We're in the process of movimg up from a day sailer, in which there was no reason to try to take along our 90+ lb yellow lab, to a 30+, in which we have every reason to want to try. Has anyone had any success in acclimating their pooch to the sea life? If so, do they go belowdecks? How? Do you carry them? This could be important to keeping the family together! Any hints welcome.
Thanks,
Joel
Pokey II
'73 TY #549
Bayside, NY
bondy_joelNOSPAM@hotmail.com
Dogs and boats
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Neil Gordon
Re: Dogs and boats
We sail with a chocolate lab. Roxy is 65 lbs. She does just fine on the boat. We've sailed for as long as six hours at a stretch without a problem and overnight on a mooring.
Roxy's been sailing since she was a pup, so there was no acclimation. Even so, I don't think you'll have a problem. Get your dog used to the boat before you head out with her... let him hop on board and off, sniff around, run the motor, etc., etc. Feed him on board. It's a good idea to keep food, treats, toys, etc., for him on the boat.
Sailing, Roxy usually likes to curl up in the cockpit, on the leeward side against the bulkhead. It's the most secure place. She's learned that if she stays to windward, she slides off in the puffs. This arrangement works well and she'll change sides as we tack so she doesn't fall. Sometimes she prefers the cabin... just curls up on a cushion or on the floor.
It took some coaxing for Roxy to learn to get down the companionway ladder. Now she does it in sort of a controlled fall. Up is harder for her and she needs a boost, although it's half her effort and half mine. I just support the back end and push.
We routinely leave Roxy in the cabin while we go out for dinner. It's never been a problem, either in a spip or a mooring. I put a couple of boards in and close the hatch.
Roxy sails with a life jacket and I keep her tethered to the frame of the dodger when I'm sailing. Yes, she swims just fine, but the yellow life jacket adds visibility just in case and the handle will let me lift her on board. She's tethered just in case, as I can then sail without worrying about where she is and what she's up to, especially when docking and I need to pay attention to the boat.
In and out of the dinghy isn't impossible but it's not easy, either. We go in and out through the stbd side gate. She can jump into the dinghy from the deck just fine, but it's too high for her to jump back on deck. Again, I get behind her and push. It's easier if there's a slight swell running... time the push to the top of the swell. <g>
Overall, she's a great cruising companion, especially when I'm singlehanding.
Good luck.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
Roxy's been sailing since she was a pup, so there was no acclimation. Even so, I don't think you'll have a problem. Get your dog used to the boat before you head out with her... let him hop on board and off, sniff around, run the motor, etc., etc. Feed him on board. It's a good idea to keep food, treats, toys, etc., for him on the boat.
Sailing, Roxy usually likes to curl up in the cockpit, on the leeward side against the bulkhead. It's the most secure place. She's learned that if she stays to windward, she slides off in the puffs. This arrangement works well and she'll change sides as we tack so she doesn't fall. Sometimes she prefers the cabin... just curls up on a cushion or on the floor.
It took some coaxing for Roxy to learn to get down the companionway ladder. Now she does it in sort of a controlled fall. Up is harder for her and she needs a boost, although it's half her effort and half mine. I just support the back end and push.
We routinely leave Roxy in the cabin while we go out for dinner. It's never been a problem, either in a spip or a mooring. I put a couple of boards in and close the hatch.
Roxy sails with a life jacket and I keep her tethered to the frame of the dodger when I'm sailing. Yes, she swims just fine, but the yellow life jacket adds visibility just in case and the handle will let me lift her on board. She's tethered just in case, as I can then sail without worrying about where she is and what she's up to, especially when docking and I need to pay attention to the boat.
In and out of the dinghy isn't impossible but it's not easy, either. We go in and out through the stbd side gate. She can jump into the dinghy from the deck just fine, but it's too high for her to jump back on deck. Again, I get behind her and push. It's easier if there's a slight swell running... time the push to the top of the swell. <g>
Overall, she's a great cruising companion, especially when I'm singlehanding.
Good luck.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Bob Dugan
What about bathroom time?
What about bathroom time? How do you handle that?
"Cricket" CD25D #092
Wayland, MA 01778
bdugan@stonehill.edu
Bob DuganNeil Gordon wrote: We sail with a chocolate lab. Roxy is 65 lbs. She does just fine on the boat. We've sailed for as long as six hours at a stretch without a problem and overnight on a mooring.
"Cricket" CD25D #092
Wayland, MA 01778
bdugan@stonehill.edu
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Dot Mace
Re: Dogs and boats
Hi;Joel wrote: We're in the process of movimg up from a day sailer, in which there was no reason to try to take along our 90+ lb yellow lab, to a 30+, in which we have every reason to want to try. Has anyone had any success in acclimating their pooch to the sea life? If so, do they go belowdecks? How? Do you carry them? This could be important to keeping the family together! Any hints welcome.
Thanks,
Joel
Pokey II
'73 TY #549
Bayside, NY
We have a CD 33, and have sailed with our 65# yellow lab for about three years now. She was two years old when we introduced her to the boat and she seemed to adapt quite well. We have sailed for 10 to 12 hours stretches in some pretty sloppy conditions. And, we anchor out frequently. In fact, we just recently returned from a 20-day cruise along the Northern California coast. There have been a few times when she had to do her "business" on the boat, and on those occasions I either took her to the foredeck our just had her go in the cockpit, where it could be easily cleaned.
I can't say enough good things about being able to take your dog with you sailing. However, there are a few things we've found help to make the experience both safe and fun.
One; make sure the dog has plenty of activity before and after your sails. I usually take the dog for a run before we head out and at our first opportunity.
Two: Make sure the dog associates sailing with something fun. For example, our dog loves to swim. So, we try to take her places where she can swim.
Three: Dogs like to have there own secure place. We've found that the quarterberth provides a cozy and secure sleeping spot for her. I made a small comforter and pillows just for the dog, that we place in the quarterberth. If you don't have a quarterberth, placing a dogbed on the sole of the floor near the companionway is a good place.
Our dog jumps readily in and out of the dingy. She's learned to get up and down the companionway steps. If your dog is small it would be easier to lift the dog up and down, though.
She wears a harness and tether while underway. And we put her down below when the weather is rough or if it's dark out.
Hope this helps. I can honestly say that with time our dog has become as comfortable and happy on our boat as she is at home.
ddmace@usamedia.tv
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Neil Gordon
Re: What about bathroom time?
>>What about bathroom time? How do you handle that?<<
She waits. Six hours has not been a problem.
I've read about training dogs to go on the boat. What's suggested is getting a "turf" doormat and rubbing it with dirt from the pup's favorite part of the backyard. They need to get the idea that it's ok to go there. The doormat is easy to rinse out overboard if you put a hole and pass a line through.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
She waits. Six hours has not been a problem.
I've read about training dogs to go on the boat. What's suggested is getting a "turf" doormat and rubbing it with dirt from the pup's favorite part of the backyard. They need to get the idea that it's ok to go there. The doormat is easy to rinse out overboard if you put a hole and pass a line through.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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John Tracy
Re: Dogs and boats
We've got a 9 year old yellow lab - about 70 lbs. My wife adopted him when he was 5 years old (before we were married), and as far as we know, he had never been boating. The first time we took him sailing, he appeared to have acclimated immediately. We now take him sailing (and powerboating) anytime we go. We've never been out longer than 6 hours without a pit stop for him, so we haven't had to teach him to do his business on the boat. Sometime he lounges in the cockpit, sometimes below. In either case, he seems very contented.
john@mohawkroc.com
john@mohawkroc.com
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Matt Cawthorne
Re: Dogs and boats
We trained our dog to use the foredeck for a potty spot. It makes the whole boating thing easier. You will anchor in places eventually where taking the dog ashore is not an option. We used a piece of astro-turf for the training surface. Every time the dog starts to void herself, just slip the turf underneath. When you go to the boat take it along. Give her a small treat each time she uses it. Do not be in a hurry to clean up after her or she will think she did something wrong. Solids go in a bag if you are in an environmentally sensitive area. The bag can be tied inconspicuously to the backstay except when you are going down wind. When you take her ashore, be a good neighbor and always take a plastic bag with you.
Our dog liked to go swimming enough that he would jump into the inflatable dinghy from the deck and then jump into the water. After a long game of fetch he would swim next to the dinghy waiting to be assisted out. I would grab his forepaws, hook them over the edge of the dinghy and quickly grab the back of his neck to roll him into the boat. He did most of the work himself, but helping roll him into the dinghy was important. Getting him on deck was a matter of hooking his forepaws over the toerail and lifting his hind legs up enough to get him started. Getting him up the companionway was no problem as he could climb ladders. Down was a bit of a controlled crash. Usually it went well. You have to luff up to let him up or down while sailing.
We loved having him aboard and would encourage you to bring your dog too.
Matt
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
Our dog liked to go swimming enough that he would jump into the inflatable dinghy from the deck and then jump into the water. After a long game of fetch he would swim next to the dinghy waiting to be assisted out. I would grab his forepaws, hook them over the edge of the dinghy and quickly grab the back of his neck to roll him into the boat. He did most of the work himself, but helping roll him into the dinghy was important. Getting him on deck was a matter of hooking his forepaws over the toerail and lifting his hind legs up enough to get him started. Getting him up the companionway was no problem as he could climb ladders. Down was a bit of a controlled crash. Usually it went well. You have to luff up to let him up or down while sailing.
We loved having him aboard and would encourage you to bring your dog too.
Matt
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
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Olli Wendelin
Re: Dogs and boats
Joel,
I sail with my two Standard Poodles all the time. I have a mother and son, about 60 lbs each. While motoring they lay on the cabin top, sailing they stay in the cockpit. They much prefer sailing to staying at home.
To go below they easily go from the companionway hatch to the icebox/chart table, then to the setee.
They wear PFDs whenever we are underway or anchored. The best dog PFDs
by far that I have found are made by MTI Adventurewear, they are sold by LL Bean and others. Were is their link.
http://www.mtiadventurewear.com/item.htm?mb101
As far as the dirty deed, they hold it till shore liberty. Dinghy ride at first light, midday, and after dinner at a minimum. My female didn't like the dinghy (too small) until we overnighted and she figured it was the only way to the beach.
I have two dinghys, an 8 1/2 ft fiberglass and an 8 ft RIB. They much prefer the RIB, much more stable.
One reason my dogs like the boat is that shore liberty is normally at deserted beaches, so no leashes required.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
CD 30 Ketch
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil
I sail with my two Standard Poodles all the time. I have a mother and son, about 60 lbs each. While motoring they lay on the cabin top, sailing they stay in the cockpit. They much prefer sailing to staying at home.
To go below they easily go from the companionway hatch to the icebox/chart table, then to the setee.
They wear PFDs whenever we are underway or anchored. The best dog PFDs
by far that I have found are made by MTI Adventurewear, they are sold by LL Bean and others. Were is their link.
http://www.mtiadventurewear.com/item.htm?mb101
As far as the dirty deed, they hold it till shore liberty. Dinghy ride at first light, midday, and after dinner at a minimum. My female didn't like the dinghy (too small) until we overnighted and she figured it was the only way to the beach.
I have two dinghys, an 8 1/2 ft fiberglass and an 8 ft RIB. They much prefer the RIB, much more stable.
One reason my dogs like the boat is that shore liberty is normally at deserted beaches, so no leashes required.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
CD 30 Ketch
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil