Dogs and sailing

[Judith]

This is really a continuation of "Tacking the Dog" (what a great concept!). But. . .I've been wondering about taking my dog sailing.

I have a rather charming big galoot of a black Lab. And I keep thinking he'd love the boat, the water, the herd of affable dogs that hang out at the marina. . .then deciding, "Nawww, he's just too big and goofy to take sailing, he'd only be in the way."

I'd love to hear from any dog-owners how this works. Or doesn't.

Thanks.

[Jim Davis]

Judith

My name is Max and I've borrowed Daddy's computer to tell you to take your dog along. I'm a 65 pound Husky and have sailed with Mommy and Daddy from Key West to Canada. Being a Sea Dog is wonderful. Our homeport is near Annapolis and the travel has been fun. Everywhere we go I meet all kinds of friendly people and dogs. They even bought me a ramp because the ladder into the cabin is too steep for me to go down.

During the day I stay on deck and help Daddy sail, but at night I like to sleep below. The best part of the day is watching Daddy get my boat ready to take me ashore (he also does it in the morning. It is really fun when he can make it plane. He has told me it is OK to use the deck, but trees are better.

Life is always different on the water. Sometimes I see "Flippers" or whales. Manatees aren't that interesting but there is always something to see, or do. I'm glad Mommy and Daddy let me go with them.

[Gary M]

Judith,
You happen to love that "Big galoot." Why not take the dog sailing?

You never know until you've tried and it's worth the try.

Start on light days and teach the dog to sail. If it works it will be great if it doesn't, no harm no foul!

My advise is go for it.

Gary

[bottomscraper]

Nemo our dog kept a log on our trip this summer:Nemo's Dlog



Get a good life jacket with a strong handle. All dogs can swim but just like people they can only swim for so long. If the dog does end up in the water a strong handle makes getting them back onboard a lot easier. Nemo hasn't fallen or jumped from the boat but he did jump out of the dingy one day as we got near shore. We also have a tether to keep him in the cockpit when we are underway.

We like the "Ruffwear K9 Float Coat" but there are other good ones available: Ruffwear Web Site

[Cathy Monaghan]

Hi Judith,

Since a picture is woth a thousand words.....













Until his passing, our 70-pound dalmation sailed with us regularly -- not just for daysails but for weekends and vacations aboard as well. He loved it. He even knew which boat was his. He would try to get aboard before we could get to the boat and open the gate, usually resulting in a big splash. He thought the dinghy was his too and was usually in it before we could get it inflated.


Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

[Neil Gordon]

They get in the way on the one hand... but it's REALLY worth it!!!

I've sailed extensively with Roxy... although I stick to about six hours at a time so she can get ashore. I suppose I could teach her to find the right spot on board but we haven't gotten there yet.

It's really a great bonding experience to sail with your dog... and with dog on board, you're not watching the clock to leave the marina at the end of the day.

Roxy and I have lived on board and I sail often with Roxy and her friend (and my friend, too). That's two adults and two labs (one chocolate, one yellow). It's never been a problem.

[Warren Kaplan]

This is a picture taken a few years ago of Dick Feffer, who used to own CD30MKII Adamarie, heading for my boat with his Golden Retriever pup, Holly, while we were anchored in West Harbor of Oyster Bay during a NE Fleet event.

[Ron Brassord]

Back in th 70's we were raising our family and sailing our old Pearson 30 in Eastern Long Island Sound. Along with our two kids, we had a large goofy Golden Retriever, who went everywhere with us including all our boating cruises. It would have been unthinkable to leave him home. He was constant amusement for the kids and us too. Many is the chilly damp night we spent on anchor and cuddling with the mutt was worth fighting for. He was an endless source of laughs and a sure relief for stress.
Now decades later when the family gets talking about good old times the many events most fondly remembered seem to include the dog and the boat.
One favorite of mine is one day I was goofing off on an afternoon sailing alone with the dog in Fischers Island Sound. I saw ahead a larger boat with several guys who obviously were having a party and had a few. As I approached to passby I was sailing with my tiller pilot hooked up and the dog was sprawled on the cockpit seat near me as always. As I began to pass, I walked up the side deck and waved to the happy crew on the other boat. It was then they noticed the Golden sprawled at the tiller and one tipsy crew yelled " Holy *&%)*^that guy is beating us with a dog at the helm!" Of course I just waved and kept going.
Now, many decades later we are still sailing frequently but in our little CD22, and the kids have gone on to their own families and vacations making memories with their own Goldens and boats.
But we still sail and boat with a dog except he's a small Spaniel and a more appropriare size for our age and boat size. However, he is no less fun. It would be unthinkable to leave him home.
I doubt if we could ask any of the many dogs we took along on our many cruises if they would rather have stayed home I'm sure non would elect to stay home.
The skipper needs to pay extra attention to the well being, safety and comfort of the pet as he would to a somewhat challenged guest on board. It is well worth the effort.
Good sailing Ron Brassord

[Neil Gordon]

The skipper needs to pay extra attention to the well being, safety and comfort of the pet as he would to a somewhat challenged guest on board.

Except that no chocolate lab, in the history of sailing, has ever, ever switched the battery selector switch while the motor was running (unlike many brothers-in-law).

[plumber]

We have sailed with our dogs(power boat too) from day one. We also have several friends who do also. Our last dog, an Akita, had a ball but was big and almost always in the way, our present dog (a yorkiepoo) is a bunch smaller and is just right for our 25. She is only a pup but has taken to sailing. She is prone to getting sea sick when things get a little too rough but is trained to let loose on cleanable surfaces and unruly guests. So take your four legged friend. A little work and the dog will have there spot to hang underway and won't get in the way. They like the things you like.

[Steve Laume]

I am on my third sailing sea dog. The first was a 90LB Chocolate Lab I had in the days I was sailing a Laser. I would launch the boat then lay on the bow. He would then swim over to where I could get a hold of his tail. I could point to where I wanted to go and he would tow us out to deep water. After I got the dagger board and rudder squared away I would haul him on board. I was in much better shape back then and if it was really windy I would hike out and he would climb onto my chest. My stomach hurts just thinking about it now.
We had a golden for too short a time. She was a big old couch potato. She was also a real sweetie. The hardest part of dealing with her was getting on and off the boat. She was not a jumper. She was pretty good at climbing and could make her way down below just fine. I never worried about her jumping overboard. Even when we sailed by a tennis ball which she would never fail to notice. Tennis balls were always a MOB drill on our boat. The long hair was a bit slow to dry and did hold a large amount of sand.
The current dog is another Chocolate Lab. She is smaller, lighter and definitely an athlete. It is easier to get her on and off of the boat. She has only jumped overboard once. That was after four kids preceded her into the water. She is still a bit wacky at one year old but I think she is going to make a fine sea dog as time goes on.
A dog can add to the moisture problem down below on a damp day. There is also that hair and sand. We have to be diligent about keeping the sheets out from under the dog. I hate to disturb her just to trim a bit when she looks so comfortable.
So if I was to look for good boat dog qualities. Smaller would be better. Agility is a plus. Faithfulness is paramount. Short hair that matches the color of all boat surfaces would be nice.
Your sailing will be impacted. We still come around for all tennis balls. You will row to shore more often. It makes it easier to meet and talk with people. Many of these people are missing their dogs which they have left at home. You are never talking to yourself when you are single handing. "So what do you say girl, should we reef the main?" The dog is not going to yell at you or worry about things that don't need to be worried about. In the words of Carly Simon "And hey they are just fun to be with", Steve.

[Neil Gordon]

"So what do you say girl, should we reef the main?"

It's time to reef when you first think about asking your dog.

[Warren Kaplan]

Just in case youse guys are worried if da' mutt is medically suited to go asailin'....I say ....absolutely!

Make sure you have plenty of fresh water for him. Possibly bring along the dog's favorite food bowls and water dishes. Be prepared to take the dog ashore regularly to deficiate, unless you don't mind the dog using your boat to relieve himself. Make sure there is a secure place for him to curl up in below if the going gets rough.
Bring his regular food along too. A canine life jacket isn't a bad idea. Also have some bandages along in case of a cut paw etc. Also, on those beastly hot days, get the dog out of the sun and heat. Wash him off periodically with fresh water if the dog is prone to swim in salt water.

The dogs usually take to this pretty well if introduced gradually, like anyone else.

Any medical questions.....just ask me!!

Warren Kaplan, DVM

[tartansailor]

Any medical questions.....just ask me!!

Help, What do I do with my Britt that has outrageous dietary indiscretion.

Dick

[Maine Sail]

When I was a kid my parents always brought the family dog and now my wife and I sail with two. We have one rule and that is when the boat is moving they are not to leave the cockpit or cabin. When we stop they know they can "do laps" around the perimeter of the deck! They are great swimmers but they wear life jackets when under way.

Contrary to popular belief even Dachshunds learn to love the water as witnessed by the bottom photo...