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<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\nYou must make sure your dog has a lifejacket. A life jacket will keep them safe and help them conserve energy if they do go in the water, helps with visibility if they go over and tend to have a handle that make lifting smaller dogs very convenient and is useful for lifting or hooking them out of the water. Another benefit to a doggy life jacket is that it helps keep them dry and cosy. \u00a0Prices for dog buoyancy aids range from just up over \u00a320 to about \u00a3100<\/p>\n
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Let\u2019s start with toilet training \u2013 because teaching your dog where to go on board is the biggest issue. \u00a0To be honest, on day trips, through all our dogs, this has never been an issue. If this is your dog’s first excursion, probably best to keep it short. But when you\u2019re going on longer trips or if your dog needs to relieve itself you should supply a safe space to go to the toilet. Puppy training pads<\/a> are convenient. An astroturf or carpet square work and are reusable. Did you know can get puppy pads with a grass fragrance to encourage the dogs to go? If you can get a carpet square that has a dog \u2018scent\u2019 this will encourage your dog to go. Once the square has been used and has your dog’s scent, this should establish and set the pattern. The issue with a carpet or astroturf, especially if you are planning a longer trip will be the smell. If you attach the carpet to a rope and wash it over the side every day your dog’s super-sensitive nose will still pick up the scent and use the carpet. Whatever you decide to use, positioning Fido\u2019s \u2018bathroom spot\u2019 place should try to keep the same spot. \u00a0The bow tends to be the most convenient out of the way place.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If it\u2019s not your boat, check with the skipper or charter company about their policy on dogs and how they might like you to deal with these things. Most marinas are dog friendly, but it\u2019s always a good idea to check ahead that dogs are welcome, and can fit into your plans on land. Small dogs are more readily accepted into bars and restaurants \u2013 but never assume everywhere is doggy friendly. Smaller dogs are generally easier to take into places, but it won\u2019t be much fun for your pooch if they can\u2019t get off the boat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our dog, Coco (some kind of oodle) is quite small, she can tuck under an arm for climbing into dinghies, sit on a paddleboard, doesn\u2019t need long walks. Previously we had medium size dogs (Wheaten Terriers) which were still fairly easy \u2013 though a two person job getting into an inflatable from the deck. It\u2019s important to consider if your dog will need to go below deck, or onto an inflatable the practicalities of them physically getting up and down. All our dogs have been happy on deck, though Coco is a little unnerved by the movement on pontoons. Like people there are no one size fits all rule, and it\u2019s probably wise to introduce Fido or Fifi to life onboard slowly if they struggle with new situations. Basic dog training commands like \u2018sit\u2019 \u2018wait\u2019 and \u2018come\u2019 will mean that your dog doesn\u2019t get under your feet. Having said that, remember dogs like small children need do constant supervision. Dogs should be tethered when sailing. https:\/\/www.ezydog.co.uk\/marine-leash<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keep them hydrated. Remember a water bowl. If you can’t cool the boat, or provide shade, cool the dog instead. Cooling pads<\/a> are great for making sure they don\u2019t get too hot under the collar<\/p>\n You could take them up on deck and give them a good spray down, or if safe let them go for a swim until they’re cooled off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nDog Friendly<\/h3>\n
Your Dog<\/h3>\n
Hydration<\/h3>\n
Longer Trips<\/h3>\n