How To Kayak With Your Dog?

Kayaking is a great way to spend quality time with your dog, but it can be difficult if you don’t know the basics. It is essential to be prepared and have the right skills before taking your pup out into the open water.

With a little bit of practice, you can make sure your kayaking trip with your pup will be safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about kayaking with your dog including the basics of early kayaking, training your pup, and keeping them safe.

Is It Hard To Kayak With A Dog?

No! Kayaking with your dog is actually easier than you might think. All that’s required of you is to have basic kayaking skills and be comfortable in the water. Before you get started, it’s important to make sure your pup is a good fit for kayaking. It’s best to take your dog out on calm waters, with no rapids or strong currents. Also, make sure you have the right type of kayak for your pup; one that is wide and stable enough to support their weight.

Once you have the basics down, you’ll need to go through some training with your pup before taking them out on the water. Early kayaking will help build their confidence, teach them to stay on the kayak, and make sure they’re comfortable with the water.

You Need Basic Skills To Go Kayaking With Your Dog

Before you start kayaking with your dog, it’s important to make sure that you are well-versed in the basics of kayaking. You should be familiar with water safety, know how to maneuver your kayak, and have basic steering skills. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride for your pup.

Think yourself, when you have previous experience of kayaking you can easily teach your dog about the basics. On the other hand, it is advisable that if no experience of kayaking you should take a professional instructor to learn the basics and gain confidence. What I’m trying to emphasize is that you should make sure the essentials are sorted before taking your pup out on a kayaking adventure.

Early Kayaking: How To Build Your Dog’s Confidence

Early kayaking is important to make sure your dog is comfortable in the water and on the kayak before venturing out. Start by introducing them to the kayak and getting them used to the water in a controlled environment, like a pool or lake. It’s best to start in shallow water, so your pup can get used to the feeling of paddling and floating on the kayak.

Another best way to build your dog’s confidence is to reward them with treats and positive reinforcement for being calm. Introduce wobbly objects like a step stool into the water, so they can get used to the feeling of rocking on the kayak. And make sure you always have a life jacket handy for your pup, so they feel safe and secure.

Once your pup is used to the water, you can start introducing them to more challenging environments like rivers and open sea. Be sure to stay close and keep an eye on your pup at all times.

How Do You Train Your Dog To Kayak With You?

Training your furry friend to kayak with you is essential for a successful outing. There are a few things you can do to make sure your pup is prepared for the journey.

1) Teaching Your Dog Where To Stay On the Kayak:

It is important to make sure your dog knows where they should stay on the kayak. This will avoid any potential accidents or falls off the boat. Different types of kayaks have different seating arrangements, for instance,

Where should your dog stay in Sit-on-top kayaks?

The best place to have your pup sit on a Sit-on-top kayak is in the well of the kayak, between your legs. This will keep them safely in place and offer extra stability for both of you.

Some dogs might be uncomfortable in the well and prefer to sit on the back or sides of the kayak. But it would be best to give your dog treats and reward them for sitting in the well.

Where should your dog stay in a two-person kayak?

For two-person kayaks, you usually have the option of letting your pup sit on the back seat or on the deck. If your pup is comfortable with it, you can have them sit in the back seat with you.

But make sure to keep an eye on them as they can easily tip the kayak off balance. If they prefer, they can also sit on the deck, but make sure to secure them with a life jacket.

2) Teaching Your Dog Basic Commands

It’s important to teach your pup basic commands like, “Stay” and “Come”, so they understand when and where to stay.

You should also teach them commands to stay away from any potential danger or objects such as rocks, logs, and other kayakers.

I suggest practicing these commands in a controlled environment and rewarding them with treats, so they understand what is expected of them.

3) Teaching Your Dog To Respect The Paddle

It is essential to teach your pup to respect the paddle and not bite or jump on it. This will help maintain control of the kayak and make sure your dog does not get injured.

Start by teaching them to sit in the well of the kayak and wait until you are done paddling.

Once they are comfortable with that, you can start introducing them to the paddle and rewarding them for keeping their distance.

4) Keep Your Dog Safe On the Kayak

It is important to always keep your pup safe on the kayak. Make sure they are wearing a life jacket and that it fits properly.

Check the straps and buckles to ensure nothing is loose. Also, make sure they are not in any danger of falling off the kayak and that they are secured. Keep an eye on them and be aware of any potential hazards in the water.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you and your pup have a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience.

Final Verdict: How To Kayak With Your Dog?

Dogs and kayaking go hand in hand. With the right training, your pup can be a great companion on your next kayaking adventure.

Start by introducing your dog to the water, teaching them basic commands, and encouraging them to respect the paddle.

Finally, make sure your dog is wearing a life jacket and is secure on the kayak.

By following these steps, you can make sure that both of you have a great time out on the water. Happy kayaking!

If you are looking for a more thorough learning experience, I recommend checking out the links below.