Boating with your Dog – 10 Tips from a Professional Dog Trainer

Boating with your dog can be a great experience for both you and your pet.

With some planning and preparation, you can make it an enjoyable experience for both of you.

If you are thinking about taking your dog on the boat, there are some things to consider like the size of the boat is important as big boats will have plenty of room to move around while smaller boats may not. Smaller dogs might enjoy riding in a kayak or canoe because they can see what’s going on better than if they were in a larger boat.

If you take your dog out into salt water, make sure that it has fresh drinking water available at all times and don’t leave them unattended for long periods of time. Also, keep an eye on their paws so that they do not get burned by hot surfaces.

Here are ten safety tips for boating with your dog from a professional dog trainer. You’ll learn to keep your pup safe and happy when you’re out on the water!

10 Safety Tips for Boating with Your Dog

1. Keep your dog on a leash whenever you’re not in the boat. You never know when they’ll be tempted to jump overboard, or how much excitement they can endure before doing so. For shorter excursions without a leash, try training your pup to stay in the boat and ignore anything happening around him or her by using ‘leave it’ and ‘come’ commands.

2. Avoid boating on hot, sunny days to avoid dehydration. Dogs can easily get heat stroke even after swimming in cold water in the summertime. Even if your dog doesn’t leave the boat, it’s important to keep him or her cool by offering plenty of fresh water throughout your trip and limiting the amount of time spent in the direct sunlight.

3. Keep your pup hydrated and fed before you embark on a trip that will last several hours or a full day, especially during summer months. An empty tummy can be just as dangerous to your dog as it is for you [or me] . Make sure water is easily accessible and try keeping some kind of treat or bone stashed away in case he or she gets bored after a while.

4. If your dog shows any unusual signs–such as trembling, pacing, hiding, panting, drooling or excessive barking–get him or her off the boat immediately and check with a vet about what may have caused this behavior beforehand. Dogs can get seasick and they may display signs similar to the motion sickness you might feel after a boat ride.

5. Even if your dog isn’t afraid of the water, it’s important that he or she is familiar with the command ‘swim’ when out on the boat, especially if there’s any chance you’ll need him or her to get into deep waters. Don’t risk letting them off-leash in case they spot an enticing fish in the water and decide to go swimming! Now it would be a good time to talk about doggie life jackets.Pups can easily get tired when swimming for long periods of time in cold water, so keep safety gear like life jackets handy at all times. They’re available from pet shops and some specialty stores and are designed to keep your dog safe if he or she falls overboard.

6. No matter how much fun they’re having, never let your dog out of your sight when you’re on the boat. Boats can start moving unexpectedly so keep a tight hold on your pup’s leash or only take him or her out when you’re certain it’s safe for them to go [and come] . You’ll be able to spot any impending danger quickly this way, but always keep an eye out while you’re on the water just in case.

7. If a storm is brewing nearby, stay away from any boating excursions until it passes. The waves caused by storms can easily overwhelm small boats and put everyone aboard in danger. In most cases, this is more dangerous for your dog than it is for you, so keep everyone safe by keeping the boat secure at home.

8. Keep all plants and flowers out of the area where your dog will be spending time on or near the water [as well as other areas they could potentially access]. There are many poisonous varieties that can sicken or even kill a pup who ingests them, especially if he or she feels threatened while trying to reach them. Check with local pet stores about plant safety in order to learn which ones may be harmful around pets before letting yours have full reign on an outdoor deck or backyard area near any water sources.

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9. If your dog does fall into areas of water deeper than his or her own height, don’t immediately jump in after them unless you have the training to do so safely. They could easily be under the water for a longer period of time than you might realize and entering a body of water blindly can cause more danger for both of you. Try using a rope anchored to the nearby boat to rescue him or her or throw something less hazardous like a life jacket instead! [Side note: if your dog is acting distressed after having fallen overboard, and/or seems reluctant to use any kind of flotation device, check with your vet about what may have caused this behavior.]

10. Dogs love swimming but bring along treats that don’t require water to keep them entertained during your time at sea. They can easily get hungry and you don’t want a grumbling dog distracting you while out on the boat. Consider packing an extra two or three meals’ worth of treats to make sure he or she isn’t left wanting for something to do, especially if you’re going out for more than a few hours.

Having your pup along can be fun when they aren’t just weighing you down, but make sure to check with locals about any rules that might exist before taking your furry pal out on the water. Now you know how to have safe adventures together!

Whatever happens on your boating trip, always bring your dog back home safe and sound afterward. He or she will be happy you followed these tips so both of you can have fun on the water together!

Where do Dogs go to the Bathroom on a Boat?

If you’re a dog owner or handler who has ever taken your pup out on the water, you know that this is a common question. After all, dogs are generally stimulated to eliminate when they feel extra pressure in their rectum and bladder (hence why trips to the bathroom can lead to unpleasant surprises), and factors such as motion, distractions, or anxiety can all cause this natural response. For dog owners and handlers looking to enjoy the water with their pup, it is absolutely essential that you have a safe place for him to go when nature calls (or before!).

What Do Dog Pee Elimination Products Do?

Dog urine removal products like Poo-Pourri contain Anise oil that masks odors and keep your pup’s bathroom spot from smelling up your boat. The difference between these products and old fashioned air fresheners like Febreeze is that they actually tackle the problem at its source. They stop dogs from going unsupervised in public areas where others may be offended by the smell of elimination while also blocking out any lingering doggy odor! Whether you do your boating in the summer, winter, or any other time of year, Poo-Pourri is a great investment for conscientious dog owners who are looking to keep their dogs (and the boats they frequent) clean and odor-free.

Other Ways to Keep Your Boat Dog Pee Free:

Got a boat? Great! Dogs love boats, but if you want yours to go potty in public areas without being an eyesore or causing others to feel offended by his messes, it’s important that you have some guidance on how to safely bring your pup out onto the water with you. Here are few tips for boating with your pet ! By following these suggestions, you can be sure that your pup will be happy and healthy throughout the whole trip.

Boat Dog Pee Tips:

1) Protect your boat’s carpet with proper flooring or doormats. Dogs have a natural tendency to eliminate on anything surface, so you’ll need to make sure that wherever Fido relieves himself is always clean! If you don’t want dog pee ruining the floors of your boat, it may be a good idea to put down bathroom training pads like Puppy Potty for Dogs Under 20lbs , which can collect urine in case there is an accident (and helps create a scent that keeps your dog from going unsupervised). While these products suggest using them inside the house, they can also work as doormats for your boat’s and home’s entryways.

2) Clean up after your pup immediately! Once you’re done with the fun of boating, it’s time to clean up! While you may have a hose or deep sink on board that can help you rinse off Fido, don’t forget about the little things like his paws and the insides of his ears. A warm towel will work wonders in getting rid of any unwanted moisture or chafing from walking around on hot surfaces.

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Remember: once he has been out in public areas, your dog must be kept away from beds and furniture where others may sit until he is completely dry because wet fur and skin can provide an excellent environment for bacteria to grow! More importantly, don’t forget to clean all of your equipment including the boat’s floor and carpets, too!

3) Stick with familiar faces. If you’re looking for a place to dock where it’ll be easy to get around town, try a marina or slip that is managed by people you know. While it can be nice to meet new friends on the water (just remember: not everyone loves dogs as much as they do!), it can also cause problems if they see your pup relieving himself unsupervised when he isn’t supposed to! It’s better to be extra cautious so an accident doesn’t occur in front of someone who may decide not to let his dog hang out at their facilities anymore!

4) Always supervise your pup, and keep him out of the water. While many dogs love boating because it gives them a chance to pee into the wind without anyone knowing, it’s not always safe for all pups! If your dog isn’t comfortable getting wet or is prone to developing colds and other illnesses, it might be best if you don’t let him go out on deck in his own swimsuit. It also wouldn’t hurt if he learned how to play fetch and was trained to obey commands like “sit” and “stay,” so that you can control where he goes when you need someone else’s boat to pass by!

5) Don’t feed your doggie something that will make him uncomfortable later. Whether you’re enjoying a day out on the water with him or just hanging out at the dock, try to avoid letting your pup eat immediately before you set off. Foods like chicken and other meats can cause bowel movements when dogs are digesting them, which can lead to all sorts of problems from having to clean up extra messes while you’re boating to having an embarrassed dog that refuses to let his friends see him because he feels ashamed! It’s also important not to feed a large meal right after eating unless he has spent plenty of time outside so that his bladder is able to get full and empty without making a big scene.

How to make a Dog Comfortable on a Boat?

Bringing your dog with you on a boat can be one of the most fun parts about boating. Dogs are very social animals, and if they love going out on a boat then more than likely they will be happy to get on board along with their owners. But as enjoyable as it is to bring your pup along for the ride, there are some things that must first be considered in order to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves safely.

This article contains 10 tips from a professional dog trainer that will help make sure you and your pooch have a fun time on the water without any safety issues.

For both of our sakes, let’s not forget these important tips when taking our pets out on the water! I’ll start by listing the tips, and then I’ll offer a little more insight on each tip from my experience as a dog trainer.

Your dog should stay close to you at all times while with you on the boat. He or she should not be roaming freely around the deck for many reasons.

First of all it is dangerous for your pet to walk around alone if he/she slips overboard and cannot get back onboard.

Secondly your canine friend could disrupt other guests riding along with you.

Thirdly your dog may become over-stimulated due to there being too much activity and loud noises occurring around him/her.

Fourthly certain animals do not mix well when they are forced into close quarters (i.e. a small space) with each other.

Dog Breeds Who Love Boating

Not all dogs can be trusted on boats. Many dog breeds were never bred to be around water, and it can take an eternity to train them how to do anything with the element involved!

It’s not that different from training your pup how to behave in the water at pool parties or the beach either. You must keep these types of activities fun and interesting so that your canine will want to come back for more.

Knowing how your dog feels about being on a boat is very important, too. If he does not like it, you’ll have a hard time keeping him calm while you’re out there or even making him get into his crate when needed. Here are some of the most common breeds who love boating!

Breeds of Dogs Who Love Boating

Golden Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers

German Shepherd Dogs

Siberian Huskies

Irish Setters

Vizslas

Border Collies

Doberman

Pinschers

Shetland Sheepdogs

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Rottweilers

Poodles

Australian Cattle Dogs ( ACDs )

Breeds of Dogs Who Don’t Like Boating

Bull Terriers

Newfoundland

Pit Bulls

Mastiffs

Dachshunds

Beagles

Whippets (Greyhounds)

Jack Russell Terriers

Chihuahuas

Bulldogs

Bullmastiffs

Basenjis Shar Peis Chow Chows

Akitas

Boxers

Borzoi

Great Danes

Pugs

Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Things You Must Remember

Boats can be a Strange Place for a Dog

The strange noises, the slanted flooring, and even the rocking motion of a boat can be scary to dogs. They may dislike being out on a boat with you at first, but there are ways to make them like it! You simply have to know how they react and train them accordingly.

Puppy Proof Your Boat

Before you take your pup along with you on your next boating adventure, deck your boat out in puppy proof gear first. You don’t want anything dangerous around that could hurt or scare him! For example, tie electrical cords up high so he doesn’t chew through them. Make sure all exit doors are shut and locked and never leave any food products lying around where he can reach them or eat them by accident while he’s playing.

Beware of Temperature Differences

Even a small difference in the temperature of the water can make your pup sick. If you just took him out for a swim and strapped him into his life jacket, he might be having trouble breathing due to a high fever or hypothermia! Don’t let this happen. Always keep track of the temperature changes around your boating area at all times.

Always Bring Plenty of Water & Shade

It’s very important to have plenty of drinking water on you while out on your boat with your furry friend. Your dog will likely get thirsty if he decides to jump in and cool off, so it’s always good to bring along bottled water that you can hand feed to him through the grate bars until he recognizes the bowl as his own. Be sure to have shade as well, either underneath you or on your deck if emergency situations arise and he needs to cool off quickly.

Dehydration can set in very fast for a dog if the day is hot out, too!

Always Bring Emergency Supplies

It’s also smart to always bring along emergency supplies when you’re planning on bringing your pup boating with you. You never know what kind of emergency situations will occur while out there with him, so it’s best just to be prepared for anything that might come your way! If something goes wrong with the boat motor or anything else that could possibly cause an issue, keep a cooler packed away full of clean water bottles nearby as well as extra food for snacks. Make sure your pup always has fresh water and food to eat so he doesn’t get dehydrated or sick.

How to get Dog on and off Boat?Dog Ramps for Boats

Easy & best way to get Dog in and out of Boat!  Dog ramp for Boats with Heavy Duty Aluminum Alloy frame, 16′ long ramp slope – Super Lightweight 340LBs only, folding for easy storage.  

Check out this ramp specially for your boat!  Dog ramp is specially designed for boat auto carriers, and you can walk your dog by yourself safely.

This easy-to-use ramp works with a smooth slope in order to prevent bruising or injury of the dog’s paws. It has a foldable frame so it doesn’t take up too much space when storing. The aluminum alloy material is lightweight, yet strong enough not to bow under pressure from even an excited or anxious pet. With its compact size, less than five pounds, it can be carried around easily when transporting dogs in between vehicles or homes. This boat carrier also allows dogs who are prone to motion sickness to remain standing until they are ready to disembark.

I would personally explain my research about Boating with dogs and then finish it up on tips that I have discovered that make it easy for us to take our dogs boating safe and sound but of course this part is not written you should write your own  conclusions conclusion is the last part of an essay or other piece of writing, in which the author draws a final conclusion regarding what has been discussed earlier in the text.  

Conclusion

We hope these tips have been helpful! If you’re going boating this summer, make sure to take your dog safely. Always keep an eye on them and don’t let the pup roam free near moving water or other hazards. And if they do fall overboard, never assume they’ll be able to swim back up on their own – it’s not a good idea to leave any pet unattended in a boat for long periods of time without someone else being present. Have you had any close calls with your pup while out on the waters? Let us know in the comments below so we can chat about how best to prepare for those adventures ahead.

Photo of author

Immad Amir

Immad has a black Labrador who is his first child. With no prior experience of how to take care of his pooch, Immad started researching about what dogs love to eat. This blog is a journal of all the research Immad has done regarding a pet's diet.
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