Pet Holiday: Take Your Dog On Board!
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Are you planning to take your dog with you on the boat? Boating with dogs can be tons of fun for both humans and canines. Take a little bit of time to teach your dog the following three things before going out on the water for a cruise to set everyone up for success. Practicing well before your first outing on the water will make the start of boating season that much easier and less stressful. Here there are 7 tips for taking your dog on a boat holiday to ensure a smooth and safe trip for you and your furry friend.
If you have a small dog, it’s safest and easiest to simply carry them on and off the boat. But for those of you with larger dogs, this isn’t really an option! If you can, start with your boat on dry land and steady so your dog first gets used to getting on and off without it rocking. If you can’t dry dock your boat for training, practice on a calm day so there’s less rocking to and fro. Depending on the size of your boat and how it is docked, you’ll want to practice with the ramp or dog ladder you’ll regularly be using while out on the water.
1. Plan ahead
Planning is very crucial for any holiday together with your beloved pet, but especially when you go boating for the first time.
- Create a trip-plan by thinking about how you want your trip to be like.
- What kind of activities will you be doing?
- Will you be on and off land or mostly at sea?
- And search for some information about local vets – better be safe than sorry.
2. How to Teach Your Dog to Get In and Out of the Boat
Follow these easy tips to get your dog on the boat without forcing him
- Hold a yummy dog treat in your closed fist and put that hand out in front of your dog as a target for them to follow. Use this as a lure to encourage your dog to approach the boat and then guide your dog onto the boat. Stay slow and steady so they get used to the new surface under their paws and any movement they might feel.
- Praise them as they follow your lure onto the boat and give them the treat. Then practice going the opposite way, off of the boat and onto the dock (or ground).
- If your dog shows any fear or hesitation, don’t force them onto the boat with dragging, pulling, or pushing. Encourage them with praise and consider luring them just one or two steps towards the boat before rewarding them with the treat and allowing them to retreat. Slowly build up more and more steps as they gain confidence and get used to moving closer to and onto the boat.
- Some dogs start off confident and simply need a treat or toy tossed into the boat or back onto the dock to encourage them to move from one place to another. However, it’s safest to first show them a few times the correct way on and off so they don’t jump awkwardly in their excitement for the treat. They may injure themselves by slipping or falling between the boat and dock.
3. Bring a Life Jacket
Life jackets play a vital role. As good as a swimmer your dog might be in the quiet lakes around your hometown, the open sea is a bit tougher. So a life jacket for everyone onboard is an essential element. Pets’ life jackets contain side handles so that you are able to grab the dog whenever it might look like he needs some support. Tip: if it looks like your dog is having difficulties in the water, you should always avoid grabbing him by the collar. Use the handles on the lifejacket instead.
7. Bring Necessary Dog Supplies
One thing you don’t want to have is a lack of food or toys when you are out in the open sea. When writing your packing list, make sure to put these things on it: dogfood, water, bowl, puppy pads (in case there’s no time for a potty break) and some soft toys. Here
- Bring plenty of fresh water. Dogs can’t perspire, and they’ll need to lap up lots of H2O in order to stay cool, especially when the sun is blazing.
- Let him off the leash—if you trust him not to take a flying leap. Usually dogs won’t jump from a boat that’s moving (except in the case of a poorly trained hunting dog, or an inexperienced puppy), and he’ll be curious, and want to move around a lot. Note, however, that when the boat isn’t moving plenty of dogs will take an unexpected plunge.
- Bring a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet. Lay it in the cockpit, and your dog will be able to keep a solid footing. Fibreglass nonskid decks may provide a secure footing to you and I, but they can be quite slippery to a dog’s paws.
How to Teach “Go to Place” on a Boat
Being able to have your dog settle in a specified place while underway helps keeps them safe and prevents distracted boat driving. You don’t want your excited pup running about while you’re launching your boat or speeding across the water. Having a designated spot onboard can also help a more nervous dog feel better about riding on a boat. Invest in a comfortable anti-slip mat or pad that’s big enough for your dog to lay down on.
This behavior is easiest to start practicing on dry land first, using the same mat you’ll be using on the boat. Having a “place” for your dog that you can take with you to different places is a great option! When you go on shore excursions, bring your dog’s mat along so they can settle anywhere you go.
This behavior is helpful in so many other situations too, like when guests come to visit or you’re opening the door and don’t want your dog to bolt out the door.
Last 2 Important Tips
1. Make Sure There’s Shade
Just as dehydration can be detrimental to your dog, so can overheating. If you’re on the boat, there’s a good chance the weather is hot and sunny. Keep in mind that dogs can overheat easily sMake sure that there are adequate shaded areas on the boat equipped for pets, so you can keep them cool if temperatures are too high.
2. Keep a Leash Handy
If you’re out for a long day on the water, your dog will need to relieve itself at some point. As I mentioned, staying hydrated will be key for your boat dog, so don’t be surprised if they need to potty. I recommend keeping a leash on board for any pit stop that may come up where your dog will be able to relieve themselves. If you’re not planning a pit stop along your cruise, it may be a good idea to stop at home so that they can do their business and stay comfortable for the day.
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