How To Paddleboard With Your Dog

Practicing paddleboard with your dog is a great way to spend time together in the natural environment. Taking your dog for a paddle on your paddleboard, on the other hand, is not usually a stroll in the park. But don’t worry, you can teach your dog to paddleboard! When you set sail with your dog, you will need to go through the appropriate training so that your dog feels at ease on a paddleboard and in the midst of a body of water.

Swimming can help your dog feel more at ease

Not all dogs are born swimmers. Due to their bodily structure, some kinds are unable to swim and heat of the sunshine. You can acquire a doggy life vest for paddle paddling if you have one of these breeds. All dogs, especially those which can swim, must use life gear when paddleboarding. It is also critical that your paddleboard fits your dog properly.

Put your paddleboard in the house

What is your dog’s favorite place to unwind? Let your dog become familiar with your paddleboard by leaving it on the floor in that area for like a week. It is unavoidable for your dog to investigate your board. Based on your dog’s temperament, this phase will offer you a good idea of how challenging it must be to get your dog excited with your paddleboard.

Ensure that your dog knows how to get on and off your board

This is, without a doubt, the most pivotal point. It is necessary to educate your dog on how to go on and off your paddleboard whenever you want him to after a week of making them familiar with it. It is vital to arrange treats between where you would ordinarily stand and your board’s nose.

Because this is where your dog will stay whilst you paddle, it is important to get it right. Guidance should be given to your dog when telling him to go retrieve the reward. If your dog is unwilling to participate, keep the scenario amusing and entertaining instead of intimidating. Take it nice and easy, and we’re confident your pup will be able to hop on your paddleboard in no time.

Train standing and paddling on your board

Take your paddleboard outside and set it up on a level surface, ideally grass. To get your dog on your board, use the same instructions you taught him inside. Since this is a new thing, it may require a couple of attempts to get them on your paddleboard.

When your dog has successfully hopped onto your board, stand as you normally would when paddling. If your dog stays ahead of you on the board, reward them with a snack. When you have gotten the hang of it, try swinging your board back and forth to resemble doing it on the lake. Most dogs will jump off the first time, but practice makes perfect. Pretty soon, they will have the grasp of it. After your dog has passed this test, take out your paddle and start paddling with it so that your dog becomes familiar with the action and the paddle moving about them.

Go to your top paddle location

You are nearly there! Then, bring your dog to a neighboring river or lake and continue the cycle with your board close to the water or somewhat floating in a modest area. It may require a few drill sessions until your dog feels comfortable near or on the sea.

When you and your dog are both satisfied, it is appropriate to get in the lake. Before you go, make sure your dog is wearing a life vest. Keep your first outing brief, and when you are done, shower your dog with praise and food. The experience will be genuinely great once your dog has gotten used to being on your paddleboard. Enjoy!