Fort grounds, dunes and a maritime forest.
- County
- Charleston County
- From downtown Charleston
- 5 mi east
- Main roads
- Middle Street and the Ben Sawyer Bridge
- Where dogs walk
- the Fort Moultrie grounds, the island nature trail and the quiet streets
The island lies at the entrance to Charleston Harbor in Charleston County. It is a small place, with a total area of about three and a half square miles including water, and it sits at sea level. The Ben Sawyer Bridge links it to Mount Pleasant, and a bridge at Breach Inlet leads to Isle of Palms. Streets named for Edgar Allan Poe stories, such as Raven and Gold Bug avenues, make for an interesting evening walk.
Fort Moultrie, part of a national park site, is a main attraction. Under the National Park Service rules, pets cannot go inside the fort or its visitor center, but leashed pets, on a leash no longer than six feet, may use the outdoor paths, trails and grounds. Owners must clean up. A dog who walks politely on the grounds while visitors come and go is a good sign of progress. Private lessons are generally estimated at $75 to $150 each.
The Sullivan's Island Nature Trail crosses maritime forest and grassland, and birdwatchers look for sanderlings, terns and willets there. Dogs love those smells, so practicing leave it and a loose leash helps. Local dog rules for the beach have their own specifics and may change, so check the town's website and posted signs before taking a dog to the sand. Do not assume the rules match the neighboring island, and plan your outing around whatever the posted signs say that day.
Because the island is small and homes sit close together, barking at passersby is a common complaint. A trainer can show you how to manage the view from windows and teach a dog to settle when people walk past. Salt air, sun and sand are hard on paws and coats, so rinse your dog after beach outings. Behavior coaching for persistent barking or reactivity generally runs about $600 to $1,800.
What the trainers handle
What the trainers handle
- Puppy Raising
- Leash Manners
- Recall
- Place
- Down
- Impulse Control
- Household Manners
- Public Manners
- Off-Leash Reliability
- Jumping
- Anxiety
- Barking
- Pulling
- Reactivity
- Boundaries
- Service Dog Training
- Public Access Training
- Advanced Obedience
Pick your pace
Packages run from about a week to six weeks. The trainer evaluates your dog first, then picks the best starting point.
You can request a professional trainer who services your part of the Charleston area.
Three practical steps to start.
- Pick the one or two habits you want to change first and note where in Sullivan's Island they appear.
- Ask any trainer whether they work in Sullivan's Island, where visits would happen and what the price includes.
- Practice in short bursts near the Fort Moultrie grounds, the island nature trail and the quiet streets, in the cooler part of the day.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about Sullivan's Island.
How this guide works
Read sources. State limits.
Operated by K9PN. Read the Disclaimer for details.
Good questions
Before you begin.
Can I take my dog to Fort Moultrie?
Leashed pets may use the outdoor paths, trails and grounds on a leash of six feet or less, but not the fort or visitor center.
What are the beach dog rules on Sullivan's Island?
They differ from nearby islands and can change. Check the town's website and the posted signs.
Is there a walking trail on the island?
Yes, the Sullivan's Island Nature Trail crosses maritime forest and grasslands. Check posted rules for pets.
How do I stop barking at passersby?
Limit the dog's view of the street, reward quiet behavior and practice settling on a mat. A trainer can tailor a plan.