We do just about everything with our dogs. We walk with our dogs, play with our dogs, sometimes even sing with our dogs. So why not add one more to the list? Boat with our dogs. That’s right, there’s nothing wrong with bringing little Toby fishing with you. After all, considering how much dogs love the great outdoors, why wouldn’t they appreciate spending a few hours on the lake with their favorite person? There’s not doubt it’ll be great fun for both of you, but there are obviously some dog safety measures and tips you’ll need to consider before hopping aboard a boat with your furry friend. This guide will help you out, but if you need a boat better equipped for boat activities like these, come view our selection at RVs and Boats for Less in Pocatello, ID, near Salt Lake City and Logan, UT.
Make Sure They can Swim!
Dogs are natural born swimmers, but you should still make sure he or she is comfortable with the water if you plan on taking them out. If your friendly canine is a little advanced in years, they could have trouble swimming in rough waters or pulling themselves back onto the hull. Really small breeds might struggle too. Even if they’re strong swimmers, the wakes, waves, and current could push them around faster than they can push through the water. You should probably take them to the lake and make sure they can swim just fine in the shallow water before progressing to larger and faster moving bodies of water. Of course, if they can’t quite muster up the strength to handle deeper water, you could always fall back on a doggie lifejacket. However, if your dog simply doesn’t like the water or shows any signs of discomfort, you probably shouldn’t risk taking them out with you.
Prepare for Emergencies
In case your friend does take a dip in the water during dog boating activities, make sure you’re prepared for an emergency like this. Keep in mind the person who the dog listens to best. This should be the person who calls them back to the boat. Have them stand on the rear deck of the craft after shutting down the engines. If they don’t come back or appear like they’re struggling, you might have to send a strong swimmer to retrieve them. Whoever goes to rescue the dog should wear their life jacket, that way they won’t have a problem keeping the struggling pet afloat.
Carry Supplies
When you prepare for the trip, make sure you bring plenty of extra food and water. Even though you’ll be on the lake, your pet might not like drinking the water off the side of the boat. Also carry some treats with you, since they’ll be more likely to listen in urgent situations if you commit a little bit of bribery. Not to mention, this dog boating activity is supposed to be fun for your furry friend, and nothing makes adventure more fun for your dog than a few treats!
Think before Fishing
Fishing might be your favorite activity on the water, but it’s might not be the best thing to do with your dog. Sure, if he or she can enjoy sitting there quietly while you cast for a couple hours, that’s great. However, if your pet has more energy, they might wind up running around the deck, barking at fish, and nudging you while you’re trying to focus. Also, if you do decide to fish, be very careful not to hook your dog while casting, since they’ll be a hard target to miss if they move around a lot.
Overall, bringing your dog along with you to the lake will be a great experience, so long as you keep an eye out for dog safety practices and keep their needs in mind. This guide should help you out for the most part, but you’ll also need a boat that’s appropriate for supporting your canine friend. If you need to get one for this summer, feel free to look at our selection at RVs and Boats for less. We’re in Pocatello, near Idaho Falls and twin Falls, Idaho.
