How to Take Your Dog Boating

Why leave your dog sad on the shore when they could join you on the family boat ride? Many dogs are able to enjoy a fun and safe time on the water. All it takes is some preparation, planning, and practice. We gathered up tips for taking your dog boating below. If you need any parts replacement or maintenance before your trip, bring your boat to Active Water Sports. We deal with all things boats and proudly serve those in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington.

Determine Your Dog’s Comfort with Water

Some dogs hate getting wet, struggle to swim, and don’t listen well to their owner. These dogs should stay on land! It’s important that you take into account your dog’s comfort level in water since there is a chance they could fall overboard. Would they be able to keep their head above water? Would they come back to the boat when you called? Make sure your dog can swim and follow commands before you take them on any boats. Keep in mind that smaller dogs get hypothermia faster and older dogs lose energy quickly. Only bring your pal on board if you’re confident they can handle the water.

Create an Emergency Plan

Before you head out in open waters with your dog, take the time to build an emergency plan. In the moment of an actual emergency, every second counts. You don’t want to waste any time scrambling to decide what to do.

Start by picking the person the dog is most likely to listen to. If your dog falls overboard, that individual should stand at the back of the boat. Everyone else should stay calm and quiet while that individual calls the dog. Ideally, your dog will respond and swim up to the boat. If not, someone will need to jump in to grab them.

Pack the Needed Supplies

There are a few items you’ll want to bring to help your dog stay comfortable. Fresh water is a must! Hot days can dehydrate your dog quickly. While your boat is surrounded by water, it could contain contaminants that can make your dog sick.

Your dog needs to wear a few items. A collar and the right tags are a must. When you get to land, there is always a chance you and your dog could get separated. They should wear the proper identification just in case. Your dog also needs to wear a life jacket. This makes it easier for them to stay afloat if they fall overboard. Even strong swimmers can struggle when waves from passing boats hit them.

It’s not essential, but consider bringing toys and treats. These help make the experience more fun for your dog. You can also use them to reinforce positive behavior.

Stay Aware of Your Dog’s Needs

New environments can stress a dog out. Before you head out on the water, make sure your dog is comfortable on your boat. Let them smell and wander the boat while it is docked. Play with toys on the boat to help your dog associate the boat with fun times. Once your dog is comfortable, head out on your first voyage.

While you are on the boat, stay aware of your dog’s needs. Offer water and food (but don’t overfeed since dogs can get seasick too). Look for signs of discomfort, like whining or pacing. Do what you can to make the trip fun and comfortable for her.

For all your boating needs, visit Active Water Sports. We offer parts replacement and service options to get boats running like new. We also offer a range of new and used boats for sale. We proudly serve those in Oregon like the areas of Portland, Eugene, Salem, and Bend. We also serve Vancouver, Washington.