MEMBER ONLY: Off Leash Social @ the Beach

**THIS ADVENTURE IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY AND THEIR FAMILIES**

ABOUT THE EVENT:
This adventure is for official Club members only. Not a member? Learn about membership and join for discounts and savings on adventures, education, products, and services.

Join us for a special member-only adventure at Short Sands Beach for a rare off-leash dog social. We only offer a few off-leash events each year, and with dogs allowed off leash at this beach until May 20th, it’s the perfect opportunity for your dog to enjoy the ocean, sand, and freedom before seasonal restrictions begin.

If your dog isn’t fully reliable off leash, or if you simply prefer more control, you are welcome to bring a long lead. This allows your dog to safely stretch their legs, play, and swim while giving you peace of mind.

For members working on recall and loose leash training, this adventure provides a real-world environment filled with natural distractions—ideal for reinforcing good behavior. Be sure to bring high-value treats for motivation and rewards.

Our experienced Adventure Guide Team will be available to:

• Encourage safe and positive social play
• Facilitate communication among dog guardians
• Monitor for signs of stress or discomfort in dogs and suggest breaks when needed

If your dog becomes overwhelmed, we may recommend stepping away from the group. Options include a quiet walk along the beach trail, into town, or relaxing on lead away from the activity. Our goal is to ensure every dog leaves feeling confident and positive.

We’ll be at the beach for 2 hours, and you are welcome to come anytime during that timeframe for fun, play, and socialization. Staggered arrivals will help manage energy levels and create a safer, more relaxed experience for everyone.

Benefits of attending, include:

• Off-Leash Opportunity: One of the few off-leash socials offered each year in a safe, controlled setting.
• Natural Enrichment: Let your dog explore sand, surf, and ocean scents in a stimulating environment.
• Real-World Training Practice: Strengthen recall and leash skills with plenty of distractions and expert support.
• Flexible Play Options: Use a long lead if preferred, offering freedom with added security.
• Supervised Socialization: Guided by our Adventure Team to ensure respectful play and quick response to any issues.
• Learn Canine Body Language: Improve your ability to recognize signs of stress or overstimulation in your dog.
• Flexible Arrival and Departure: Join us at any point during the 2-hour window—stay as long or as little as you’d like.
• Support for All Comfort Levels: Perfect for confident off-leash dogs and those still building social or recall skills.
• Positive Experience Focus: Designed to ensure both dogs and handlers enjoy a safe, fun, and enriching outing.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 3-4. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. We do not recommend this event if your dog is easily pushed over threshold by dogs exhibiting play and high energy. If your dog needs space from other dogs at all times, we do not recommend attending this event. Your dog must be able to read other dog’s social cues and cut off signals to avoid conflict and help diffuse high-arousal situations. If your dog has a negative experience, it could set them back in their development and training. There is also the option of observing from a distance if this would be valuable social learning for your dog. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

TRAIL RATING:
Short Sands Beach is rated as Level 1 Stroll. See an explanation of our Trail Rating System.

COST: Please register for this event below. You may also register other family members when you sign up who will be arriving in the same car with you.

• Members – N/C
• Not-Yet Members – This adventure is for official Club members only. Not a member? Learn about membership and join for discounts and savings on adventures, education, products, and services.

Members, if you register and cannot attend, please cancel within 48 hours to avoid a cancellation fee of $25/person. 

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
Short Sands Beach is located on Ocean Avenue – 1A in York Beach, ME. Parking is $4/hour. Additional information will be included with your event reminder emailed within 24 hours prior to the event.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page. Please note that retractable leashes as well as aversive training tools such as prong/pinch, choke, bark control, shock, and spray collars are not allowed at our events.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and announced in the Event section of the Facebook Group and on this Calendar page. Those who have registered will also receive an email announcement.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.