For many, a day out at the beach wouldn’t be complete without the company of their beloved dogs.

That’s why Sefton Council’s Green Sefton service are passionate about keeping our canine companions safe while they are visiting its 22-mile coastline.

This summer Green Sefton partnered with Dogs Trust Merseyside to host pop-ups at both Ainsdale and Crosby beach. This gave visitors the chance to get expert advice and discounted dog training offers from Dogs Trust.

Additionally, Green Sefton use the events to recruit Dog Rangers who will promote responsible dog ownership and behaviour at beaches and parks.

While there’s so much fun to be had, beaches can pose a range of hazards to our dogs.

Dog control and recall

In a world of online misinformation, it’s difficult to determine who and what can be trusted when it comes to dog behaviour and training.

Dogs Trust are the UK’s leading dog welfare charity and offer expert advice on all areas of dog ownership. People can find out more at www.dogstrust.org.uk as well as following Merseyside Police’s #TakingtheLead campaign.

Dog control is so important when visiting our coast and greenspaces. A number of situations can arise at any moment that require full recall of your dog.

This can vary from recalling your dog away from other dogs that may be reactive, to preventing your dog from disturbing wildlife.

If your dog doesn’t have a reliable and consistent recall, it is worth considering keeping them on a lead or using a long line.

Litter

We all know litter has a detrimental impact on wildlife, but dogs are also at risk if they were to consume any.

And if glass and other sharp objects are not disposed of properly, they can become partially covered in sand and be a real risk for people and animals when walking along our coastline.

That’s why Sefton Council urges all visitors to leave no trace and take all their belongings and waste home with them.

There is always a huge ‘thank you’ for those people who do that and to the brilliant volunteer groups who organise beach clean ups and litter picks.

Water safety

If your canine is a water-lover, it’s always important to check the water conditions, tide times and RNLI flag and advice for that day before letting your dog take a dip in the sea.

Sefton’s beaches are RNLI lifeguarded daily from 10am – 6pm through the summer months and are there to offer advice for people and dogs wanting to enjoy the sea safely.

Crosby beach is permanently red flagged and is not a bathing beach. Dog walkers should be mindful of the areas of deep mud which are constantly shifting and moving – please keep both you and your dog within 50 metres of the promenade when walking on Crosby beach.

To find out more about visiting Sefton’s beaches, go to: www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches