I had a great time on the beach yesterday, I am getting used to the south coast and the sunshine. Mum and her sister in law took me househunting (yawn – I think they are addicted) but then they took me to the beach as well. I showed Aunty Judy the way I roll in the sand, I think she is becoming quite a dog lover.

Mum was just checking out where she can take me to the beach in West Sussex and we found this code of practice for dogs on beaches. It all seems fairly sensible, but I am not sure I will ever get the hang of the second rule!

The Dog Owners Code of Practice for Beaches

• Do not allow your dog to foul a beach or adjacent area. If your dog fouls a beach remove the faeces.
• Train your dog to defecate at home before you walk him on a beach.
• Make sure your dog’s vaccination and worming are up to date. Dogs can more easily pick up infections when away from home.
• Check that your chosen caravan site, hotel, guest house, will accept your dog when you book your holiday.
• Some beaches have restrictions on dogs. Read and observe notices. The maps above indicate dog free zones between 1st May – 30th September
• When your dog is off its lead always ensure it is under control. Respect the rights of others – some of whom may not like dogs. When beaches are crowded it is particularly important you keep your dog on a lead.
• Never leave a dog in a car – even with an open window. Dogs can easily die from heat exhaustion.
• Never allow your dog to roam unsupervised. He could easily get lost, become a stray, and cause accidents.
• Remember small children can be easily frightened by even the friendliest of dogs.

Good news- my Nan has finally chosen a house! It is about five minutes walk from the beach and park, great for me. The house has stripped wooden floors so Nan will be able to clear my fur up easily. At the moment she has carpets and she says dog hair sticks to it like glue. There is a very sunny garden and they know I don’t like the sun, so I will probably lie in the shade of the shed where I can still keep an eye on everybody.

We still haven’t found a house for my Nan, we are going househunting again tomorrow. Paws crossed we will find one to suit. At least I hope to go to the beach again. I told her it doesn’t matter how many bathrooms it has, the most important factors are – space for a dog bed, and walking distance to the beach. Think of me tomorrow!
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Dad says this is one of the best pictures of me, taken on Bognor Beach with the roofs of the holiday camp in the background. He says I look very distinguished. I think the camp looks like a space ship, I would rather be on the beach. I am allowed on all the beaches up until the end of April: after that dogs are allowed anywhere except the central beach around Bognor Pier. Tags:dogs,weblog, pets,diary,dog food,

The good news is – we are going to the beach again this week. The bad news – we are still househunting in Felpham and Bognor. If you know of a nice house for sale in Felpham or Bognor please let me know, I can’t wait to get a second home down there. Nan says she will make sure she buys a dog friendly home, and I will be able to walk on the beach much more often.