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Training opportunities and beyond
Your powerful "Why"
One of the main reasons people bring a dog into their lives is to have a companion with whom they can share life’s experiences. Nothing is better than walking your dog off-leash on the beach or a park, enjoying life and each other’s company.
With a reliably trained dog, the world opens up many opportunities to explore together. You can take your dog to parks, beaches, café and restaurants knowing that they will remain calm, not react to other people or dogs and be a model canine citizen. You can travel and stay with your dog in pet-friendly accommodation, knowing you’ll get your bond back!
You may be at the beginning of your dog-training journey, and that’s OK. You can still take your dog to these areas, but be mindful of your dog’s stress levels and rehearsal opportunities. Use a long line at the beach if their recall isn’t up to scratch. Walk past areas of dogs to judge your dog’s reactions and reward all calm interactions. Maybe only buy a coffee from a dog-friendly café and sit further away if your dog has trouble settling.
Remember, you are your dog’s advocate and wingman. You need to be there not only as their guardian but also as their support to help your dog navigate new environments.
Group classes
While Heeling Hounds doesn't offer group classes, Tom volunteers at the Peninsula Positive Paws Dog Club and takes three classes each Sunday morning.
The PPPDG does not provide traditional obedience-style classes. Instead, it is focused on teaching guardians to strengthen their relationships with their dogs by introducing concepts such as calmness, optimism and disengagement.
Rather than marching in heeling patterns, a class may sit in a circle and play games with their dogs to promote self-control and focus. Classes are always fun, and the club caters to all breeds and all life stages, from puppies to senior dogs.
Joining the PPDG is a great way to develop your dog training skills while meeting like-minded dog owners in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Please be mindful that group classes are not for every dog. If your dog is a little 'reactive' or not ready yet to be close to others, the club also has early morning sessions for Naughty But Nice dogs to develop skills to help them integrate into a group class environment.
Dog-friendly parks, beaches, cafés and restaurants
Experience the world together and expand your dog's world
There are many opportunities to train your dog beyond your home and local area. Local councils and businesses also recognise that dog owners want to take their dogs out and about, and so have created leash-free parks, beaches, cafés and even restaurants where you and your four-legged buddy can visit and have adventures together, relax, have a snack or meal or find that perfect social media picture. These are all great places to practice your dog's concept skills, such as calmness, proximity, confidence, independence, focus, disengagement, self-control and engagement.
I have listed some of my favourite areas in the Heeling Hound Service Area that you might consider for your dog. While these areas are designated as dog-friendly, not all of the dogs you encounter are friendly. Ensure your dog is always safe; put them back on their leash when required or if you need to move them away from danger. Carry fresh water, food rewards and poo bags with you at all times.
Respect all signs and regulations, and remember that access is often restricted during daylight savings time. Your dog must be effectively controlled in these areas, which means an immediate recall response, and you must always carry a lead.
Frankston City
Dog-friendly parks
Dog-friendly beaches
Dog-friendly beaches
Frankston City has many dog-friendly free-roam and on-leash parks, with some fully fenced to prevent your dog from escaping. All free-roam, dog-friendly parks in Frankston City have numerous dog poo bag and bin facilities situated throughout.
Here is a list of some of Sidney's favourite parks:
Dog-friendly beaches
Dog-friendly beaches
Dog-friendly beaches
Frankston City is adjacent to Port Philip Bay and has some beautiful stretches of beach. Because these beaches attract people, the areas are dual-use, requiring dogs to always be on a leash and have access restrictions during daylight savings time.
Sidney's happy place is the beach, and with a long line, he can enjoy the water even on beaches where dogs must be leashed.
There is a 24/7 free-roaming area between the Emergency Marker (EM) FCC114 and the water discharge drain near EM FCC116.
Dog-friendly cafés
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
There are many dog-friendly cafés in Frankston City, and some even cater to dogs! When taking your dog to a café, ensure you position yourself where your dog will feel comfortable and keep them on their leash and in the shade on a sunny day.
Here's a list of some of Sidney's favourite cafés:
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
If you want to have more than just a coffee, you can take your dog to one of the many restaurants that allow dogs to lay quietly by your table while enjoying your meal. Remember to find a shady spot during the warmer months and keep them on a leash.
Sidney enjoys going to the following restaurants:
Mornington Peninsula Shire
Leash-free parks
Leash-free beaches
Leash-free beaches
The Mornington Peninsula Shire is a large municipality with large urban areas and many rural and semi-rural towns and villages. With lots of space comes large parks with huge free-roam areas to sniff and explore. Some parks are fenced, giving you extra peace of mind.
Some of Sidney's favourite parks include:
- Mt Eliza Regional Park
- Civic Reserve Fenced Dog Park
- Community Forest Fenced Dog Park
- John Butler Reserve Fenced Dog Park
- Hillview Community Reserve Dog Off Leash Area
Be mindful that during the warmer months, the grass in some parks grows quickly and can become very long and thick in some areas, so beware of grass seeds and snakes!
Leash-free beaches
Leash-free beaches
Leash-free beaches
Many beaches on the Mornington Peninsula are leash-free, and dogs can run on the sand, swim in the water and explore rockpools at low tide. Don't allow your dog to annoy other beachgoers, and read the signs to ensure your dog can be off leash at various times of the year.
Here is a list of Sidney's favourite beaches:
However, Sidney believes the Best Leash-free Beach is between Shoreham and Flinders. It is open all year, including during daylight savings time. To have the best experience, go during low tide.
Dog-friendly cafés
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
No matter what time of year it is on the Mornington Peninsula, taking your dog to a café after a walk on the beach or a stroll on the many promenades is a delightful experience. There are many to choose from, and some have special doggy treat menus!
Sidney recommends the following cafés:
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
The Mornington Peninsula is home to many excellent restaurants and busy wineries all year round. Many of these establishments cater to dog owners by providing al fresco eating areas or picnics. When booking a table, let the staff know your dog will join you.
Sidney has visited the following and gives them his paw of approval:
City of Casey
Leash-free parks
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly cafés
The City of Casey allows dogs to be off-leash in all but 17 parks. Ensure your dog is effectively controlled, and carry a leash.
Sidney recommends these parks:
Dog-friendly cafés
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly cafés
After a walk or a play at the park, there's nothing better than stopping at a local café for refreshments and to relax in the shade.
Sidney says to grab your coffee fix at:
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants
The City of Casey does offer dog owners the opportunity to take their furry friend out to a restaurant-style experience.
Sidney recommends you consider:
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