Kayaking With Your Dog
June 19, 2009 by IK World
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.
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, NRS, MPGear, Amazon, Altrec, Innova, Backcountry, REI, Water Outfitters or West Marine you are helping us to keep IKWorld growing. Thank you for supporting us at Inflatable Kayak World.
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