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<\/p>\n
Torquay local dog owners Ian and Judy Sedger also said they walk their dog Rosie early most mornings so they can use the beaches freely, but on the odd occasion their morning walk gets delayed so they have had to drive down to get a coffee to avoid the beaches.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will definitely be nice not to have to think about it,\u201d Mrs Sedger said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore freedom for dogs I say,\u201d Mr Sedger added.<\/p>\n
Sophie Noss from Pawtastic Dog Training helps run dog training classes in the Surf Coast and Bellarine areas.<\/p>\n
Ms Noss said it is important to make sure the beach is safe and comfortable for both people and dogs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes having areas where people can enjoy accessing the beach with their dogs as well as having areas of the beach where dogs are not a part of the beach, particularly during the busier months of the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tend to walk and train in less busy areas over the summer period and avoid the high density off-leash areas as we find that it can become a little overwhelming for some dogs in high-density areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ms Noss strongly advocates all dog owners train their dogs to ensure they are under effective control when off-leash, regardless of the dog time-share zones.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the best way we can ensure that we can continue to enjoy the beach environment with our dogs for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Surf Coast Shire general manager of culture and community life Chris Pike said even as the dog time zones have ended, dog owners should remember to review the rules that help keep dogs, people and the local environment safe.<\/p>\n \u201cThe end of summer means these zones revert to off-leash areas with conditions,\u201d Mr Pike said.<\/p>\n \u201cOwners must have their dogs under effective control by voice command, always have their dogs in close proximity and prevent them from approaching other people or dogs unless invited.<\/p>\n \u201cIf in doubt people should have their dogs on leads in respect for others and harmony for all.<\/p>\n Dog time-share arrangements will resume briefly over the Easter break.<\/p>\n To find out more and review dog zone map head to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au\/Community\/Pets-and-animals\/Dogs and look out for signs at local beaches.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" AS AUTUMN begins and the summer crowds clear out, off-leash areas have expanded and dogs are back on more beaches during the day. Dog time-share zones operated over summer in busy beach areas in Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Lorne, and Torquay\u2019s Taylor Park, with dogs not allowed on specific beaches from 9am […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/highresedit-35_24888-1-600x380.jpeg?_t=1646110105\")