Your dog doesn’t have to enjoy swimming to have fun on the water. Boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding have become popular with dogs of all sizes and breeds. Personally, some of my favorite memories with my dogs include a sunset sailboat off Provincetown, boating in New York City’s Prospect Park, and rowing to a secluded beach on a lake near our Oregon home.
As a dog trainer who enjoys spending time in and on the water with my dogs, I always encourage dog owners to think about water safety. I spoke with veterinarian Jolee Stegemoller, D.V.M., about how to boat safely with dogs.
Everyone wears a life jacket
On a recent camping trip, I was surprised by how many people were out in kayaks and canoes with their dogs without life jackets. Dr. Stegemoller and I agree that dogs should wear a life jacket on a boat, especially dogs that are learning to swim or are boating in turbulent water.
If possible, try to fit the life jacket on your dog before it’s time to get in the boat to ensure it’s properly adjusted and your dog is comfortable. I personally like to introduce life jackets to dogs at home so they can get used to wearing them before boating. “Make sure the flotation device is well-fitting to make sure dogs can still swim while having their body supported,” Stegemoller says.
It's also a good idea for your dog to be wearing a harness and leash. Keeping your dog’s leash attached to you can help you support your dog if they get nervous and keep them from going overboard.
If you are renting a boat, you may be able to borrow a doggie lifejacket, or you can purchase one at most pet supply stores. I usually keep my dog’s life jackets in the back of the car during the summer months just in case a boating opportunity arises.
Train your dog to sit still
When boating, it’s important for your dog to stay still. This helps prevent smaller boats or paddle boards from tipping over and keeps your dog from falling overboard, making the experience more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved. You can help prepare your dog for boating by teaching them to settle in a specific place.
To do this, take a towel or a small, waterproof, non-slip mat, like a silicone placemat or small yoga mat. Use treats your dog likes to lure them onto the mat, and then praise and reward your dog with the treat when their feet are on the mat. Repeat several times, and when your dog consistently follows the lure onto the mat for a treat, you can add a verbal cue of choice, like “place” or “spot.”
The more you practice, the more you can phase out luring with a treat and just ask your dog to go to their “place” and reward them when they do so. When your dog consistently goes to their place, you can ask for a “sit” or “down” on the mat and reward them for doing so.
When you’re ready to go boating, bring lots of treats and your same mat. Ask your dog for the “place” cue on the boat and give lots of praise and reward when your dog goes to their spot.
Watch them closely
When you are out boating with your dogs, “close monitoring and supervision, just like with children, is needed,” Stegemoller advises. She cautions that dogs may not be aware of or prepared for many unexpected dangers. “Dogs don't know to look out for currents, other boats, motors, or other hazards. You've got to look out for them!”
If you take a break from boating for a swim, she encourages dog owners to watch their dog’s energy levels. Monitor for fatigue while swimming and don’t forget to enforce rest periods to avoid injury and drowning.
“Dogs can also become dehydrated from being out in the sun,” Stegemoller warns, so bring plenty of fresh drinking water. And while boating is fun for most dogs, if dogs are recovering from surgery or an illness, it’s best not to take them out onto the water.
Check for toxic algae
While boating with dogs, the water itself can pose unexpected dangers. Blue-green algae is common in natural water during warm weather, and it doesn’t always have visible blooms. “It’s extremely toxic to dogs,” says Stegemoller—dogs who come in contact with blue-green algae “almost always die from exposure,” she warns.
Any time you are going to be out on the water with your dog, check for advisories in your local news and on local government websites to make sure the water is safe.
