Beaches are a dog’s best friend (sometimes). If your dog likes the water, you should try taking them to the beach at least once in their life! They’ll have a blast, both in the water and on the sand, which is where lots of beach-loving dogs get their best zoomies.
Newfoundland lying on the beach, panting.Image via Shutterstock/Danielle W Press
Not every dog will be fond of the beach or water in general, but there are ways for you to make sure they’ll at least tolerate being near the water. As per usual, good desensitization starts when a dog is a puppy if at all possible!
Recently, one precious little German Shepherd puppy got to experience the beach for the first time, and it went great. She loved every second of it, and as all good things do, it ended with her being profoundly dirty:
Koa the German Shepherd Puppy is already such a good girl, and she’s only going to get better from here. Her parents are training her as a travel dog, and she joins a few other GSDs in the home, both of whom are the best dogs ever. Excellent training all around!
Koa is going all sorts of places with her parents, and they’re specifically seeking out the best pet-friendly spots wherever they go. She has to be well-trained for that: there will be other dogs there. Throughout her travels, she’ll encounter lots of new things, including water!
Related: Ultra-Rare German Shepherd-Chow Chow Mix’s Fluffy Bear Face Is Pure Sunshine
So far, water is one of her favorites. She likes the beach in general, but being in the water has made her very happy. One thing that does seem to be freaking her out a little is her own reflection in the water, but that’s to be expected. All dogs hate their reflections!
She was such a good girl at the beach that her mom decided she could handle something else after: the pet store! Her first visit to the pet store really went off without a hitch, and I can totally see her becoming a welcome regular:
There are just so many Things there! How is one girl supposed to choose?!
Puppies Need Exposure Early
Koa is just a few months old, and once she was fully vaccinated, they started immediately bringing her everywhere they could. She goes on trips, out in nature, and into any pet-friendly stores they can find. She’s encountered it all!
Keep in mind that a puppy who has seen it all will often be surprised by very little. Putting them in varied situations really helps to build their social skills and decreases the risk of adverse behaviors like:
A well-socialized puppy makes an excellent adult dog, and I know Koa will get there soon!
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.