Dogs at Sea

Dogs are very adaptable beings and if you have a favourite bay, lake or waterway you like to visit on your boat, you best buddy may be able to join you.

Wearing a canine floatation device is a must for your pooch and you can begin to acclimate him to this by having him wear it for the duration of his meal times.  Make sure you buy one that fits snugly and buy one from a shop where you can take him along for a proper fitting.  A grab strap or handle in the design is important.

Practice is the key to success, so allow opportunities for him to move about comfortably on the boat whist the boat is not moving.  Dogs need to be able to grip as they are not born with boat shoes.  Find a non-slip matting or product to put down for him.  He will also need to be taught how and where to get on and off the vessel. (Some folks even have little ramps for their dog to use for swimming off the rear of the boat.)

Noises like rigging gear and motors should all be introduced slowly over time so there are no surprises.  Practice partially raising sails too as they are so large and can flap about.

Find a ‘toilet method’ to suit him and teach him to use this on land first.  Be sure to have some degree of control with your dog such as ‘down’ and ‘stay’ because people sometimes need to work very quickly in a small area on boats.  He will need your permission to come on and off the boat and you will need a safe place to tether him if required.

Short trips to begin will give you a gauge of whether the ‘sea dog’ experience is going to be enjoyable for him.  Important note: if you’re fishing keep that bait, hooks and line right from him.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)