Have You Ever Thought About ‘Saving’ a Beach Dog You Meet while on Vacation?
Have you ever vacationed in the tropics and thought to yourself, these poor dogs on the beach are homeless, It would be great to save one or more of them? You see them wandering the beaches, lounging in the sun, or politely hanging around restaurants, and your heart aches. You start picturing them curled up on your couch, safe and sound, surrounded by love.
But here’s the thing—are they really suffering? Are they really ‘homeless?’ Or are we just assuming they need ‘rescuing’?
Would Your Dog Pass the Beach Dog Test?
Now, how many of you could say that your dog—right now—could be off-leash in an open space and not bolt? Would they chase, play or fight with another dog? Beg for food? Jump on every person on the beach for attention? React to every little thing?
I recently spent time in Costa Rica, watching how beach dogs live. These dogs don’t beg for attention. They don’t cling to humans for security. And surprisingly, they aren’t desperate for homes. In fact, many of them not only have homes, they have something most pet dogs don’t—freedom.
From A Dog Trainer’s Perspective
Image from Sarah Dixon
A dog trainer friend from BC, Sarah, sent me this message after returning from her visit to Costa Rica and watching my video on Instagram from my visit:
“I was in Tamarindo, and most of the dogs had collars; they seemed to have homes but a lot of freedom. I loved how they didn’t bother anyone. I spent a lot of time at the beach just watching the dogs interact. The hotel I stayed at had three dogs, and they were lovely. Gigi was the one known to take herself on excursions, often finding new families for a few days before returning home—haha!”
Hearing this made me think about how different the cultural expectations around dogs can be. In some places, the idea of a ‘stray’ dog is different—it’s not necessarily an abandoned animal but a dog that coexists with the community in a way we don’t often see in North America.
The Reality of Beach Dogs
People assume beach dogs are suffering. The truth? Many of them are thriving! They have food sources, social connections, and the ability to make their own choices.
Take Sammy, for example. He was relaxed, aware, and respectful. He accepted food from me but never begged. He wasn’t desperate for affection, and he certainly wasn’t trying to latch onto me for security. He had his own sense of security on the beach.
What Happens When You Take a Beach Dog Home?
Let’s say, by some miracle, I could bring Sammy home. Now he’s in Canada, where he has a warm bed, regular meals, and all the love I can offer. Sounds great, right?
Sammy
Wrong! He’d be miserable.
- His world would shrink—No more open beaches. No more freedom to choose where he goes.
- The weather would be a shock—Minus 30 degrees? Deep snow? No thanks.
- Routine? What routine?—What we see as ‘better’ might feel like total disruption to him.
- Freedom becomes restriction—Leashes, fences, and endless rules.
The Myth of ‘Saving’ beach Dogs
People adopt beach dogs from other countries, expecting gratitude from the dog. “Why isn’t he happy? We “rescued” him!” But the dog doesn’t see it that way. What he knows is this – His life has been turned upside down, he didn’t ask for it and he doesn’t understand it. Yes, dogs live in the moment and are capable of adapting to new situations … eventually. But when being parachuted from a life of freedom on the beach, to a life of rules, boundaries, limitations and often much colder weather, are they really better off?
What Beach Dogs Teach Us
Instead of assuming they need us, maybe we should be learning from them. Here’s what beach dogs know that many pet dogs don’t:
1. Non-Reactivity is a Learned Skill
Beach dogs don’t overreact. They don’t bark at everything. They observe, sniff and assess situations calmly and objectively. They respond appropriately – usually by walking away, or initiating play. Corrective responses are applied only when necessary.
2. They Read Energy, Not Words
I watched Beach Dogs come and go, deciding where they wanted to be and when. If something felt off, they left. No conflict, just choice.
3. They Value Freedom Over Comfort
We assume dogs want plush beds and set meals. But many beach dogs prioritize autonomy above all else. Their autonomy is their comfort, contributing immensely to their overall fulfillment.
4. They Walk Away When They’re Done
When an interaction was over, they simply left. No leash needed. No coaxing. Just decision-making at its best.
The Disconnect Between Beach Dogs and Adopters
People adopt beach dogs with the best of intentions, thinking they’re ‘saving’ them. But when the once free-roaming dog struggles to adapt to a restrictive, artificially controlled lifestyle, frustration kicks in and behaviour issues may arise. The dog doesn’t fit into the structured pet lifestyle typical of the North American family, and suddenly, that ‘rescue’ feels like a mistake. and the once ‘free-roaming’ beach dog ends up in a shelter, abandoned and away from its homeland. This cycle may repeat itself with multiple adoptions and surrenders, and without professional help the dog’s behaviour spirals downward. Sadly, a once free-roaming beach dog, becomes the victim of well-intentioned adopters from a foreign land, who had no concept of what it really needed to live its best life.
This isn’t to say no beach dog can thrive in a home with a dedicated family committed to discover how to provide the best life possible with their newly adopted dog. But many adopters don’t consider the intense dedication of effort on their part, combined with the massive adjustment these dogs have to make to ‘fit in’. And when it doesn’t go well, it’s the dog who suffers most.
Should You Adopt Beach Dogs?
Before you adopt, ask yourself:
- Are you willing to do what it takes to meet the beach dog’s needs rather than forcing them into yours? (Tip: “Dogs see you in their world; they don’t see them in your world”, Steven R. Lindsay, author – trilogy – The Handbook of Applied Dog Behaviour and Training).
- Do you know the difference between a truly neglected dog and a dog that is simply free?
- Can you provide the disruption to your lifestyle combined with the intense level of patience and effort needed to help them adjust to a completely different way of life?
If the answer is no, then adoption might not be the right choice. Instead, consider supporting rescues that help these beach dogs in their own environment—donating money to cover food, vet care, and safety without uprooting them. In addition, you can dedicate part of your vacation time to help out an animal rescue in your vacation destination, by volunteering to play and walk the dogs in care.
Final Thoughts
Watching beach dogs in Costa Rica was a lesson in respect. Respect for their way of life, for their independence, and for their ability to navigate the world on their terms.
Maybe, instead of assuming they need rescuing, we should be asking ‘what they can teach us?’ Because sometimes, the best way to help a dog is simply to let them be.
Enjoyed this read? For more no-nonsense insights on dog training and behavior, check out my earlier blogs:
• Dog Rescue in Costa Rica: How It’s Different from the West
• Achieving Work-Life Balance in Your Dog Training Business
• Dog Fights: What to Do When Play Turns Ugly
• Street Dogs and Freedom: The Hidden Side of Canine Happiness
There’s always something new to learn, even if it’s just a different perspective on the everyday challenges we face. Happy reading!
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