Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Don’t go boating with your dog unless you do these 6 things first

Debbie Clason
By

One of the best things about owning a dog is their innate ability to enjoy any activity — as long as it’s with their human. Whether it’s simply a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a weekend camping trip, dogs are almost always up for the adventure.

Thanks to today’s pet-friendly culture, it’s easier than ever to take your furry family member with you almost everywhere you go. If your family spends a lot of time boating, there’s no reason your dog can’t share in the fun. The key is to teach him these six lessons before you set sail to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Related Videos
golden retriever lifeguard
shutterstock/Everita+Pane

Make sure he knows how to swim

Believe it or not, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Some don’t even like the water. That’s why it’s best to teach your dog how to swim before you take him boating. Even if you aren’t planning to get in the water, accidents happen. It’s important to know that if your dog accidentally falls (or jumps) overboard, he’ll know how to keep himself afloat until you can get him back into the boat or safely to shore.

Related

Invest in doggie swimming lessons from a qualified instructor in your area or teach him yourself. Whichever method you choose, be sure to start well in advance of boating season so you can be confident that your pup will be safe in the water when the time comes to push away from shore.

Invest in a life jacket

Speaking of keeping your dog afloat in the water, making him wear a personal floatation device (PFD) whenever he’s on the boat (or near water) is a great way to keep him safe in case of an accident.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their PFDs. Take measurements and follow the online sizing charts to purchase one that fits your dog well. Let him wear it on dry land first so he becomes comfortable with the way it feels. If possible, conduct a few practice sessions before boating so that he can get the feel of being buoyant when he wears the PFD in the water.

Designate where your dog should relieve himself

When you’re out in the middle of the lake and nature calls, make sure your dog knows where to relieve himself appropriately if you can’t get to shore. Puppy training pads are a great solution to this problem. So is a small piece of artificial grass. All it takes is a little training to get him used to the idea.

Start at home by introducing your dog to the concept. If your dog is reluctant to relieve himself indoors, move the pad outdoors and spray it with some housebreaking spray to get him used to eliminating on that spot. Once he gets the hang of it, he’ll be more comfortable taking care of business on the boat where designated if he can’t wait until it’s docked.

dachshund in yellow life jacket
shutterstock.com/g/SBulycheva

Teach your dog how to get in and out of the boat

If your dog is small enough to carry on and off the boat, you’re all set. Those with bigger dogs will want to spend some time teaching them how to get safely on and off board.

While this may not be a big deal for some dogs, remember that boats tend to rock, which creates an uneven surface that some dogs won’t like. If possible, use a sturdy ramp or ladder and begin practicing on a day when the water is calm. Use treats, praise, and lots of patience to show your dog the correct way to enter and exit the boat.

Create a place for your dog to stay on the boat

Just as with a moving car, it’s best to designate a safe spot for your dog to stay while the boat is in motion. Consider investing in a nonslip mat you can stash in an out-of-the-way place on board where your dog can lie. Not only will this keep him out of harm’s way, but it will also become a secure place for him to retreat when he becomes too hot or tired.

Train your dog to come when called

This is a basic command that can keep your dog safe in a variety of situations, especially if he is a swimmer who enjoys splashing around with the rest of the family. It’s easy for any dog to get distracted by waterfowl and swim away from the family. Make sure yours has mastered the command on dry land before you begin teaching him to come when called while he’s swimming.

All set? It’s time to head out on the water. Boating can be a lot of fun for the family, including the furry, four-legged members. Every dog is different, so if you decide to include yours on boating excursions, be sensitive to his unique personality as you introduce him to the new activity. For the most part, our dogs love being with us wherever we go. With a little training and a lot of patience, your dog will become your first mate in no time.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
6 ways to make your Super Bowl party dog-friendly this year
Snacks, safety, and other details to throw the best dog-friendly Super Bowl party
A poodle mix dog wearing a Green Bay Packers shirt and hat sits and looks into the camera

As football fans from across the country gear up for Super Bowl Sunday, you might find yourself getting swept up in the hype. We get it! The NFL championship game is a big deal, and it's fun to get together with loved ones to mark the occasion. While you're planning your football-themed menu and decor, we encourage you to consider inviting furry friends, too. At the very least, make sure your own dog is well prepared for a fun day, too.
2023 pet trends revealed that more and more owners treat their dogs like their children, so we wouldn't be surprised to see a rise in dog-friendly Super Bowl parties this year. That's why we've compiled six important ways anyone can accommodate pets at their Super Bowl party -- from finding the right snacks to finding the right space.

Don't forget to provide snacks for dogs, as well as people
There are two key components to a successful Super Bowl party -- watching the game and enjoying the food -- so once you've got your location decided, make sure to plan a menu that accommodates everyone you've invited. That means feeding the dogs, too!
Most owners will have their own plan for feeding their pup dinner, but when it comes to snacks, it doesn't hurt to be prepared. When in doubt, ask ahead about your canine guests' preferences and restrictions. That way, other pet parents can bring food for their pups -- and no one is excluded.
A classic homemade dog biscuit is always a safe snack to have on hand, and they last for a long time as leftovers, too. Since most recipes will have you making and baking dough, you can use a football-shaped cookie cutter or silicone mold to add to the day's festivities!

Read more
Urinary tract infections in dogs are so painful – here are ways you can help your pet through one
What is the best dog food for urinary health? The answer may surprise you
A sad white bulldog

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common but pesky issue for humans. Though cats can get UTIs, it’s rare in the feline population. How common are urinary tract infections in dogs?

Unfortunately, it’s pretty common for vets to diagnose UTIs in dogs. We don’t like it when our pets are unwell, so this news may not be the best to hear. A UTI is a painful condition that happens when the dog’s urinary tract gets infected. It’s usually a bacterial infection.

Read more
Expert tips for taking your puppy on their first walk
Is it time for puppy's first walk? Prepare with this expert advice
A brown puppy wearing a neon orange harness looks up

Bringing home a new puppy can be one of the most exciting times in a person's life, but that doesn't mean you'll have picture-perfect moments every time. In fact, helping your four-legged bundle of joy reach their milestones can be downright frustrating at times! It happens to the best of us, but we're happy to tell you that some of those milestones -- like walking your puppy for the first time -- can be reached with a shortcut or two. And that's where Lorna Winter comes in.

Winter is a veteran dog trainer and the co-founder of Zigzag, which is a puppyhood training app that you can customize to help you and your dog succeed. Since she's such an expert when it comes to all of a puppy's "firsts," we asked her for her best advice when taking a puppy on their first walk. As you might have guessed, it's a lot more complicated than simply putting on a leash and going for a stroll!

Read more