Many of us enjoy being out on the open ocean. Your dog can also enjoy being out on the open ocean just like us humans. Have you tried boating with your dog? If you enjoy boating, you should take your furry friend with you. Dogs have a lot of energy, and they love accompanying their owners to various destinations. Very few dogs are afraid of water and most of them are instinctive swimmers and love playing with water.
Nothing beats a warm day out on a boat with your lifelong companion. A dog is an important part of a family and thus you don’t want to leave him at home when you’re having fun with the rest of the family. Safety is very important when you’re boating with your dog. This boating guide will give you all the confidence you need to take your pooch boating. Read on to learn more.
Training your dog to get on and off the boat
Before taking your dog on your next boating adventure, you need to make sure that he knows how to get on and off the boat. Getting in and out of the boat is one of the many dangerous moments of boating with your dog. The best or the safest thing to do is to train him to get on and off the boat. Small dogs can easily be carried on and off the boat, but for larger dogs, you may need to put in some effort. You can obtain a dog-friendly boarding ramp or Ladder that help your dog get on the boat safely.
Be patient with your dog as he learns how to use the ramp or ladder. You can even practice with a table or your car before using it on a boat. Practice will help build confidence and eventually he’ll get on and off the boat calmly.
Create a dog overboard emergency drill
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency plan when boating with your dog. You need to know what to do if your dog falls overboard. For instance, you need to learn how to do dog CPR. Also, you need to have someone that will navigate the boat as well as someone that will keep an eye on the floating dog. Dogs cannot wave to signal where they are in the water and their small heads can get lost in the waves, hence it’s important to have someone to keep visuals on them.
Once you get near the spot your dog is floating, cut the engine and yell for him to swim towards. Don’t jump into the water to help, instead, call him over and pick him out of the water.
Practice the “come” command
This is part of the preparation before going boating with your dog. You must ensure that your dog is comfortable in the water and knows how to swim. One of the best swimming for dogs tips is making sure your dog responds to your “come” command when called. You can practice the come-when-called on dry land, and then when he can correctly respond to the cue, you can introduce it in the water. This command should be practiced around distractions.
Familiarize yourself with dog boating rules
Before going boating with your dog, make sure to familiarize yourself with the local legislation concerning boating with dogs. Rules may vary from one place to another on what’s allowed and what must not be done. So, be sure to read the rules.
Teach your dog to go in a designated spot on the boat
Safety is of ultimate importance when boating with your dog. One of the best things you can do to ensure safety is to teach your dog to settle in a designated place on the boat. This will keep him safe while you’re boating. During this time he should be wearing a dog life jacket. A dog that keeps running around the deck while on the move can easily go overboard or distract the driver.
Dog Boating Gear and Supplies
Here are the dog boating accessories that you need to bring with you:
1. Dog life jacket
Most dogs enjoy the water and some are well-known for their water-loving spirit, like the Labradors. However, not all dogs are great swimmers. Dogs can easily get exhausted and are susceptible to drowning and cold temperatures while swimming. Also, waves and currents can easily carry them away from your boat in the event they go overboard.
Dogs are an important part of our families, and thus you wouldn’t want them to go on the ocean or sea without lifejackets. When your dog is wearing a life jacket, it’s easier to spot him in the water and quickly grab him back on the deck.
The best life jacket for dogs should be comfortable and fits right without chaffing or slipping off.
2. Dog first-aid kit
Injuries can happen during water play with your dog, hence you need to be equipped with a dog first-aid kit that’s fully stocked. Also, you need to learn dog CPR and first aid. They come in handy in case of an emergency.
3. Plenty of fresh water and a water bowl
Don’t allow your pet to drink water from anywhere. Boating with your dog under the sun can be dehydrating for both you and him, and that’s why you should pack up plenty of fresh drinking water and a water bowl. You can go for a collapsible water bowl since it’s lightweight and easy to pack.
4. Dog potty
A dog that’s house trained won’t relieve himself just anywhere. Bring a dog potty and place it in a special potty spot when it’s bathroom time for your pooch.
5. Dog sunscreen
Many dog owners don’t know that their dogs need sun protection. A dog’s sunscreen is especially important if your dog has very thin or very light fur. It’s available in several different forms, from wipes to sprays.
6. Non-slip mat
A non-slip mat will keep your dog footed and make him feel more stable while you cruise. Place it where they can lay down and relax.
This dog boating guide will help you have an enjoyable experience when boating with your dog. With the right dog boating accessories, your furry friend will be safe and enjoy boating. You can have fun without any worries. Happy boating!
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