There are lots of places within a short drive from Sayville where you can take your dog for a walk, it’s great exercise for them and for you! Just use common sense, and follow these basics:

 - Do a health check: Make sure your dog is in good health, and up to date on all immunizations. Young puppies are especially at risk so check with your vet to make sure your dog is ready for this kind of adventure.

 - Never bring an aggressive dog, or a female in heat. Make sure that you can control your dog at all times. If in doubt, don’t do it! Remember that you are responsible for your dogs behavior, both ethically and legally.

 - Clean up after your dog. Bring plastic bags (pet stores sell a leash attachment which holds a supply) and dispose of pet waste in trash receptacles. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is handy for human clean up if there’s no water available.

 - Make sure to bring water for your dog to drink. It’s easy for dogs to get overheated, and a supply of fresh water is essential. We pack portable dog bowls which fold up for easy transport. Pet stores also carry a refillable water bottle bowl/combo.

 - Obey the posted regulations at each park.

Here are some local parks where you can bring your dog for an on leash walk. As a general rule in Suffolk County Parks, dogs are not allowed in picnic areas, protected bathing areas, and sanitary facilities.

Gardiner County Park, West Bay Shore (Montauk Highway about one-half mile east of the Robert Moses Causeway)

This is one of our favorites parks, it has nature/ fitness trails and restrooms. There is a pump to get water for your dog (bring your own bowl) and a clean- up bags are available. It’s an easy walk to the water, with a great view of the lighthouse.
Dogs are also allowed in the undeveloped areas of the following Suffolk County Parks

Heckscher State Park, East Islip
Belmont Lake State Park, Babylon
Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park

In Montauk, check out Hither Hills State Park, ( dogs are allowed only in areas of the park north of Montauk Parkway, east of Napeague Harbor and west of overlook parking. They are not allowed in camping, bathing, or picnic areas) or Montauk Point State Park (certain areas only)

For more information, visit http://longisland.about.com/od/pets/a/dog_runs.

About the Author
Pamela Fitzpatrick lives in Sayville with her family (which of course includes pets).  She has a Masters degree in Animal Behavior, and is the Event Coordinator for Have-a-Heart-Adopt-a Pet, a local organization which promotes animal adoptions.  Pam is also the owner of Sayville's Hydrangea Cottage and YourDogWalkers, providing petsitting and dog walking services to Sayville and surrounding towns.  Suggestions and ideas for column topics are welcome, email shihtzu58@optonline.net