Our dog grew up running free and swimming on our 1.5-mile long gorgeous dog beach in Muskegon, MI, a block or so from our condo. He ran up and down behind our condo from the marina to the house to chase a tennis ball (allowed). He considered being on a leash to be a forced march and an affront to his freedom.
We came here, and the leash went on. I started him out at one-mile walks, after dark because he's hairy and gets hot in the sun, and have worked him up to three miles. He's actually presenting himself to me at 8:30 (how do they know the time???) to get going.
And another new thing he's discovered--lounging out on the front walk on a line, watching the world go by. He loves it.
Would he rather be at the beach? You bet. But as someone said earlier, he'd rather be on a leash with us than not be with us at all.
You'll find things to do with your dogs that they will enjoy. We've discovered a dog beach at the inlet at New Smyrna Beach. It may be just a monthly thing, but after we sell our MI place, we will take him swimming there.
Good luck and don't worry!
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