Spending time on the water is a great way to bond with your furry friend and get some exercise. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) are becoming increasingly popular water sports that are perfect to enjoy with your dog by your side. Getting your dog comfortable in and around water opens up lots of fun summer adventures you can have together. In this blog post, we’ll share tips on how to safely include your dog in activities like kayaking and SUP so you can both make a splash this summer!
Choosing the Right Location
When embarking on water sports with your dog, it’s important to choose a suitable location. Look for calm bodies of water with minimal boat traffic and waves. Lakes, rivers, and protected coastal areas tend to be ideal spots. Scout out launch sites ahead of time to ensure there’s ample shoreline space for your dog to safely get in and out of the water. Providing your dog with a life jacket designed for pets will give you peace of mind in deeper water. Always check local regulations on which waterways allow dogs. Certain areas may require leashes. Opt for locations with minimal distractions to keep your dog focused on you during the outing.
Getting Your Dog Comfortable with Gear
The gear required for kayaking and SUP may seem unfamiliar to your dog at first. To get them accustomed to it, let them inspect, sniff, and become desensitized to equipment like life jackets, kayaks, paddles and boards while on dry land. Reward them with treats for calm interactions with the gear. You can also get them comfortable with being on the vessels by practicing first in shallow water near shore. Load them on and off while providing praise and they’ll learn to trust the kayak or board. Don’t force them onto watercraft if they seem scared or uneasy. Go at their pace and keep sessions short and positive. They’ll likely become more confident with time and practice.
Fun Activities to Try
Once your dog is gear-savvy and water-ready, the real fun can begin! Kayaking is a great way to explore new areas and sights together. Let them ride along in front, taking in the views. On a SUP, have your pup lie down on the board in front of you or place them in a carrier attached to the board. You can then easily paddle around calm waterways. Reward them periodically with treats. Another fun activity is to teach your dog to jump off the board and swim back to you. Always keep a leash attached for control. When kayaking or SUPing, look for dog-friendly stops along the shoreline to take breaks on beach areas. Let your dog swim, explore nature, and stay hydrated. The exercise of paddling and swimming will tire them out for a good night’s sleep after your adventures!
Safety Tips
While water sports with dogs provide hours of fun, safety should be the top priority. Always have your dog wear a fitted life jacket made for their body type. Keep them leashed unless swimming in a designated dog area. Test their recall skills before allowing any off-leash swimming. Pack fresh water and a collapsible dog bowl so they stay hydrated. Apply dog-safe sunscreen if they have light-colored fur. Monitor them for overheating. Avoid paddling in extreme heat. Check local toxin alerts and steer clear of contaminated waters. Scout for sharp shells or debris that could injure paws. Wash dogs off with clean water after getting in the water to rinse irritants from their coat. Keep your pup’s routine consistent on water activity days so the exercise and stimulation don’t overwhelm them.
Conclusion
Kayaking, SUPing and other water sports provide the perfect opportunity to bond with your dog while staying active together. Starting the introduction process on dry land, using proper gear like life jackets, and putting safety first will ensure you and your pup have the best experience. By teaching your dog to become comfortable on boards and boats, you’ll open up miles of adventure to explore lakes, rivers and coastal shores. Making a splash with your dog all summer long will create lasting memories and strengthen your friendship in the years to come. So get out there and make a splash with your furry first mate!
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