How To Go Kayaking With Your Dog – Top Tips for Safe Fun!

Ever thought about kayaking with your dog?

You’re definitely not alone.

Known as man’s best friend, these furry creatures make for great companions on dry land so why not take them on the water too?

Of course, it’s not as easy as popping them on board and paddling off but with preparation and training, it’s certainly possible.

That’s why we’ve put together some top tips with a few things to think about, so you can enjoy some relaxing quality time on the water with your canine.

Why Is It Cool To Bring Your Dog Out On A Kayak?

More and more people are kayaking with their dogs. Aside from wanting to avoid that adorably pathetic look on their face as you leave them at home for the day (something all dog lovers can relate to)… there are many great reasons to take your dog with you.

It’s Great In All Weather

What better way to warm up in the cold than by cuddling your dog? And if you decide to make a weekend of it you have your pet to keep you company (and, let’s face it, make you feel a bit safer in the woods).

And on long, humid days in summer, it isn’t just humans who enjoy cooling down by taking a swim… dogs love it too. Why not take them for a spin and let them splash around in the water?

Kayaking Is Good For Your Dog

Fresh air and swimming are both good for your dog. Swimming in particular is a fantastic form of exercise that not only works out most muscles, but is also easy on the joints.

If your dog enjoys swimming, then they might really enjoy kayaking with you.

Spend Some Quality Time With Your Best Friend

Sometimes it’s nice to put some time aside for your best friend. Yes, you’ll be paddling and focusing on other things at times, but your dog will appreciate the quality time spent with you. After all, they might be your best friend but you are the center of their entire world.

Dogs also pick up on sounds and smells before humans do, so their instinct to protect and warn their master could be very useful in the wilderness.

Top Tips To Keep Your Pooch Safe And Happy When Paddling

An excitable dog can be challenging at the best of times. A gentle stroll in the park can turn into a pigeon massacre without proper organization and caution.

Multiply this by a thousand and you’ll understand how important it is to be prepared and organized when taking your dog on their first ever kayaking trip.

Here are some things to consider before you both take the first step on board…

Is Your Dog Suitable For Kayaking?

Believe it or not, some dogs just don’t like water. It isn’t for everyone (humans included). But most dogs think it’s no big deal. However, with persistence and training even the most water-resistant dogs (pun intended) can learn to relax and enjoy kayak life. But the last thing you want is your dog jumping into the water when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Some things to consider about your dog before venturing on the water are:

Personality & Temperament – Is your dog lively and excitable? Is it likely to jump around on the yak at the slightest hint of movement or able to sit down comfortably for long periods of time while you enjoy a paddle?

Breed & Size – It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that large, strong dogs can capsize a kayak fairly easily. A big dog with an over-excitable personality could be hard to control and paddle with. You’ll need to consider how realistic it is for your dog to fit in or on your kayak (especially larger dogs) and whether they are easy to command and control.

Health & Age – It goes without saying that your dog’s wellbeing comes first. If your dog suffers from arthritis, vision impairment, hearing loss or cardiac issues you will need to consider these carefully before taking them on the boat.

The weather and temperature can vary out on the water so you need to make sure that your dog is fit and healthy enough to endure the conditions. You may also want to consult your vet before introducing your dog to kayaking, as it’s important to keep your dog comfortable.

Bodies of water are often breeding-grounds for no see ums and mosquitos and other disease-carrying insects. Your dog may benefit from vaccinations.

Pre-Season Training

This isn’t just for professional athletes. If you’re planning on taking your dog out on a kayak, it is vital that you do some prep work to prepare them both physically and mentally for the task ahead. It may seem frustrating at first but there are a few tips that should make life easier down the track.

First of all, you’ll need to make sure that your dog can react to basic commands by training your dog. If you come across an exciting creature (whether it’s a dolphin, fish or human), you need to be sure that you can control your dog’s reaction and prevent over-excitement.

> Guide to kayak fishing with your dog

Good commands for this are “Stay” and “Leave it”.

You can practice this by taking your excited dog on busy hiking trails and teaching them to stay by your side and ignore the shiny, interesting new object nearby.

Without a grasp on these simple commands, you might end up in a situation like this…

You will also want to get them used to the kayak and kayaking equipment on solid ground before you head out on the water. Let your dog sit in the kayak and familiarize themselves with its layout & smell. You might want to also have your dog practice swimming in a pool.

Practice getting in and out of the kayak (with your dog of course) in your garage, living room or garden. It might take a few tries if they struggle getting their front legs on the deck. This can be easier with sit-on-top kayaks with large cockpit openings and enough room to move around.

A sit-on-top kayak (and tandem kayaks) can also be easier for your dog to find a comfortable spot to sit with ample room to lie down compared to other kayaks. Yoga mats can be useful for extra padding on hard surfaces.

You can adapt your own commands depending on what your dog is used to but useful phrases are “load, sit, stay, unload”.

When you’re ready to introduce your dog to a kayak on water, just focus the first few outings on perfecting the “load, sit, stay, unload” on water. Then, once you’re finally ready to set off for real, make sure your dog stays in the kayak with you for the first few minutes. Remember, they might not be familiar with dock entry when they’ve practiced from a beach or on grass. 

What Type of Kayak Should I Use To Take My Dog?

Kayaks, like dogs, come in many shapes and sizes. You need to make sure you have a kayak big enough to fit you both in comfortably.

> Modifying A Kayak For A Dog

Ideally with somewhere your dog can be safely tucked away in case of rough waters.

A tandem kayak can be a good choice and a sit-on-top kayak can offer convenience and can be easier for both you and your dog to get in and out.

> The Best Kayaks for Dogs

If your dog is easily excited – you might want space where it can sit between your legs so that you can grab a hold of their life jacket quickly if your dog jumps out. Or if your dog is calmer, they might like to sit or lounge around at the bow, watching other paddlers and other boats.

There really isn’t a specific rule as to what’s right or wrong… it depends entirely on your dog’s size, breed and temperament.

However, many dogs are happier with sit-on-top kayaks (as opposed to sit-in kayaks) so that they are free to move around more. A tandem kayak can give you both more room, with enough room for your dog to have their own seat with you in the back seat, making these some of the top kayaks for pups tagging along.

Sit-on-top kayaks also tend to be more stable. Of course, you should always try and avoid rapids whilst kayaking with your dog. Calm waters make for a safer, more enjoyable (and less traumatic) time for your dog and allowing you both to stay calm on board.

Inflatable kayaks (such as Sea Eagle brand) can also be good options, as these tend to be extremely buoyant and stable. They are usually made from durable materials and are resistant to a dog’s claws, making them some of the best kayaks for keeping you and your dog safe. 

Tandem kayaks are also available as inflatable kayaks which can give you more space for you, your furry best friend and your kayaking gear.

What Dog Accessories Are There For Kayaking?

In short, yes. You don’t need to bring thousands of toys and paraphernalia but there are a few essentials that you should be aware of…

PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

Unfortunately dogs, just like humans, can sometimes drown. It doesn’t matter how good a swimmer they are, tragedies happen on the water so you need to make sure your dog is wearing a PFD or life jacket (even if your dog knows how to swim).

Collar & Harness

 – If your dog falls overboard, it’s easier and quicker to pull it back on board via the harness. This little trick could come in very handy in tough conditions.

A Leash

This is strictly for when they are on dry land. You should NEVER tie your dog to the boat. It may seem like a good way of keeping them close and under control but if the kayak flips and you are unable to untie your dog quickly, it could have disastrous consequences.

Sun Cream

Dogs are just as susceptible to sunburn as humans. Despite being covered by fur, their noses and bellies are exposed and could easily burn, particularly when the sun’s rays are reflecting off the water. There are plenty of pet sun blocks on the market.

Water, Food & Bowls

Particularly if you are out for long periods of time in warm weather, water (as well as food in general) is absolutely essential for both you and your dog. Bring along your dog’s food bowl for familiarity. You can store all the essentials in a dry bag behind the second seat for easy access (as long as your dog has some self control).

Treats

These can be used for training and positive reinforcement for good behavior.

> More kayaking dog accessories

Conclusion

Kayaking with your pup can be a very relaxing and enjoyable activity.

However, without preparation and careful consideration, you could find yourself surrounded by chaos, so it might not always be the best idea, even if you’re an experienced kayaker.

The basic things and quick tips to remember are:

1) Think about your dog’s breed, size & personality and pick your kayak accordingly. Some of the top kayaks may not be suitable for your canine buddy.

2) Don’t throw your dog in at the deep end (again, pun intended) – slowly train and prepare them by making sure they are familiar with the kayak and the necessary commands on dry land before heading out on the water.

3) Remember to pack a PFD, harness, leash, sun cream, water & food and some treats.

4) Stick to calm waters – no rapids. Ultimately, if you remember those key four things – you’ll have a fun and memorable time on the water with your favorite furry friend.

> Best canoe for dogs

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Do you bring your dog out with you on the kayak? What tips do you have for the other readers? We’d love to hear about it! Tell us down below…