Montrose Dog Beach FAQ

My dog escaped, why isn't the fence extended into the lake?

Extending the fence into the lake may solve that problem, but would create many more. Remember the lake is a living natural area that changes almost daily. Water levers are in constant flux, and sand is moved around with every storm. In the winter the waters edge freezes, and if it's cold enough, large ice mounds form along the shore line. Running a fence into the water would be a loosing battle. It would need constant maintenance and replacing. It would be destroyed by the ice in the winter. Changes in water and sand could put the fence mostly under water and become a hazard to dogs and swimmers, or float it over the water and it's useless. Our shoreline and sand bar has moved every season, so how far would you even run it into the lake?

A fence in the water would also become a big net, and collect the algae and garbage that's brought in with the tides and storms. Once the fence was clogged with debris, the natural water flow would be inhibited and water would become stagnant and hazardous to dogs and swimmers, harbouring bacteria and parasites that would normally be washed out. 

A well trained dog with a good disposition and temperament should not escape. Training your dog is easier and safer than extending the fence.