Taking Your Dog Boating
It’s always a bummer leaving your four-legged family member behind when you head out for a day of fun on the boat. The great news is you can take your furry friend along for the adventure. Many dogs actually do quite well spending an afternoon with the family out on the water. As long as you follow the proper steps so you can be prepared, there’s no reason why your dog can’t join in on the fun.
Grand Bay Marine knows that dogs are a part of the family, too, so we’ve put together a brief guide on what you need to know before you take your family’s mascot out on the boat with you.
Your Dog’s Water Comfort
As fun as it might be to bring your dog on the boat, you first need to assess their level of water comfort. Some dogs are timid and extremely nervous around water, so pay close attention to your dog’s behavior. For example, if your dog fell overboard, would he/she be able to stay afloat long enough to make their way back to the boat or wait for someone to dive in and rescue them? Older dogs might not have the energy required to deal with this type of situation. Smaller dogs can develop hypothermia faster. You should only bring a dog boating if you’re absolutely sure they’ll be able to handle themselves accordingly in and out of the water.
Emergency Plan
While no one enjoys planning for the worst, an emergency plan will definitely come in handy should a troublesome situation arise. Start by choosing the person the dog is most likely to listen to. It will be this person’s job to stand at the rear of the boat and call the dog if they’ve fallen overboard. The hope is that the dog will respond and swim up to the boat. If not, someone will need to dive in and grab the dog.
Bring Supplies
Don’t forget to bring along any supplies your dog will need while you’re boating. For starters, bring plenty of fresh water with you since you can’t exactly trust the quality of the water you’ll be surrounded by on the boat. Your dog should always be wearing a collar and tags once back on land. Every member aboard needs to wear a life jacket and yes, that means your dog, too! Water can suddenly become rough and a life jacket will keep everyone safe, including your dog.
Bringing along treats and toys will keep the trip fun for your pet. You’d be surprised how quickly a familiar toy can help with a dog’s anxiety. Having these items on hand can also help with preventing boredom for your dog, which can often to mischief.
Use Caution When Fishing
Keep in mind that not all dogs are suitable fishing pals. Some dogs are much too excited about being on the boat with their favorite person. Your dog might bark and become very playful, which will likely scare off any nearby fish. Not to mention it can be dangerous to fish with a rambunctious dog jumping around since you’ll be using sharp hooks and such. Make sure your dog has the right temperament before bring them on a fishing trip.
Your Dog’s Needs
It’s important to remember that new environments can cause unwanted stress for your dog. Take time to help your pet get used to the boat before you head out for the first time. Bring favorite treats and toys on the boat to create an inviting atmosphere. Everyone on the boat should speak in calm, soothing voices. Repeat this process a few times before the first trip on the water.
Once you feel your dog is comfortable enough to embark on the first journey, pay close attention to his or her needs. Offer water or food as needed, but be careful not to overfeed your dog because they can become seasick just like humans. Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort like whining or pacing. If your dog displays any signs of discomfort, he may be uncomfortable and need to head back to shore.
If you’re looking for a new or used boat and want to check out our inventory, visit Grand Bay Marine at one of our dealership locations in Traverse City or Charlevoix, Michigan!