| Kayaking is a phenomenal sport and it is even more | | | | teach him to listen to your commands. When he |
| enjoyable when you can bring along your favorite furry | | | | seems confident in what his role in the kayak is, then |
| friend - your dog I mean. It is no problem to bring your | | | | you can start paddling. Be patient, it may take a few |
| dog out paddling for the day but you do want to be | | | | times practicing this before you ever get to actually go |
| sure to follow a few safety rules and precautions to | | | | kayaking. Also you may want to only go short |
| make sure that your dog is safe and comfortable on | | | | distances at first just to get your dog used to it. |
| his water adventure. | | | | 4. You may want to bring a familiar blanket or a bed |
| 1. It is best to only paddle in flat, calm waters with your | | | | along with you for your dog to lie down in the kayak. |
| dog. If the water is too rough this can make the dog | | | | Whatever you think will help him to be more |
| uncomfortable, nervous and possibly sick. If you have | | | | comfortable. A chew toy, water toys, treats and |
| to concentrate on maneuvering your boat, you do not | | | | water are also great to bring. |
| want to be worrying about whether your dog is still in | | | | 5. Never ever leash your dog to the kayak. I see this |
| the boat. Calm water provides a much more relaxed | | | | over and over again. People think this will make the |
| environment and also the possibility for your dog to | | | | dog stay in the kayak, however if your kayak were to |
| take a break and have a swim. | | | | overturn, the dog would be drowned. If you want to |
| 2. Get a doggie PFD (lifejacket) that fits properly. Get | | | | leash him up, use a waist leash and tie it to you but I |
| him used to wearing it before you head out on the | | | | would only recommend using it when your dog is |
| water and make sure he is comfortable. Always | | | | swimming and you want him to stay near the kayak. |
| make sure he wears it while in the kayak or while | | | | A leashed up dog in a kayak is a huge safety risk. It is |
| swimming outside the kayak. If anything should go | | | | better to spend the time training him to stay in as |
| wrong, for example your boat capsizes, your dog | | | | opposed to putting his life at risk. |
| jumps over and hits his head, or if he is swimming and | | | | 6. It is very helpful if your dog is wearing a harness. |
| gets really tired, you want to be sure your dog is safe. | | | | This will make it easier for you to help him back into |
| The PFD will give you the peace of mind of knowing | | | | the kayak if he should go for a swim. |
| that your best bud is safe and secure. If your dog will | | | | It is so much fun to go kayaking with your dog and can |
| absolutely not wear a PFD, then kayaking is out of the | | | | be a great outing for you and your pup as well. Just be |
| question. Put his safety first. | | | | sure to follow these safety precautions so that it is a |
| 3. Practice the commands you want to use with your | | | | safe paddling day for all concerned. If your dog can't |
| dog before getting in the water. It is wise to practice | | | | follow the rules, then kayaking may not be for him. Be |
| with your dog getting in and out of the kayak before it | | | | patient and spend a little time with the training and |
| ever gets afloat. Don't allow him to jump out of the | | | | practicing though and you will both likely enjoy many |
| kayak until you give the command to do so. Show | | | | hours of paddling fun. |
| your dog where he is allowed to sit in the kayak and | | | | |