Tips For Boating With Your Dog

If you love boating, there is a chance you might have dreamt of going on the water with your dog. Remember, dogs are capable swimmers so with a little training, you can enjoy your boating experience. Here are a few things you need to know about boating with your dog.

Training Your Dog To Be On Board

Make your dog acquainted with the boat. You can bring them on board when you have docked then turn on the engine. Next, take short boat rides then longer ones as time progresses. Your dog will start becoming comfortable with the boat and learn to be safe when on board. It’s also a good way to determine if they will become sea sick.

You need to test whether your dog can swim. Also, remember there are other dangers in the open water besides lack of swimming but you need to be sure that they can swim away whenever anything happens. You should also test whether he can handle the tide or current.

Teach your dog a few basic commands before they go on the boat. That way you can guarantee they will listen to you when you are out in the water. You should also teach your dog to use the bathroom when you are out in the water to avoid messing up the boat. In case your dog gets overboard, you need to teach them how to get back on board.

Equipping Your Dog And The Boat

You need to get your pup a dog life jacket before you bring them on board; they can be purchased from boating stores or pet stores countrywide. You can bring your pet with you to the store to try on the vest to buy a properly fitting one.

Get a harness because it’s dangerous to bring your pup on the boat with a leash that goes around. That’s because the waves are likely going to toss your dog, putting a lot of pressure on their neck. A dog harness going around the legs and torso will make sure the pressure is evenly distributed.

Add some identifying information such as a dog tag with your cell phone number, location of your marina and slip number. It’s also ideal to have a microchip implanted in your dog.

Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit on the boat. If your dog is on medications bring them too. You can find a dog first aid kit at your nearest pet store. Make sure you bring some seasickness medication incase anything happens.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe On Board

• You need to check if there are any laws applicable to bringing your pet on board and follow them thoroughly to avoid any legal problems.
• Make sure your pet isn’t overheating by putting them in a air conditioned part of the cabin. Bring a dog water bottle and cool water for your pet to cool down when it gets too hot.
• Just like humans, dogs can also get sunburns if they are exposed to the sun for a long period. Therefore, you need to bring some dog sunscreen. Make sure its unscented to keep your pet from being agitated by the smell.
• If possible, bring a rug or carpet to prevent your dog from slipping while on the deck; it will also protect your pet’s feet.
• Always keep your eyes on your dog at all times. Make sure they’re on a tether and don’t leave them unattended for a long period of time.
• You should bring enough water and dog food for the trip to avoid dehydration or hunger.

With these tips, your next trip on the open water with your pet will undoubtedly be memorable!