Ultimate Guide For Taking A Dog On A Boat For The 1st Time

When taking a dog on a boat for the first time there are many things that you need to consider including teaching your dog to get on a off a boat, teaching basic commands for the boat, fitting a dog life jacket, toilet training your dog on the boat as well as keeping your dog cool and hydrated etc.

Table of Contents

Introducing A Dog To Boating

How Do I Introduce My Dog To Boating? The best way to introduce a dog to boating is to sit your dog on the dock next to your boat and turn on the motor so they get used to the sound. Next, call your dog into the boat and when he jumps in, reward with a treat. Keep trips short until they get used to the feeling of being out on the water.

Step-By-Step Explanation Of Introducing A Dog To A Boat

Introduce your dog to your boat while docked. Turn on the motor while your dog is still sitting on the wharf/dock so they get used to the sound.
Teach your dog how to get on and off a boat safely. Many dog owners use dog boat ramps or dog stairs to help their dog get on a boat safely.
Teach your dog commands to keep them safe while on board e.g. sit, stay, heel go potty etc.
Get your dog used to wearing a personal flotation device such as a dog life jacket. Your dog should also be wearing a name tag with a contact phone number. You should also consider putting a waterproof collar on your dog.
Let your dog onto your boat, using positive reinforcement training techniques such as clicker training or treats. Your boat should still be docked at this point. Allow your dog to get used to the sensation of being on the water and not on solid, stable ground.
If your dog is doing well and is not hesitant about the boat, you can start moving. Keep an eye on your dog while driving the boat, looking out for signs of distress.
Keep your first trips in a boat with your dog short. Gradually make them longer as your dog becomes accustomed to your boat.

Do Dogs Like Being On Boats? Some dogs love being on boats for the adventure while others do not like being on boats out of fear, hesitation or because of motion sickness. Dogs that really like boating include Labrador Retrievers, Boykin Spaniels, Portuguese Water Dogs, Poodles, Jack Russel Terriers, Dachshunds, Irish Water Spaniels etc.

How Do I Calm My Dog Down On A Boat? To calm your dog down on a boat you should limit your dog’s food and water intake for a few hours before leaving to reduce seasickness. You can also consult your vet about motion sickness and/or anti-anxiety medication. If your dog is hyperactive on a boat, tire him/her out with exercise before leaving.

Why Does My Dog Not Like Walking On Wharfs, Piers, Docks etc.? Some dogs do not lie walking on wharfs, piers or docks because there are visible holes or gaps in the surface or creaky slats. Dogs who do not like swimming also might not like walking on wharfs, piers or docks out of fear of falling into the water.

How To Get A Dog On And Off A Boat

How Do I Get My Dog Onto A Boat? To get a dog onto a boat you can use a dog ramp or dog stairs that allows your dog to get onboard while docked. There are also floating ramps for use in water to help your dog get onboard after swimming.

Are Boat Ramps Or Stairs Better For Dogs? Boat ramps are better for older dogs who may suffer from arthritis, joint or hip pain as the incline in gentler. Dog ramps are also more suited to dogs with shorter legs. Stairs are good for young, healthy and active dogs and are generally more suited to travelling as they can fold up.

How Do I Get My Dog Back In A Boat After Swimming? To get a dog back into a boat after swimming you can use a specially designed ramp for use in the water. These ramps attach to the side of your boat and float just above the water surface. A dog can swim up to the ramp and then climb back on board.

Our Top Recommendations For Dog Ramps & Stairs For Boats

Life Jackets For Dogs On Boats

brown short coated dog wearing red and white striped shirt

Do Dogs Need Life Jackets On Boats? Yes, dogs should wear life jackets on boats as a safety precaution even if they are strong swimmers. In the instance of a boating accident, a dog will need the extra support to keep themselves afloat. Dog life jackets can also keep your dog warm on a boat as they act as a thick layer of insulation.

Other benefits of your dog wearing a life jacket on a boat include:

A dog life jacket is usually a bright or fluorescent colour and has reflective strips. These design features makes it easier to keep an eye on your dog while on a boat or while swimming.
Dog life jackets have handles which makes it easier to pull/lift your dog out of the water
There can be unseen hazards in the water while your dog is swimming such as strong currents or rocks/other sharp objects.
Many dog life jackets have a head rest section which can help your dog keep their head above the water
Dog breeds including greyhounds, bulldogs, pugs and small breeds with small legs are not great swimmers and would benefit greatly from a dog life jacket.

Read The Full Article: Does My Dog Need A Life Jacket On A Boat?

How Do You Put A Life Jacket On A Dog? To put a life jacket on a dog, you firstly need to loosen all the straps. Then slip their head through the neck hole. Tighten the underbelly straps and do up the buckles. Finally, adjust the neck straps and secure the buckle. All life jackets are different so follow the manufacturers instructions for the best fit.

How Tight Should A Dog Life Jacket Be? A dog life jacket should be snug but not so tight that it cuts off your dog’s circulation. You should be able to fit two fingers between the life jacket and your dog at the neckline and under the belly to ensure that it is not too tight.

Can I Use A Human Life Jacket On A Dog? No, you should not use a human life jacket on a dog. A human life jacket will not fit snuggly to your dog’s body and will actually pose more of a risk than your dog not wearing a life jacket at all. It will make swimming much more difficult for your dog.

Our Top Recommendations For Dog Life Jackets

1. Outward Hound Neoprene Dog Life Jacket

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2. Ruffwear Float Coat™ Dog Life Jacket

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Toilet Training A Dog On A Boat

Where Does A Dog Pee On A Boat? A dog can pee on a boat on a puppy pad or an artificial dog grass tray. This should be located at a single designated toileting spot on the deck. Most people choose the bow to be the designated dog toilet spot as it is out of the way of the main action on a boat.

How Do I Train My Dog To Pee On A Boat? To train a dog to pee on a boat, you need to establish a toilet spot such as the bow of your boat and put a puppy pad or artificial grass mat/tray there. Then train your dog by taking them over on a lead to pee on the pad/mat, rewarding them with treats.

Step-By-Step Explanation Of Toilet Training A Dog On A Boat

Establish a toilet spot on your boat e.g. the bow
Put a puppy pad or artificial grass mat/tray in your designated toileting area
While on a lead, take your dog over to the puppy pad or grass tray to introduce them to the toilet on the boat
Encourage your dog to pee or poo on the puppy pad or grass tray by taking them there on a lead 5 to 10 minutes after meals
If your dog pees or poops on the puppy pad or grass tray reward them with treats
Continue this positive reinforcement training until your dog understands that the puppy pad/artificial grass tray is the designated toilet spot on your boat
You have been successful when your dog goes to pee on the puppy pad/grass tray by themselves
Bonus Tip: If your dog doesn’t understand that the puppy pad or artificial turf tray is their toilet on your boat, place one of their poo or wee sample onto it so they recognise the scent.

Our Top Recommendations For Dog Toilet Products For Boats

1. PetSafe Pet Loo Portable Outdoor or Indoor Dog Potty

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How To Keep A Dog Cool While Boating

How Can I Keep My Dog Cool In A Boat? The best way to keep a dog cool on a boat is to keep him in the shade and provide a constant supply of fresh water in a bowl. If it is an extremely hot day you could also put a cooling vest on your dog or let him lie down on a cooling mat.

Other methods to keep a dog cool while boating are:

Filling up a water spray bottle and spray your dog’s fur throughout the day while on the boat.
Some dog owners groom excess hair off their dogs before getting on the boat so that their dogs can feel cooler.
If your dog likes swimming, getting your dog off the boat and into the water is another fast solution to cool your dog down.
It is a good idea to use a no-spill dog bowl on a moving boat to prevent water spillages and slip hazards.
Find our favourite dog cooling vest here and dog cooling mat here!

How Do You Keep A Dog From Overheating On A Boat? To keep a dog from overheating on a boat one should provide a shaded area for your dog to rest in away from hot boat surfaces such as fibreglass. Make sure your dog has an easily accessible water bowl to prevent dehydration. Additionally, put a cooling vest on your dog.