Expert shares tips to keep your dog under control at the beach

Dog owners heading to the beach this summer are being offered expert advice on how to keep their pets safe, happy, and under control.

With the weather warming up, dog training experts at ACME Kennels have shared their top training tips for keeping pets under control at the seaside.

Beaches can be a sensory overload for dogs, with roaming children, other pets, and wide-open spaces – making it essential that dogs reliably respond to their owners, for both safety and enjoyment.

According to the experts, whistle training is the most effective way to ensure a dog can be depended on to respond in distracting environments- essential for keeping them safe and under control.

However, beach training can be more challenging, so owners may need to adapt their routine with key strategies, such as setting water boundaries or using sand-specific techniques.

Ben McFarlane, expert from ACME Kennels , said: “Beaches may seem like paradise, but for dogs they’re full of distractions – crashing waves, circling seagulls, and tempting delicious scents.

“A strong whistle recall is key to keeping them safe and under control at the beach, as off-lead freedom should only be given to well trained dogs.

“While many dog owners master whistle training at home or in the garden, taking it beyond the fence line and to the coast will introduce a fresh set of challenges.

“To help, we’ve shared tips for maintaining control at the seaside using a whistle- because there’s nothing quite like watching a well-trained dog respond instantly.

”Whistle tips to keep control in coastal chaos:

Combatting Long-Distance Drift

The expanse of a beach can tempt even the most obedient dogs to wander. A dog whistle cuts through the wind more reliably than a voice command, so a short series of sharp pips (e.g. three quick blasts) can be trained as a “check-in” or directional cue. This helps dogs stay within range and engaged, even if they’re sprinting along the shoreline.

Sand-Specific Training Tactics

Unlike grass, sand can affect traction and speed. Practice recall and stop commands specifically on sand, so your dog adjusts to how they move and respond in that environment. Start near the dunes where distractions are fewer before moving closer to the water’s edge.

Introducing Water Boundaries

If your dog enjoys a swim, introduce a distinct whistle cue to recall them from the water. This may require a stronger reward, perhaps a special treat or their favourite toy, to entice them back from a paddle. It also teaches them that coming back doesn’t mean the fun is over, but rather that it continues under your direction.

Navigating Other Beachgoers

Unlike fenced dog parks, beaches are shared with sunbathers, children, and other pets. Use your whistle to signal polite pauses, redirect your dog from approaching others uninvited, or call them to heel when navigating crowds. This makes your dog a welcome guest on any shoreline and reduces stress for everyone.