batich, this is arguably one of the most disrespectful posts that I've encountered on DR1. 'They' are people just like you and 'they' have no obligation to treat you with any more respect that what you treat 'them' with. Geez, some folks are still trying to crawl out from under a rock somewhere.
Yes, in terms of tourism the education is lacking (well, in terms of most everything but that's another story).
Looking at this experience with the dog, it seems as if it was not handled correctly - by both parties. Dealing with any branch of the DR law enforcement, there is just no way that argument, or putting yourself in an oppositional position is going to help you whatsoever. In this case, just seeing the facts from the original poster's point of view, it would have been better to start dialogue and ask since when are dogs not allowed on the beach? and is this rule new? and I'm sorry, I did not know. Then you will get some explanation and some dialog going and most probably in a friendly manner agree that since the dog is on a leash, we'll just finish our drinks and then take the dog home. Thanks for telling us. But bucking the issue by telling the enforcers of the rule that 'my dog is on a leash', invites controversy, and invites the tourist police to show their power. The tourist police do not want to come off 2nd best from an encounter such as this. They want to win and they have a job to do. In my experience, in an encounter such as this, they are usually open to a reasonable suggestion, if it is done in the correct way. Why make it more difficult for them, if they are attempting to enforce the rules as they are written down? In my experience, the tourist police on Cabarete beach have always been respectful, friendly and willing to help. But opposing them is not the way to go.
Sorry for all the dog lovers that walk their dogs on the beach. In my mind, this is a sensible rule. We've seen a dog threatening a 3 year old on that beach.