Putting Your Dog In A Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Taking your dog out on a boat requires some preparation and training to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog. Before setting sail, it is important to consider your dog's temperament, physical characteristics, and whether they are comfortable with water and swimming. It is also crucial to have the necessary supplies, such as a properly fitted life jacket, dog sunscreen, and fresh water. Additionally, training your dog to get on and off the boat safely and providing them with a designated resting spot are essential steps. By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can create a memorable and enjoyable boating experience for both you and your furry friend.

How to get your dog on and off the boat

How to Get Your Dog On and Off a Boat

Before You Set Off:

Before you set off, there are a few things to consider to ensure your dog's safety and comfort. Firstly, check the weather forecast and try to set off early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours. You should also ensure your dog is up to date on its vaccinations, especially if you plan to travel by public boat or ferry.

It's also a good idea to ask yourself whether your dog will enjoy boating. Some dogs love the water, but others don't. If your dog is nervous or dislikes swimming, they may find being on a boat frightening. You should also consider whether your dog gets seasick or carsick, as they may experience motion sickness on a boat.

Getting Your Dog On and Off the Boat:

If you have a small dog, it is recommended to simply carry them on and off the boat. For larger dogs, this may not be an option, and they will need to learn to board themselves. You can use a ramp or dog ladder to help your dog get on and off, or they can jump, but this may be dangerous if they injure themselves or slip between the boat and the dock.

To train your dog to board safely, use positive reinforcement and treats to motivate them. Start with a dry run on a docked boat, and use the lure-and-treat method to guide them onto the boat. Stay slow and steady so they can get used to the new surface and any movement. Praise them as they follow your lure, and give them the treat. Then, practice going in the opposite direction, off the boat and onto the dock or ground.

If your dog is hesitant, don't force them on board. Instead, encourage them with praise and lure them a step or two towards the boat before rewarding them and letting them retreat. Gradually build up more steps as they gain confidence. Once they are comfortable, add a verbal cue, such as "all aboard!".

Additional Tips:

• Always have fresh water available for your dog to prevent dehydration.
• Use dog-safe sunscreen on your dog, especially if they have short hair or light-coloured fur.
• Protect your dog's paws from hot surfaces.
• Be aware of the signs of stress or discomfort in your dog.
• Start with shorter trips to get your dog used to boating, and gradually increase the duration.
• Have a plan in case your dog goes overboard. Make sure everyone on board knows what to do, including circling back, cutting the engine, and calling the dog over to lift them out of the water using the handle on their life jacket.
• Always keep your dog on a leash when on the boat for safety.
• Plan for potty breaks. You can use puppy pads or astroturf on the boat, or plan stops on land every 3-5 hours.
• Be confident in your "dog overboard" rescue plan, and make sure everyone on board is familiar with it.

How to keep your dog safe on the boat

Before the Journey

Before you bring your dog on a boat, it's important to consider whether they will enjoy the activity. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does my dog like water?
• Will my dog get seasick?
• Is my dog up-to-date on vaccinations?
• Does my dog want to be on a boat?

If your dog is small, it's probably easier to carry them on and off the boat. For bigger dogs, it's important to train them to get on and off the boat themselves. Use positive reinforcement, treats, and practice to help them get comfortable with the process.

Before launching, let your dog explore the boat while it's secured at the dock. This helps them get familiar with their surroundings and the sound of the engine. Teach your dog basic safety commands like "sit", "stay", and "on/off boat".

Get a well-fitting life jacket for your dog with a handle so you can easily pull them out of the water. Let them practice swimming with the life jacket on before your voyage.

During the Journey

Make sure to always keep an eye on your dog, especially if the boat is in motion. Keep them on a leash to prevent them from falling overboard and to control their movements if they get excited. Do not let them stand on the bow of the boat, as they could lose balance and fall in. It's also a good idea to keep them lying down beside you or on the floor of the boat.

Provide shade for your dog, especially on hot sunny days, to prevent heatstroke. Keep their paws protected from hot surfaces, and apply dog-safe sunscreen to their nose, ears, and any other areas where skin is exposed.

Always have fresh water available for your dog to prevent dehydration. Do not let them drink water from the lake or sea, as it may be contaminated.

For longer outings, your dog will need a place to relieve themselves. You can create a special potty station with artificial grass or absorbent puppy pads, or plan to stop on land for a potty break every 3-5 hours.

How to train your dog to relieve themselves on the boat

Training your dog to relieve themselves on a boat is not as difficult as it may seem. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose a "Potty Spot" on the Boat

Designate a specific area on the boat as the "potty spot" for your dog. This could be a piece of carpet, artificial grass, or a puppy pad. Some dogs may prefer a vertical surface to relieve themselves on, so you can also try setting up an artificial shrub tied to a stanchion for male dogs. If possible, get a used "scented" carpet from a friend with a dog, or scent it yourself by sprinkling it with urine. This will help your dog understand that this is the designated spot for relieving themselves.

Train Your Dog to Use the "Potty Spot"

When it's time for your dog to go, take them to the "potty spot" on the boat. Use a leash to guide them if necessary and let them sniff around. Be patient, as it may take a while, especially with older dogs. Praise them lavishly and offer treats when they successfully use the designated spot. With consistent training, your dog will eventually learn to go to the "potty spot" on their own.

Keep the "Potty Spot" Clean

To maintain good hygiene on the boat, clean the "potty spot" regularly. For solid waste, pick it up with a doggy bag and dispose of it in the toilet or overboard if allowed. For liquid waste, you can dunk the "potty spot" in the water a couple of times a day to rinse it off. This will help keep the area clean and odour-free.

Other Tips for Boating with Dogs

• Always have a properly fitted life jacket for your dog, especially if they are not strong swimmers.
• Protect your dog from prolonged sun exposure and apply dog-safe sunscreen, especially if they have short hair.
• Keep your dog's paws safe by protecting them from hot surfaces and using dog booties if necessary.
• Provide shade for your dog, especially on hot sunny days, to prevent heatstroke.
• Start with shorter boat trips and gradually increase the duration to get your dog accustomed to the boating environment.
• Always have fresh water available for your dog to drink and avoid letting them drink from lakes or the sea.

How to keep your dog entertained on the boat

Keeping your dog entertained on a boat is important for their happiness and your sanity! Here are some tips to keep your dog happy and safe while boating:

Potty Training

Before setting sail, it is important to train your dog to relieve themselves in a designated area on the boat. This will take time and patience, especially if your dog is used to going on land. Start by teaching them to "go" on cue and use a substrate that they will have to use on the boat, such as a fake grass mat. Be patient and persistent, as some dogs may take longer to adjust to this new routine.

Swimming and Recall

If your dog enjoys swimming, make sure they are comfortable in the water and know how to swim. Ensure they have a well-fitted life jacket, as even strong swimmers can get tired or disoriented. Practice recalling your dog while they are swimming by throwing a floating fetch toy and calling them back to the boat. This will help keep them safe if they ever fall overboard.

Sun Protection

Protect your dog from the sun by providing shade, using dog-safe sunscreen, and covering their paws. Light-coloured dogs and thin-haired dogs are particularly susceptible to sunburns, so be sure to apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and any other exposed areas. You can also use a sunshade or umbrella to provide extra shade.

Games and Tricks

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for dogs. Teach them tricks, such as giving you a "high five" or going to their bed on cue. You can also play games such as hide-and-seek or fetch with floating toys. This will keep them entertained and mentally stimulated while on the boat.

Socialisation and Exploration

When docked, take your dog for walks and explore new places. This will provide them with physical exercise and mental stimulation, as well as an opportunity to relieve themselves on land. Socialisation is also important, so let them interact with other dogs and people if possible.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog has a safe and enjoyable time on the boat. Remember to be patient and provide plenty of positive reinforcement during the training process.

How to prevent your dog from getting seasick

Dogs can get seasick, and it's fairly common, especially if they haven't spent much time on boats before. It's important to keep an eye on your dog and look for signs of seasickness, such as lip-licking, gulping air, whining, drooling, vomiting, or appearing lethargic. If your dog is prone to seasickness, there are several things you can do to help prevent it.

Firstly, expose your dog to boats gradually. Before taking your dog out on the water, let them explore the boat while it's docked and stationary. Run the engine to get them used to the noise, and use treats to create a positive association. Once they're comfortable, take them out on short boat rides, gradually increasing the duration until they feel at ease.

Refrain from feeding your dog before boat rides. Wait at least an hour after they've eaten before heading out. You can also ask your veterinarian about over-the-counter anti-nausea medication or medication to help your dog feel calm and prevent nausea.

Make sure your dog has a safe and secure spot on the boat, such as a shaded area with a non-slip mat to prevent sliding. Keep them well-hydrated with plenty of fresh water, and protect them from the sun with dog-safe sunscreen and paw protection.

Lastly, be prepared with a dog first aid kit and seasickness medication, and know the procedure for if your dog goes overboard.

Frequently asked questions