Taking the Dog Boating

Does your pooch wanna be a boater? Some people might assume that only retrievers are good boating dogs, but we've seen a large variety of pooches out on boats over the years (like this pup on a Sea Ray!). Bringing your dog can be a fun addition to the day, but they do need a few more accommodations than some of your human guests. So here are our tips for bringing your dog with you on the boat.

• Set your pup up with a life jacket. If your dog knows how to swim, you might find this silly. But remember: humans can swim but still need to wear life jackets! High seas or fatigue can negatively impact your pup's ability to swim, so a life jacket ensures he wont have any issues. In addition, most dog life jackets come with a handle on top, which makes them a great tool for helping to heave your dog back aboard when he is through with swimming. Many pro shops sell life jackets, or you can easily order them online.
• Provide drinking water. Obviously, if you're out on salt water, your pooch won't be able to drink out of the water. But even freshwater can have less than desirable organisms that make drinking from a lake not a super idea either. Bring bottled or tap water and a bowl for your dog so he doesn't get dehydrated - or sick from drinking the wrong kind of water.
• Don't forget a pit stop. You might be able to train your dog to pee in the back of the boat so you can wash it down (if you have an appropriate boat). But really, it's just easier if you stop off somewhere to let your dog do his thing and stretch his legs. Don't forget to pick up after him!
• Watch the fishing lines. Some dogs might not be able to handle watching you fish - the drop of a lure into the water might prove to be too irresistable. So play it by ear. But keep your tackle box out of his reach, and watch the lines around him.

Do you bring your dog out on the boat? What part do they like the best?