Don’t think that boating with your dog is going to automatically be fun. Choosing a dog that loves water does not mean that the dog knows how to behave on a boat. It is your job as a responsible pet owner to teach the dog boating etiquette that will keep him or her safe from the hazards that speed on water can present.
One of the first orders of business is to introduce your dog to the water. Never throw the dog into the water. Start in shallow water at the shoreline. Enter the water and call the dog to you. It may take some coaxing at first, but most dogs will overcome their fear of the water to be with family members.
It is a good idea to prepare your boat for your dog’s first visit. You may want to surfaces that are slippery and hard to walk on with non-skid tape. Concentrate on areas where your dog needs to have good traction. Companionways and swim ladders are two areas that may need the non-skid tape.
One of the next steps is to introduce the dog to the boat. If you keep your boat on land, start by taking the dog onboard so he or she can check out everything. If you keep your boat in the water in a slip, start there.
Choose a calm day and put the dog onboard. Let the dog smell his or her way around the boat at this or her own pace. It is a good idea to take the dog onboard a few times before leaving the comfort of the dock or slip.
Some dogs may show fear of the dock. Again, take it slowly. You may want to have a family member stay on shore with the dog while you walk a ways out the dock. Call the dog to come to you. Give the dog time to get used to the dock, which may be unlike anything he or she has ever encountered. You can use treats to help coax the dog to you.
Depending on the size of the boat, your dog may need to use a ramp or climb the swim ladder to get on. Introduce this concept on dry land before trying it in the water. Get the dog used to the ramp or swim ladder so that he or she finds it second nature by the time they try it in the water.
Dogs can be a lot like children when it comes to leaving the water. They are having fun and they don’t want it to end. You will need to teach the dog that he or she has to obey while in the water. Many boaters teach their dogs that “onboard” means get to the boat now. The command “go ashore” can be used to let the dog know that he or she is free to enter the water and swim to shore.
It is also a good idea to teach your dog a command that will alert him or her to the fact that rough water is coming. Many boaters use the command “wake ho” to alert their dogs to the fact that a wake is coming and the dog needs to get to the safety of the cockpit now. Most dogs will learn to relate to the fact that “wake ho” means it is best to lay down flat so their center of gravity is low, keeping them from getting tossed around the cockpit.
Always keep the dog’s safety in the forefront of your mind. Rough water can be an accident waiting to happen. Take precautions.
It is a good idea for your dog to wear a life vest or personal flotation device while onboard. Not only can the life vest prevent your dog from drowning (even good swimmers can drown) should he or she accidentally fall or jump overboard; the colorful vests can help you spot your dog in the sea of black water. Many vests are equipped with a handle that can be used to help grab the dog or boost the dog onboard.
Harnesses are very beneficial, especially in rough water. A harness can be attached to the boat in a manner that will keep the dog from going overboard. Should the unexpected happen, the harness could be snagged with a boat hook so that you can get the dog safely onboard again.
It is a good idea to practice a dog overboard drill. If you, the rest of your crew and the dog are used to the procedures, the rescue will go a lot smoother when an accident does occur.
Dogs that boat should always wear identification tags. This is especially important for dogs that live on long-distance cruising or live aboard boats. Make sure the identification tag includes your boat’s name, its make and the address for the marina you hale from. It is also a good idea to include the dog’s name and your name and address on the tag. There are commercial waterproof collars that will protect identification information.
Recreational boating usually means lots of sunshine and hot temperatures. It is important to provide plenty of clean, fresh water for your dog to drink so that he or she does not become dehydrated. Dehydration can be very serious. Try to keep your dog from drinking the water he or she is swimming in. Impure water can cause many illnesses.
Your boat should be equipped with a shady area that the dog can go use to get out of the sun. At the very least, wet the dog before leaving shore and head to a place where shade will be available.
Potty time can be a challenge. If you are a long-distance boater that may be on the water for days on end, train the dog to do its business on a puppy pad or a piece of Astroturf that you place on the deck or swim platform. You can begin training at home. Simply place a puppy pad or piece of Astroturf in your yard and encourage the dog to use it to do its business.
Be a good steward of the land and sea. Dispose of your dog’s waste properly. Other boaters or beach walkers don’t want to step in a pile of poop.
Taking the above mentioned precautions will allow you and your dog to enjoy boating.
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