4 August 2022
Have you ever wondered what your dog would do if you took it kayaking? It’s no secret that dogs are natural swimmers, but they also love to run and fetch things-all skills they can practice on the water. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about taking your dog kayaking, including what gear you’ll need, where to go, and how to handle your dog on the water.
Table of Contents
Do Dogs Do Well in Kayaks?
Dogs are always great paddlers and are not picky about where you take them with you in your kayak. They love the water, and they’re great with boats which makes them ideal partners for you to go out kayaking. They may even be good enough at swimming to accompany you on some rolls and flips on flat water. If your dog is on rough water, you might want to go in a different boat.
How Do You Introduce a Dog to a Kayak?
If you have a kayak, go out on the water and let it float across the lake or ocean. The first thing you’re going to want to do is to let your dog get used to the sound of a kayak. The sound will be quite soothing as your dog listens. Throw in some treats for your dog when you start, so it learns that kayaks bring good things like treats as they pass by.
When you’re all done, take your dog for a walk. Give them a few treats and then throw the toys it likes best into the water. You can also try inviting other dogs to play in the water with you as you paddle around. This will allow your dog to get used to other dogs while also allowing it to play, which dogs love to do.
When your dog has gotten used to kayaks from a distance, you can try giving it treats while you’re in the boat. This will teach your dog that kayaking is about getting the good stuff and being around your owner, which is something that will make both of you happy.
How Do I Train My Dog to Stay in a Kayak?
Many dogs like to run alongside their owner’s boat, which makes them prone to jumping into the boat. This is another reason why it’s a bad idea to go kayaking near some of the bigger boats with a chain-link fence surrounding the boat. For this reason, you may have to teach your dog how not to jump in and start swimming around.
First, set up a “stay” while you walk your dog on land. As you are walking, only let your dog out of the leash in short spurts. It’s important not to let him or her out for an entire day at a time. Start off on land and work your way up to letting them run around with you on the water. Only let them out for brief spurts of time when they are on land, but be careful not to leave it too long.
How Do I Know If My Dog Can Rely on Me?
After a few days of letting your dog out for short spurts, you’ll want to run through the same drill in your kayak. Have a helper control your dog and make sure that you’re at the back of the boat. Your dog may jump into the water at first, but don’t worry; this is normal. Just instruct them to get back in the boat using both treats and verbal commands.
Where Should a Dog Sit on a Kayak?
The most important question is: where should your dog sit? Should it sit in front of you, behind you, or on your lap? Different boats and kayaks have different spots that accommodate dogs, so you’re going to want to make sure there’s one that fits your dog.
Many people suggest that dogs should sit directly in front of their owners for safety reasons. Many dogs are going to want to sit on the back of their owner’s boat, though. Your dog may not be able to see where it’s going or the waves that it’s hitting, but it will be able to get closer to your owner. If you have a dog that isn’t very big, you can also place them on your lap or behind you.
What Type of Kayak Is Best for Dogs?
Choosing the type of kayak you want to take your dog on will depend on what kind of paddling experience you have. You will also want to determine if your dog is comfortable with small boats or large ones. If it’s too big for you to hold, though, it could quickly become dangerous for both you and your dog.
If your dog is a rough water dog and can hold its own in the water, you’ll need to go kayaking with a more stable boat. These are typically larger craft and have others on board to assist with the maneuvering. It will also have a large enough cockpit to fit your dog comfortably.
If you don’t have experience kayaking small watercraft, then you’ll want to go with something more stable. A solo boat or a tandem kayak would be ideal, as they don’t move around too much, and you can keep an eye on your dog while still keeping your hands free.
Kayaking with your dog will be a fun activity for both of you. If you’re well prepared and know how to ride the waves, though, it can be a good way to spend time with your dog.
