Golden Retriever Dog Forums banner

How to introduce puppy to a boat?

4K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  ktunh07 
#1 ·
So today I went with my best friend and her family on their boat to go on a lake and ride around and go to the docks and go tubing for like, six hours... I had fun, but I missed Cooper a lot and her family said next time we go (in a few weeks, probably a month) I could bring him along for the ride.

He'll be 4 months old by then, and have all of his vaccines. He hasn't went swimming yet, and I'm not sure if he'll have any experience since there aren't many places we can take him swimming (we have a pool but it's above ground and there isn't a way to get him in or out without carrying him; and lord knows we won't be doing that when he gets heavier!).

I know we need to get him a doggy life jacket if I take him and want him to go swimming with us in the lake, but what's the best way to go about introducing him to the boat and letting him feel as comfortable as possible when we zoom around in the water?

Other than the obvious "start off slow, then work your way up" sort of thing. We'd probably be on the boat for a few hours so I just don't want him to be stressed out the entire time. They also have a dog, Noodle, who's a lab/hound mix and is perfectly fine on the boat, but she's 7 years old and has been on that boat her entire life, so I'd expect her to be used to it by now.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!
 
See less See more
#3 ·
I'd definitely get a life jacket for him and I would also keep him on a leash.

You may want to hold him in your lap or keep him close to you when the boat first starts, the engines may scare him. You can see how he does, if he's relaxed, you can give him a little more freedom, let him walk around, but I would keep a very close watch on him at all times and always keep him leashed.

My husband and I use to have a good size boat, we had two Yorkies when we were first married, they did great on the boat. However, one time when we were docking the boat, my little female decided to jump off the fly bridge into the water, she was ready to get off right now....... hubby had to jump in and get her.

Keep a really close eye on him at all times, just like you would with a child.

Sounds like fun, hope you have a great time.

ETA: Since Noodle is used to boating, that will probably help too.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Hi Krissi, our pup is 6 months old now and we introduced him to our boat in June at 5 months. He wears his life vest at all times and I also keep him on his leash, so I have good control of him. He loves to lean over and try to catch the spray. Sometimes he settles down and rests on the floor. Just be sure someone has hold of his leash at all times. Motor boats can be bumpy! Enjoy.

Sorry the pic is sideways, I don't know how to rotate them!
 

Attachments

#5 ·
One thing at a time. A lot of things have to happen BEFORE you take the pup out on a boat.

He should be comfortable with long rides in a vehicle.

He should be comfortable riding in a vehicle over bumpy roads.

He should be comfortable in and around water (swimming).


Taking him out on a boat before you have done those things is a recipe for disaster. You could easily create a dog that is absolutely terrified of water and moving vehicles.
 
#6 ·
Very good advice! Sometimes we have to remind ourselves of the consequences and the steps that lead up to a big adventure like being on a boat for a dog. Dogs usually can't differentiate between "oh this is a bumpy car ride" and "oh this is a bumpy boat ride, I don't want to go on a BOAT ever again"! It's all bumpy, and it can be terrifying and emotionally scarring if it's handled the wrong way without testing the waters, so to speak. Some dogs will handle it better than others, and some are just more confident going into the situation.
Also keep in mind that just like people, dogs can get sea sick from the movement too!
 
#7 ·
I would be concerned if his first experience is on a ski/tubing boat with lots of acceleration and turns and bouncing over wake. I would want to have him ride amidship toward the center of the boat or aft to minimalize the bouncing. I would want to keep his first boat ride comfortable with easy acceleration to get on plane and slowing or stopping when crossing wake. Keep lots of water handy and be careful in how you take him off the boat. Never let anyone toss him overboard like at anchor. I could see getting a dog on and off for swimming while at anchor could be an issue depending on the style of boat.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top