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Los Angeles is a veritable playground of outdoor activities with the mountains on one end, the beach at another and the whole city in between. For dog owners it is commonly  known that your dog needs exercise almost everyday to be happy and balanced, just the way people do. In this series we will explore the best places to go with your dog, free of charge while taking in sights, getting some exercise and experiencing what nature has to offer.
Forty minutes south of Los Angeles, on the 405 Freeway, is the Long Beach Dog Beach. It became the first off leash dog beach in the LA County area, when a local Resident, Justin Rudd, held an event on June 24th, 2001. After asking the Long Beach city counsel for permission to have a “special doggie event” for the day, it became a regular Sunday occurrence. Finally, in 2004, a certain area of the beach was permanently designated as an off leash Dog area.
With yellow cones showing where your pampered poochies can roam free there are 60 yards, or 2.9 acres of beach and water for fun frolicking. On top of the 235 yards of beautiful sand between this area and the parking lot is the fact that there are over 800 parking spots in the lot directly behind the beach. Much like any dog park or Runyon Canyon (another activity for you and furry friend to enjoy in our series) dogs must be monitored when off leash by their owners at all times. If your dog exudes any aggressive behavior or is young and therefore not well trained they should be on a leash. Pull up, jump out and have yourself a swim!
Unsure of whether your dog likes the water? Bring a few treats and a toy, like a tennis  ball, with you, and gently guide your prancing pup, on a leash (just at the beginning), to the water’s edge. Sit next to your dog and let the waves slowly run up to the paws and see how they react. If they move more into the water, try taking the leash off and standing there as the dog adjust to the height, force and feel of the waves. Give them a treat every now and again to let them know that their comfort in the water is a good and desired behavior. After some time spent standing together in the water or if you notice your dogs’ energy level increases throw a ball or toy out into the waves. Hopefully they will follow it and a new activity for the two of you will begin.
Some dogs may not like the water, however. If upon bringing your dog to the water’s edge he or she backs up away from the water as it comes towards them, or if they are willing to go into the waves but then run out of the water after getting hit, that’s ok. Don’t force them into the water. This will only scare them further. Instead, walk into the water leaving only slight slack on the leash and hold a treat for them in your hand. If they come towards you, give them another treat as the water comes towards both of you. This may ease their fear and as time passes they may adjust to the sensation of water crashing around them. If however, they continue to run onto the dry sand, it means they aren’t the biggest fans of the water. This is ok. The sand at the Long Beach Dog Beach is very fine and comfortable. With a cool breeze blowing by and the water spread out in front you, you and your dripping dog can enjoy time together basking in the sun on a towel or beach blanket.
With other animal owners and ocean loving dogs around you the day will be spent making new acquaintances and getting a tan with your beloved ball chasing friend.
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