More than 40 per cent of Australians own at least one dog, and many pet-owners long for the golden days when they could take their dogs to the beach. But these days only a small portion of our golden sands are dog-friendly.

In Sydney's north, Pittwater Unleashed has been lobbying the Northern Beaches Council for more beach access for dogs.

The group, which formed in 2014 and now has more than 6000 members, is hoping the council will allow underutilised parts of beaches such as the northern end of Newport Beach and North Palm Beach to be accessible for dog walkers within certain hours.

"What we are asking for is not unreasonable, we're requesting access to particular areas before 10am and after 5pm," says Mitch Geddes, a member of the group. "We grew up walking our dogs on these beaches and we want to have that same freedom now, even if it is only under those restrictions."

Steven Lawler, executive manager of parks and reserves at Northern Beaches Council, said it would review the adequacy of off-leash dog areas and take into account submissions from interest groups to prepare a report on the issue in 2017.

But former Northern Beaches resident Craig Henderson is concerned about the repercussions of allowing more dogs on beaches.

"I can guarantee that if the dog-lovers win, northern beaches' residents will see a sharp and disgusting uptick in the volume of canine faecal matter in the sand," he says. "Of course the doggie brigade all say, 'No way! We pick up Rover's poop and put it in a bag!'. I'm sure many do, but not all of them do. It's a fact."

Mr Henderson says his daughters, aged six and three, have been terrorised by off-leash dogs that have run up to them while they've been playing on the sand.

"My advice is if you want to give Fido a beach experience, build a sandpit in your backyard and invest in one of those clam-shell pools, because I believe all Australians have a right to go to the beach in residential areas whenever they want and not have to worry about the spectre of dog manure when they lie down or the kids being frightened," Mr Henderson said.

In Sydney's lower north shore, dogs can enjoy Clifton Gardens Reserve, Sirius Cove and Spit Reserve.

Sydney's east also has a small selection of dog-friendly beaches with the Rose Bay Foreshore, Rose Bay Dog Beach and Lady Martin's Beach being the favourite for locals in the east.

David Murray-Knobbs, who lives in the Sutherland Shire, says he is more than satisfied with the selection of dog-friendly beaches in the south, where five out of 12 beaches allow dogs.

"I normally go to Wanda Beach in Cronulla: it's a nice spot and the dogs love it," says Mr Murray-Knobbs, who takes his boxers, Riley and Bessie, to the beach regularly. "I don't think we need more dog beaches, I can understand that when people go to the beach they might not want a big great dog running all over the place."

Most councils have on-the-spot fines of $330. They could charge more: The maximum fine under the Companion Animals Act 1998 for an unleashed dog in an on-leash area, or for having a dog on a beach where canines are banned, is $1100.

If a dog is considered "dangerous, menacing or restricted" category, this fee can be as high as $11,000.

Be sure to check in regularly with the local council in your area for up-to-date information about dog-friendly beaches in your area for exemptions, updates and other restrictions.