some beaches for these reasons.

For the record, when Musher was younger, she always rolled around in the sand like a crazy person after swimming. She would then start running around before stopping and shaking off. Once, she shook herself right next to 2 young girls sunbathing! They received a wave of wet sand, poor things! Fortunately, they took it as a joke. Musher looked so happy, they couldn't really blame her! Since then, I have been very careful because there is a risk of being argued with by unhappy people. And that would be quite normal.

Fear: reason for refusing dogs on beaches

Around dogs, there are mainly 2 schools: those who love doggies, and those who are afraid of them because they find them unpredictable. It is surely the presence of this second school which explains why dogs are refused on so many beaches.

Many people are genuinely afraid of dogs. Some have even been chased or bitten by one. It's therefore understandable that dogs are not allowed on beaches, so that these people can enjoy them without fear of an accident.

dogs may be banned from beaches because they risk knocking over people and children

Furthermore, some dogs can be aggressive or too rough and injure someone . For fear of accidents, local councils may therefore prohibit dogs from accessing their beaches.

In Italy, even on beaches where dogs are allowed , they must be kept on a leash . You should also bring a muzzle , in case the authorities ask you to put one on your dog.

So it's super important to train your dog from a young age! It's not always easy for them to come with us everywhere. To help you have the best vacation with your dog, we've created a dog training guide 😀 Since we're not dog trainers at EmmèneTonChien, we're giving you plenty of resources to find the information and professionals best suited to your situation!

Dog droppings on the beaches

One of the main reasons why dogs are refused access to beaches is that their droppings cause inconvenience, sometimes dangerous.

First of all, it's very unpleasant to spread out your beach towel between two dog droppings. It's also not pleasant to walk on a beach checking where you're putting your foot, or even to let your children play in the sand. This makes the beach uncomfortable for everyone and also gives a bad impression of the destination.

Furthermore, the cost of collecting dog waste by municipal services is significant . In Besançon, for example, it has been estimated at nearly €70,000 per year! Okay, it's not a beach destination, but it still gives you an idea of ​​the annual budget… Some municipalities therefore choose to ban dogs from their beaches in order to redirect the budget elsewhere.

Finally, dog excrement is responsible for water pollution , making the water unsuitable for swimming. This pollution also disrupts coastal ecosystems. Therefore, prohibiting dogs on beaches would help protect biodiversity.

So it would be enough for EVERYONE to pick up their dog's poop 🙃 This would take a big step forward so that our dogs are better accepted on the beaches, but also in many other public places! So remember to always have dog waste bags, wherever you are with your dog 😉

:maple_leaf: Musher's seasonal advice
After a scorching summer, it's time for autumn walks 🍂 But it's also the return of hunting and nighttime outings… To keep an eye on your dog, A GPS tracker for dogs is the tool you need! Explore our comparison of GPS devices for dogs :left_magnifying_eye:

Dogs at the beach: a danger for flora and wildlife

In addition to their droppings, dogs' behavior can also be a danger to wildlife . I didn't know this, but there are many animals and plants that only live on coastlines. Some species are even protected!

Dogs sometimes have fun chasing birds, scratching in the sand or jumping in the water. This creates stress in the animals, which then reproduce less well. Additionally, the dog may bring bacteria or other dirt into the water from the shore. Unintentionally, it can harm fish, corals and therefore the coastal ecosystem!

dogs are refused on beaches in natural environments because they can disrupt ecosystems

Some birds make their nests in the sand. If dogs come to destroy their eggs, it is a real blow to their reproduction!

To guarantee the survival and reproduction of flora and fauna on the coast, dogs are simply refused on the beaches.

I'm lucky Musher isn't a hunter. She has never gone chasing a bird. On the other hand, she loves to explore! It could therefore very well come across a bird or rodent's nest, and destroy it. When I know there may be animals there, I keep her on a leash or call her back. We then go to another place so that she can explore at her leisure, and avoid getting frustrated!

Exceptions to the rule

Of course, guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs are exceptions to the rule . They can indeed access beaches where other dogs are refused.

In the event of an inspection, you simply need to be able to present your “inclusion mobility” or “priority for disabled person” card, as well as your dog’s papers.

You now understand why dogs are not allowed on certain beaches! I was surprised to learn to what extent our dogs' droppings and behavior could disrupt biodiversity. I didn't think they could threaten biodiversity! I hope this article interested you as much as I did!

The reasons why dogs are refused on beaches are the same elsewhere in Europe. Indeed, dogs are never accepted everywhere, whether in Spain, Italy, Belgium or even Croatia. However, in these countries, you will still find beaches authorized for dogs, or even reserved for them!

If you would like to know more about the rules to follow when bringing your dog to the beach, I recommend our article on legislation and fines concerning dogs on beaches.

Taking your dog to the beach can still be a wonderful experience! To help you enjoy it, we also have an article on precautions to take when bringing your dog to the beach . And as promised, here is the list of dog-friendly beaches ! You can view them on a map by clicking the "View map" button.

Wishing you a wonderfully wonderful vacation!