Former RSPCA NSW director and veterinarian of 43 years Dr Rick Prowse has called for the council to maintain existing off-leash zones, saying further restrictions would unfairly punish responsible dog owners.

"I'm happy to stand up and defend the only area available to people who spontaneously want to get up, go for a walk, throw a ball and do something with the dog," the Austinmer vet said.

"The beach is an ideal, beautiful environment and we've got enough beaches to share for those who like dogs and for those who don't like dogs.

"There are an irresponsible few who don't clean up after their dogs or don't control them when there are people around who may be a little anxious about dogs ... but I don't think you should chastise the thousands of people who are doing the right thing for the few who aren't."

Under planned changes to its dogs on beaches and parks policy, the council has recommended dogs only be allowed on Sharkeys, McCauleys and Little Austinmer beaches at restricted times, provided they are on a leash.

Dr Prowse said the dog-owning community needed safe and convenient places to exercise their dogs, away from roads and free from hazards such as bush ticks and snakes. He said a lack of suitable parks or open spaces in the northern Illawarra meant the beach was the only viable option for most people.

If the council took that option away, the health and well-being of dogs and owners would be negatively affected, Dr Prowse said.

Ward 1 councillor Leigh Colacino acknowledged the associated health benefits but said it was necessary to "iron out the kinks" in the current system to ensure a happy compromise between both sides of the dogs-on-beaches debate.

"What I'm hoping for my area is to have that off-leash opportunity maintained in a manageable way so it works into the future," Cr Colacino said. "A lot of dog owners think we're just going to shut down off-leash areas but that isn't the consensus of councillors, not at all. We want to make sure we have a manageable situation in place that is ideal for dog owners and non-dog owners."

Part of the solution was better educating dog owners about their obligations, which included picking up after their dogs and having them under control at all times. Cr Colacino said it was also important for people without dogs to learn to cohabit with dogs when visiting off-leash areas.

He urged people to submit their views.

The proposed policy is on public exhibition until October 8.

Austinmer veterinarian Rick Prowse sets the record straight on doggie dilemmas:

❏ Dog fights are a common occurrence at off-leash beaches.

FALSE: While they do happen occasionally, dog fights are more likely to occur in the close vicinity of their homes where they are most territorial.

❏ Taking a dog for a walk on-leash is the same as letting them run off-leash.

 FALSE: Most dogs owners cannot run fast enough to replicate the high-intensity workout dogs receive by running freely.

❏ Dogs will nuisance bark if they are not exercised enough.

 TRUE: There is a strong link between nuisance barking and dogs lacking exercise. A trip to an off-leash area will not only tire the dog but provide it some much-needed stimulation.

❏ Off-leash parks are just as good as beaches.

FALSE: Some of the designated off-leash parks are often used for sport or weddings, others are unsuitable because they are unfenced or next to main roads. 

❏ Dog poo on beaches is hazardous to human health. 

FALSE: Humans would have to ingest parasite-infested dog faeces to potentially get sick.

❏ Dogs will ruin the nests of sooty oystercatcher birds.

FALSE: The sooty oystercatchers nest offshore, not on rock platforms.