Can Dogs Go in an Inflatable Kayak?

This is a question that gets asked often. If you love to kayak and you have a dog, it is natural to want to bring your dog kayaking with you.

Can an inflatable kayak handle the claws of a dog?

The answer is YES. Most inflatable kayaks are built tough… really tough. They are more than able to handle dogs paws and claws.

I would recommend putting down some sort of blanket or pad that your dog is used to already in order for him to be more comfortable in the kayak. However even without, you do not have to worry about the dog puncturing the inflatable material.

There are certain inflatable kayak manufacturers that I would recommend over others for dogs. These are:

• Sea Eagle
• AIRE
• NRS
• Innova
• Airis
• Tributary
• Advanced Elements

In the inflatable kayak world, the above listed companies offer the highest quality inflatable boats. They all come with warranties and are backed by solid reputations. There is quite a range of models and prices so it will not be hard to find one that suits your budget as well as your needs.

If you do plan on taking your dog kayaking with you there are certain guidelines that are wise to follow.

1. Never leash your dog to the kayak. This poses a serious safety risk for your dog should the kayak tip or should the dog try to jump out. This is an extremely important thing to remember as it could cause your dog to drown.
2. Always have your dog wear a lifejacket. A doggy pfd is essential for your dogs safety. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a pfd will help if your dog gets tired or if the boat capsizes.
3. Bring the essentials… meaning water for your dog, treats and safety equipment.
4. Have patience when practicing training your dog to get into your inflatable kayak and to stay seated while you kayak. This may take a little time to master, so have patience with your furry friend.

For much more information and tips on taking your dog kayaking please read our post Kayaking with your Dog.

Doggie Lifejacket – Is Your Pup Prepared?

Taking your dog out kayaking with you can be such a great experience – for you and for your dog. However it is important that they are just as prepared as you are and safety of course is key.

The most important piece of gear for your dog will be his PFD. Whether your dog will be simply coming along for the ride, or whether he will be jumping in the water to do some swimming, he will need a lifejacket for support and safety.

Which Dog Lifejacket is Best?

There are several different brands for dog PFD’s to choose from including:

• RuffWear
• NRS
• Astral Boyency
• Paws Aboard
• Guardian Gear

The price range of dog lifejackets can vary greatly as can the quality and comfort level. In my experience it is worth spending just a little bit more to get a lifejacket that has good features and that not only fits your dog comfortably but that also will last a long time. As long as your dog isn’t still growing, his PFD could last his entire lifetime if taken care of properly.

Dog PFD Fit

Your dogs PFD should fit snuggly. You want to be sure it stays on no matter what and that your dog can not wiggle out of it. When you take your dogs measurements make sure to measure the widest part of your dogs chest carefully.  Then be sure to read the size charts that are provided for the different models available.  

Many kayaking stores have a great selection of dog water gear including lifejackets, travel water bowls, harnesses, dog packs, toys and more.

I know some people do not like to put a PFD on their dog while canoeing or kayaking.  However it is extremely important for your dogs safety.  Your dog is equally as vulnerable as you are in an emergency situation. 

Anything could happen out on the water such as the dog could jump or fall out of the boat and hit his head, he could get swept away by a current or wave, he could get a cramp in his leg (yes that happens with dogs too), he could have trouble getting back into the kayak and begin to panic, he could have heart trouble, he could suffer from heat exhaustion or regular exhaustion. 

If your dog is wearing his PFD then every single one of these negative experiences can end positively. 

The Best of the Best in Dog Safety Gear

RuffWear Float Coats are among the most popular PFD’s for adventurous dogs and are known to be top quality and very comfortable. One of the biggest advantages of a RuffWear Float Coat is that it has strategically placed PVC-free buoyancy cells that will support your dog in its natural horizontal swimming position. This allows the dog to swim farther, play harder and be less fatigued. 

The RuffWear PFD’s have many great features that make them ideal for the kayaking dog.

 See our list of good online retailers to find which websites carry dog lifejackets and gear.

Inflatable Kayak Online Retailers

Listed below are the online retailers for inflatable kayaks and for kayaking gear and accessories.

• Sea Eagle
• Mountain Plus
• NRS
• Amazon
• Altrec Outdoors
• Outdoorplay
• Innova
• Backcountry
• Water Outfitters
• REI
• West Marine

When making a purchase online, especially a large one like an inflatable kayak, it is important that you are purchasing from a 100% secure, reputable and established website. The outdoor recreation stores listed here are some of the very best. Not only have they been around for a long time, they also provide phenomenal customer service, most of them have outdoor gear specialists ready to answer any of your questions and also have the best prices and deals. Read below for detailed information on each company.

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Sea Eagle – Inflatable Kayaks

• Been around for 40+ years.
• Sell only top quality, rugged inflatable boats.
• Great selection of inflatable boats and kayaks for all different types of water activities including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, motoring, stand-up paddling and yachting.
• 3 year warranty on all of their boats!
• Offer a 180 day risk free trial.
• Excellent prices – often have great sales.
• Lots of excellent pictures of real people using their boats and customer videos.
• Good FAQ page.
• Offer some used inflatable boats at a discounted price.
• Free shipping within the contiguous US (for boat packages).
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Downloadable instructions available on their site for the boat your purchase as well as video instructions.
• Very helpful customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Sea Eagle

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Mountain Plus – Inflatable Kayaks

• Phenomenal site for any outdoor enthusiast.
• Carries not only inflatable kayaks but all kayak and outdoor gear and accessories.
• Free shipping on any order over $45.
• Excellent international shipping rates – some of the cheapest I’ve seen.
• Some of their inflatable kayaks come with a free electric pump!
• Excellent online live help for any questions or concerns you have.
• Great outlet section with sales up to 60% off.
• Mountain Plus blog.
• Established online store since 1995.
• The Mountain Plus team will bend over backwards to make sure you receive excellent customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, Innova, NRS, Tributary

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NRS – Inflatable Kayaks

• Founded in 1972.
• Excellent resource for kayaking information.
• Always lots of sale items.
• Excellent customer service.
• Every kayaking gear option you can think of.
• Will Ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Rock solid guarantee. Return or exchange any item you are not satisfied with.
• Gift cards available.
• Fast & very low priced shipping.
• Inflatable Kayak brands available: NRS, Aire, Tributary

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Amazon – Inflatable Kayaks

• Usually has a decent selection of different inflatable kayaks
• Sometimes have some good sales prices
• Huge website with very established reputation
• Also sell just about anything else you can think of
• Can ship all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Usually carries most inflatable kayak brands

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Altrec Outdoors – Inflatable Kayaks

• Good outlet section with savings up to 80% off.
• Free shipping on orders over $45 in the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% lifetime guarantee – Return for a refund at anytime if you not are happy.
• Exceptionally fast delivery.
• Excellent customer service.
• Price Match Plus guarantee – If you find an identical product offered by another US authorized online retailer, they will beat their price by 5% of the difference.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear specialist.
• Great selection of doggie water gear.
• Established online outdoor gear store since early 1999.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary, Innova, Trak

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Outdoorplay – Inflatable Kayaks

• Website dedicated to kayaking and kayak gear
• Large selection of inflatable kayaks
• Excellent customer service
• Offer lots of informative information on kayaks and gear
• Will ship internationally
• 15% of gear when a kayak is purchased
• Free shipping and no sales tax with purchase of a kayak – in the US
• Founded in 1995, online business since 1998
• Inflatable Kayaks Available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary, Infinity

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Innova – Inflatable Kayaks

• European inflatable touring kayaks as well as whitewater inflatable kayaks and canoes
• Based out of Burlington, WA
• Most of Innova kayaks are made PVC-free – better for the environment
• One of the original producers of high end inflatable kayaks
• Very popular on the West Coast
• Sells all of the Innova brand inflatable kayaks as well as clothes, PFD’s and equipment
• Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable staff
• On-site blog with pictures, stories and news
• 2 year warranty on all Innova kayaks
• Shipping to all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Innova

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Backcountry – Inflatable Kayaks

• Free shipping on orders over $50 within the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% guarantee – If you are ever not satisfied with your gear at anytime, even 30 years from now, send it back for a full refund.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear expert.
• Gift certificates available.
• They have a great blog available on their website.
• Excellent customer service.
• Voted one of the top 50 internet retailers.
• Great outlet store on the website with huge savings.
• Good selection of UV protective clothing.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: NRS, Tributary, Aire

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Water Outfitters – Inflatable Kayaks

• Have good selection of inflatable kayaks and canoes as well as tons of kayak gear and accessories
• Michigan based retailer – online store been around since 1997 – 12 years
• Gift certificates available
• No hassle returns within 30 days
• Free shipping for orders over $99, excluding Hobie within the contiguous U.S.
• International shipping available
• 100% secure shopping
• Earn powder points with every purchase to put toward future purchases
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Hobie, Bic, Advanced Elements, Stearns

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REI – Inflatable Kayaks

• Huge outdoor gear storeStarted by 23 climbers in 1938
• 80-plus stores all over the U.S. as well as their huge online store
• Great outlet selection
• 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you are not satisfied with your purchase it can be returned for a full refund
• Option to become an REI member with lots of benefits
• Great expert advice
• International shipping
• Free shipping to any one of the REI stores where you can pick it up from there
• Gear and accessories for paddling, cycling, climbing, hiking, camping, travel and fitness
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Aire, Advanced Elements, Airis, Innova

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West Marine – Inflatable Kayaks

• $2.95 shipping on any order over $99
• International shipping available
• Marine store with good inflatable kayak selection
• One of the world’s largest boating supply retailers
• Been around for a very long time
• Excellent reputation
• Besides being an online retailer they have over 375 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada
• No hassle returns – if you are ever dissatisfied with your purchase they will replace it
• Excellent customer service
• Very passionate about making sure the customer has a good experience and with providing great products
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Airis, Advanced Elements, West Marine kayaks

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Kayaking With Your Dog

If you are a dog lover as I am, then you will likely want to bring your pup kayaking with you for a day of fun on the water.  Though this can be an extremely enjoyable experience for everyone concerned, there are some very important safety factors that need to be learned before attempting your first kayaking trip with Rover.

Not every dog is going to want to go kayaking.  Some dogs are much better with water than others.  However, if you feel that this is something your dog will enjoy then please follow the safety precautions below.

I would highly recommend only paddling with your dog in flat, calm waters.  Whitewater rapids or large ocean swells can make the dog jumpy and possibly sick.  The last thing you want to be worrying about while you are trying to maneuver your boat through the waves is whether your dog is still in the boat or not.  Also in flat water you can take a break for your dog to do some swimming and then easily board him back onto the kayak.

Important Safety Precautions for your Pooch

Always, always, always have a pfd on you and your dog.  This is common sense and you want this to be a fun day trip.  Please don’t put your dog at risk of drowning because you didn’t want to put a lifejacket on him.  They could go overboard and hit their head or get tired from swimming and not be able to get back into the kayak.  A pfd will help them to be safe and have a lot more fun.  Also should your boat capsize for some reason you want yourself to have a lifejacket on as well so that you are able to help your dog.  Not every dog is going to want to wear a pfd or be comfortable in one.  If this is the case with your dog, then kayaking with them is out of the question.

Getting in the Kayak – Practice Makes Perfect

With these two safety precautions out of the way you now need to teach your dog how to get in and out of the boat – from the shore and then from the water.  This will take a little practice and I urge you to be patient with your dog and really make sure this step is covered.  Start by holding the kayak still and ask your dog to get in.  Then, immediately ask them to sit.  It is very important that the dog learn there is no messing around while in the boat and they need to be very in-tune with your commands.  Do not allow the dog to jump out of the boat until you give some sort of command.

Once your dog is sitting in the boat he will then need to learn to stay.  You might want to try walking back up the bank and require that your dog stay in the boat by himself.  Go over this again and again until you feel confident your dog is comfortable in the kayak.  First try this in a familiar location.  Once the dog seems more comfortable, try adding distractions.

Practice this routine and start adding longer duration and then longer distance between you and the kayak.  Once you feel very confident that you dog is handling this well, you will want to launch the boat.  Slowly push out the boat with your dog in it, or you can get into the boat first and then push out.

Try at first only going a short distance.  Your dog will gradually get more used to being on the water and the different sounds that he hears.  You will know how comfortable your dog is and how long you should stay out on the water.

No Rover – Don’t Chase the Ducks!

Be sure to have a good command that your dog knows for not going after ducks and other little creatures in the water.  You could also bring a blanket or a familiar bed for the dog to lie down on in the kayak.  This may help him to be more comfortable.

Never tie the dogs leash to the kayak. If your kayak were to overturn, the dog would be drowned.  If you like you can use a waist leash tied to you and only use it if your dog is swimming and you want him to stay near the kayak.

It will be very helpful if your dog wears a harness so that you can always help to lift them out of the water and back into the kayak if you have to.

Again I will reiterate this very important point – never attach the dogs leash to their collar while in the kayak or swimming.  It is far too dangerous and could cause the dog to drown.

Now that you know the safety precautions to take, what equipment should you bring along for the journey?

Important Dog Equipment for Paddling Adventures

• a leash
• harness  -  Ruff Wear Web Master Dog Harness
• doggy life jacket  -  Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
• dog snacks and water – your dog will likely try to drink the lake water but try to encourage them only to drink their own fresh water by using the Ruff Wear Quencher Dog Bowl
• dog water toys (always makes for more fun)
• sunscreen (The pink pigment on your dogs face or any bare spots on their skin will burn if not protected by sunscreen.  Remember that the water reflects the sun’s rays and dogs, just like humans, can easily get burned)
• first aid kit (in a dry bag)
• poop baggies of course

For a complete list of dog water gear check out Altrec Outdoors as I have found their selection to be really good.  Now you are ready for a day of fun with your favorite pup out on the water.  Have a great time and be safe.