I had an excellent experience boating with a friend who brought his dog with him, and he inspired me also to bring my dog on my next boating trip. The only thing left for me to find out is, what do I have to know when it comes to boating with dogs?
Boating with dogs is a whole lot of fun, especially when you have a great pooch. Some things that you need to know to include existing regulations when it comes to bringing dogs on a boating trip, as well as the basic training that dogs should master before they get to ride with you on the boat.
Take note of the safety precautionary measures when you have a dog on board, as well as the necessary accessories that you must bring with you to that exciting boating trip. Of course, one fundamental question of many pet owners is whether there is a specific or ideal breed of dogs that will do well on a boat. As soon as you get to know the nitty-gritty stuff involved in boating with dogs, especially the mentioned concerns, you will have a worry-free time going to that sea adventure with your furry pal.
Do I have to consider the kind of dog breed I have before taking it on a boating trip?
There are two sides to the coin that can be considered here. First, you can immediately say “yes” because after all, it is your dog, your boat, your time. So basically, no one has the right to tell you that “Hey, your dog is this and that, and you will only have a hard time if you bring him with you.”
On the other hand, you can try to find at least out what dogs are regarded as the best breeds to go with you on a boating trip. If you opt for the latter, then the chances that you will enjoy, you’ll go home safe and sound, and you will look forward to the next boating trip with your dog might be very high. Some breeds have been proven time and again to behave well, even on water. These are the dogs that are easy to train and would follow your command without any inhibition.
Some of the best dog breeds that you can bring with you on that exciting boating trip are the following:
Labrador Retriever
This breed is one of the most highly recommended when it comes to boating. These dogs are very obedient and love to do things with you. Labrador Retrievers were also called as St. John’s Water Dogs. Back then, they were helpers of local fishermen. Up to the present, these dogs still find it rewarding whenever they render any form of help to their masters.
Portuguese Water Dog
These fellas aren’t called “water dog” for nothing. They have webbed feet that are built for paddling, and their coat is waterproof. They are considered as great companions on a boat. It is quite clear that they enjoy being with you on a boating trip. They’re least afraid of the water. If they’re allowed to jump into the water for a swim, they would be happy to do so.
Poodle
Don’t be misled by the beauty of this lovely dog because beneath the adorable face is a tough breed that was meant to withstand challenging boating trips. These lovely animals aren’t only made for dog shows, they have the grit to be with you on the water. Unbeknownst to many, poodles were originally water dogs. They used to accompany humans during the hunting season. They’re fun to be with, and they are considered one of the most patient dogs in the world.
American Water Spaniel
Just like the Portuguese Water Dog, the American Water Spaniel also has webbed feet and a waterproof coat. It is one of those animals who can last with you on your boat for as long as you wish. In fact, these cute animals can jump out of a small boat in the most agile manner that they would not be rocking the boat. If you would have a hard time catching fish, your little furry friend can help you too.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Bred from two water breed dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is another breed that will not fail you during a boating trip. With its lineage coming from Water Dogs and Water Spaniels, the Chesapeake can become your best friend during a boating trip. It is smart, with a waterproof coat, and it can learn very quickly.
You may be wondering now if you can still bring your dog with you on a boating trip even if he is not on the list. The answer is absolutely yes! For as long as you take the necessary safety precautions and follow some regulations, there is no hindrance in bringing your dog with you.
What are the safety tips to remember when taking dogs on a boat?
There are several safety considerations you have to remember if you want to take your dog for a boat ride. Whether your trip will take only a couple of minutes or hours, or could last for a day or two, these tips come in really handy.
Make sure he or she has a proper life jacket
Getting good quality life jacket for your dog before you step on the boat is the right thing to do. A life jacket that allows you a safe way of grabbing and lifting your dog in case he or she goes overboard. Ensure that the life jacket properly fits him or her.
It is also a good idea to attach an identification tag to the collar, along with your contact information. Whenever possible, you might want to have your dog fitted with a microchip. In case of accidents, the information on the microchip can be retrieved by a shelter or vet.
The adventurous human spirit knows no bounds, but for dogs, it may be a different story. True, your dog may be fearless in the face of a host of challenges, but then again, he or she may not have enough training to confront rough waters. This means that if you want to go water rafting, it may be better if you leave your dog in the boat.
The same is true if the weather forecast may cause the waters to become rough. Take your dog into. Consideration and don’t expose it to unnecessary danger.
Bring a first-aid kit and other health essentials.
First-aid kits are essential whether you are at home or on a trip. Never forget to include medications for dogs. You never know when your dog might need them. Your first-aid kit should also contain bandages, antiseptic liquids, and antibacterial ointments.
It is also good to include a sunscreen formulated for dogs. Your furry friends are vulnerable to a host of skin disorders like skin cancer and sunburn, so bringing along a sunscreen for dogs is a great idea. Ask your veterinarian for an appropriate sunscreen to use for your dog.
Taking along a bug spray for dogs is the right thing to do when going outdoors with your pet. Disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes can harm your furry friend. Make sure to get a bug spray designed specifically for use with dogs.
Now that you have established how to keep your dog safe while he’s with you on the boat, you may want to know the essential boating accessories that you should have when your dog’s with you. These accessories will help ensure your dog’s safety as you got out into that great adventure.
What are the essential boating accessories and gears that I need if I take my dog on boating trips?
Boating accessories that you would have will keep your pet safe and secure, will give you the peace of mind, and will lead to a fun and enjoyable boating adventure. First and foremost, you need to have a lifejacket for your dog. The rationale behind this is obvious. It will save your dog from worst-case scenarios.
Lifejacket
Would you risk bringing someone considered as part of the family out into the open sea or a huge lake without a lifejacket? Absolutely not, right? That is why dogs need to have lifejackets.
You may be thinking, why would dogs need a lifejacket when they can swim? Well, it’s a yes to the fact that many dogs can swim. However, it is also a fact that some breeds are better swimmers than others. Just like the top five dogs mentioned earlier, they are built for swimming. Other dogs are not simply meant to be in the water because of their body structures. This is why the safest route is to let your dogs on good quality lifejackets.
Water Bowl
Another essential accessory to bring is your pet’s water bowl. Just because they’re dogs doesn’t mean that they can drink any water around them. Salty water will not taste so well, and even freshwater from lakes will not be a “safe alternative.” You wouldn’t know what kind of harmful bacteria are hiding beneath the sparkling waters, which could cause undue illness to your pet. Finding your pet sluggish after a boating trip will be too costly a consequence for failing to secure a water bowl.
Try to find a water bowl that could withstand the waves. There are specialized water bowls made for boating. Opt for this kind of enjoying a sanitary deck while your dog’s with you. Once you do, you can be assured that your pet would have fresh water throughout the day.
Pet Potty
If you expect to be on the water for a good number of hours, better bring a pet potty along. Your dog may need to go at some point and would need a good place to relieve himself. Don’t expect him to just do it right on the water because that would be inconsistent with the ritual that he has already been accustomed to.
If your dog is trained well, then you might want to set anchor or dock, then just walk your dog. This will help your pet relieve himself in some feasible regions. While you may opt for this, it would still be for your convenience and the rest of your friends and family who are with you to have a pet potty on the boat. This will be far more sanitary for everyone and will not cause you and your dog undue stress whenever he wants to relieve himself.
The Ramp
This may be one of the most useful accessories that you could have if you would be bringing large breeds to that exciting boating trip. Just imagine hauling a huge German Shepherd into the boat using your bare hands. Now that seems to be unimaginable!
With a boat ramp, your dog can easily get into the boat without any trouble. The same goes for when you have already finished your adventure and would be alighting from the boat. This will not only prove useful for large dogs because even little puppies will find it a pleasure to go up and down the ramp.
These great accessories will ensure that when you’re boating with dogs, it will be a stress-free experience. You are assured that your dog is safe since he has his lifejacket. You are assured that your boat’s deck will remain clean and sanitary because you were able to bring along your dog’s water bowl and pet potty. Lastly, the beginning and end of your trip will not create undue challenges, such as hauling your large pet onto the boat because you came prepared with a boat ramp.
If I have all these accessories, will it be alright now to bring dogs that are poor swimmers?
It would depend on several factors. Some pet owners would still bring their dogs with them even if they belong to the group of poor swimmers. They consider their dogs like family, and they couldn’t just freely enjoy a boating adventure without their favorite pal. They just make sure that they bring all the necessary accessories, especially a life jacket for their dog.
On the other hand, some owners would rather stay on the safe side and wouldn’t want their pets to be exposed to a scenario where their skills are weak. There are times when they would slowly introduce their pet to the water before immediately bringing them out on a long boating trip.
Listed below are some of the breeds of weak swimmers that you should know.
Basset Hound
These dogs may look capable, but they have a dense bone structure and large heads, both of which make it hard for them to swim. They also have short legs, which causes a problem when they’re paddling. Their ears don’t help much as these only trap water.
Brachycephalic Breeds
You will identify this group of dogs through their facial structures. They’re the ones that possess short snouts, elongated soft palate, and narrow nostrils. Because of this, they suffer from breathing difficulties. Exercising can give these dogs a hard time breathing. Add water to that during a swimming session in the water, and you can imagine how difficult it is for them to come through.
These short-nosed dogs would hate hot weather, inhaling water, and exerting too much. These are dogs who wouldn’t be able to swim for a lengthy period because they either get tired easily or would start having breathing difficulties on the water. Examples of these short-nosed dogs are Bulldog, French bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Pekingese, and the like.
Although it doesn’t say that you cannot bring these dogs on a boating trip, it would still be prudent for you to be more circumspect when you bring these dogs along. All the precautions and safety tips mentioned in the first part of the article must be taken into consideration.
Dachshund
These dogs are long and adorable. They are even considered as great athletes. However, this does not extend when it comes to the water. Since dachshunds have long muzzles and are lightweight, with long bodies and short legs, they must work harder to swim. The effort that they must put in would have them getting tired so quickly in the water. Their height and their short endurance put them at a higher risk of drowning. Shallow water is still a danger. Water levels that are higher than their heads are dangerous for them.
Chow Chow
Cute and looking like a lion, many dog lovers are easily attracted to a chow chow. The only problem is, the dog has got all the danger signals that would make it a great companion during boating. The chow chow has a thick and dense coat. It also has short legs, and the muzzle is flat. Thus, fighting currents will be too much of an effort for him. Besides, his coat could easily weigh him down in the water.
As mentioned earlier, nothing is stopping you from bringing weak swimmers to your boating trip. However, their body structures make it necessary for you to be more cautious with them. There is a need for you to have all the right accessories before you try to bring them to the water.
Are there available training techniques that could help keep my dog behaved while on a boat?
Dog experts have established some training techniques that could help you train your dog before that great big boating with your dog adventure. These techniques could likewise spell your dog’s safety while boating.
Lure-and-Reward Method
The lure-and-reward method allows you to slowly get your dog up on the boat without forcing him. To do this, you can put a yummy treat in your hand. Close your fist. Hold it out for your dog to smell. As he gets attracted to the scent of the treat, slowly make your way up the boat. Slow and steady should do the trick. Stay on the boat until your dog gets used to the feel of the boat under his paws.
A word of caution is you need to be very patient with your dog. If he doesn’t go up the boat despite the treat, don’t force him. Resist the urge to carry him and bring him on the boat. Use more words of encouragement to lure him onto the boat. Try to be patient, and it will soon be rewarded.
Specific Doggie Place
Once you have successfully gotten your dog onto the boat, make sure that you train him to settle in a specific place. This will also ensure his safety while the boat is underway. This will have your pup in a secured place as you launch your boat or when you are already speeding in the middle of the sea and far from the shore.
You can make this training easier if you can find a comfortable anti-slip mat or a big pad that could accommodate the size of your dog. Aside from preventing him from running around while on the boat, it will also give him more confidence while boating with you.
Are there special regulations when it comes to bringing dogs on a boat?
While there are no imposed restrictions when it comes to boating with your dog, it would be best to check your local laws. Regulations may differ from one state to another. Do a bit of research or check local agencies in case you’re unsure. Now, if you would be bringing your dog into international waters, better check out foreign laws concerning dogs.
Boating with dogs is something you could do with your best pal, which is fun! Just take note of all the precautions that were discussed here, along with the boating accessories that you need. Also, remember which dog breeds are naturally gifted to be in the water and those that are considered weak swimmers. Knowing this information by heart will allow you to make the right preparations before you go boating with your dog.