At BOATsmart!, we’re all about boating safety and ensuring our captains and crews enjoy their time on the water – including our furry friends!
Dogs are definitely the outdoorsy type, so it’s always a great idea to take them out on the water with you. Not only will they have an amazing time on the lake, but you will also get another crew member to keep you company. Win-Win!
However, whether your co-captain is a tiny toy breed or a towering mastiff, just keep these tips in mind when boating with your dog.
Let Them Adjust Slowly
If you’ve ever tried to get any vacuuming done in your house with a dog, you know that they typically hate loud noises.
When introducing them to boating and the water, let your four-legged friend adjust to their new surroundings before heading out on a boating adventure.
Bring your dog on board while the boat is moored, and let them explore. They will need to get used to the uneven footing and the noise of the engine at their own pace. When you’re ready for your first trip, keep it short and simple so you don’t overwhelm them.
Teach Them Safety Commands
An important part of owning a dog is teaching them various commands and phrases. Making sure your dog understands (and obeys) a few commands will make boating with your dog a lot easier.
While getting them to roll over on the deck is not particularly useful – unless you want a great picture – some basic commands prove particularly helpful onboard. Commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ mean you won’t have to deal with driving a boat while your pup is constantly racing back and forth and looking over the edge.
Trained dogs who understand when to be calm, sit, and stay in one place while underway reduce the risk of an overboard pooch. However, if your pup just can’t get the hang of commands just yet, leashes can come in handy when you need to keep them in one place.
Once you have basic commands down, you can work on teaching them more specific commands like ‘on’ and ‘off’ to make loading your furry first mate a breeze.
Invest in a Pet Lifejacket
No crew member should go boating without a life jacket – and that includes your pup!
One of the first things you learn while taking BOATsmart!’s boating safety course is that your lifejacket or PFD should be tested in water immediately after you buy it and at the start of each boating season.
The same goes for your pet’s PFD.
Before you head out on the lake, put your pooch in their lifejacket and place them gently in the water to test the buoyancy of the vest. You also want to make sure your dog is comfortable and can move freely in their new equipment.
A properly-fitted pet life vest should fit your dog snugly and keep their snout above water. Like our life jackets, pet vests need to be tested and checked for proper fitting before you head out, but once you do, you’re good to go. Snap an adorable Instagram picture of Spot in his new threads and hit the water!
Avoid Dehydration and Overheating
While on board a boat, the effects of the sun are extremely strong, and there’s not always shade readily available to seek cover from the rays, especially if you’re in a boat with no cabin to relax and cool off in. Keeping plenty of water on board is a great way to help your dog stay safe from the dangerous possibility of dehydration and overheating.
Grab some dog water bowls (ones with suction cup bottoms work well), and bring a freshwater supply before heading out. Encourage your dog to drink throughout the day to keep it cool and hydrated. Keep in mind that if your dog is short-haired, it may be more susceptible to sunburns, so it’s a good idea to look into pet-friendly sunscreen.
Be Prepared
Anything can happen, so it’s best to keep yourself prepared for anything, especially when boating with your best friend. To be prepared for all types of situations with your pooch, you should keep some of these items on board.
These items include:
- Pet Life Jacket
- Water and Food bowl
- Fresh water supply and extra food
- Seasickness Medication
- Ointment for sunburns and scrapes
- Doggie Sunscreen
- Leash
- Fishing Net
Why are these items important?
Many pet owners keep a small first aid kit for their pets in their boat with things like seasickness medication, ointment for cuts and burns, and sunscreen for full sun protection. Additionally, keep a leash with you when traveling with your pet at all times because you never know when you will be mooring the boat at a busy marina. Plus, the leash will let you explore all the cool places you discover with your pup by your side.
With smaller breeds, it’s also smart to keep a small net onboard in case of emergencies. If they fall overboard, you can use the net to safely get them out of the water if they are out of arms’ reach.
Let BOATsmart! Help You Learn More About Boating Safely with Pets and People
There are endless opportunities to enjoy yourself while you’re out on the water, and taking your pup along for the ride can only make things better. Whether you decide to take them along for a quick loop around the lake or go on a week-long boating trip, your dog will have the time of their life!
When boating with your family and furry friends, it’s important to be a safe and smart operator. That’s why captains in Canada trust BOATsmart! to be their boating safety educator. Before you head out on your next boating adventure with your dog, take our Canada-approved course and learn the safety essentials you need for you and your pup.
Originally published April 1, 2020. Content most recently reviewed and updated July 31, 2024.
