just took the two pooches on their first trip-an overnighter. they are both small young chows and did well. it even made sailing more enjoyable for the first mate-something to keep her occupied.
i am looking for any wisdom on sailing with them. particular problem areas are keeping them aboard (they have pfd's or are they dfd's) and going potty. also does anyone know if dogs get seasick? one of the girls barfed one time, but she does that ashore occasionally as well.
thanks
john churchill
cd26 "SKUA"
jchurchill@erols.com
dogs on board
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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matt cawthorne
Re: dogs on board
John,
I can't speak for chows, but my golden retriever is afraid to get dumped into the water and makes sure that he stays on by himself for the most part. I used to use netting, but have not for the last 4 years and when it is rough Chum just stays in the cockpit.
You can not always be assured of being able to take your dog ashore. When Chum was a pup I took a piece of astroturf and shoved it under him when he urinated first thing in the morning. When he got it nice and smelly I put it on the foredeck. He started using it there, and now goes without the astroturf. A quick bucket of water and a treat for the dog and everyone is happy.
I scoop up the solids, put them in a bag tied to the backstay and the bay, the dog, the swimmers and I have an acceptable compromise.
Good luck with the pooches.
Matt
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
I can't speak for chows, but my golden retriever is afraid to get dumped into the water and makes sure that he stays on by himself for the most part. I used to use netting, but have not for the last 4 years and when it is rough Chum just stays in the cockpit.
You can not always be assured of being able to take your dog ashore. When Chum was a pup I took a piece of astroturf and shoved it under him when he urinated first thing in the morning. When he got it nice and smelly I put it on the foredeck. He started using it there, and now goes without the astroturf. A quick bucket of water and a treat for the dog and everyone is happy.
I scoop up the solids, put them in a bag tied to the backstay and the bay, the dog, the swimmers and I have an acceptable compromise.
Good luck with the pooches.
Matt
just took the two pooches on their first trip-an overnighter. they are both small young chows and did well. it even made sailing more enjoyable for the first mate-something to keep her occupied.
i am looking for any wisdom on sailing with them. particular problem areas are keeping them aboard (they have pfd's or are they dfd's) and going potty. also does anyone know if dogs get seasick? one of the girls barfed one time, but she does that ashore occasionally as well.
thanks
john churchill
cd26 "SKUA"
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
-
Catherine Monaghan
Re: dogs on board
John,
We've been sailing with our dalmatian since we purchased our CD32 in 1995. (He hasn't sailed with us this year since he injured his back and had to have surgery earlier this Spring. Hopefully he'll be sailing again next year.) We started him off by only taking him out on days when the wind was relatively light so that we wouldn't scare him and so that he'd get used to the boat. Sometimes, we'd just go down and sit on the boat and let him run around on it and get used to it.
He seems to enjoy being on the boat as much as we do, but it could be that he simply enjoys being with us rather than being left at home or at a kennel. He has had no problem getting up and down the companionway ladder. And while we're under sail, he stays in the cockpit (he usually sleeps). He also has to wear his PFD at all times while underway. If things get dicey, I attach a tether to the PFD and the steering pedestal ensuring that he stays in the cockpit.
We purchased an inflatable dingy just because of the need to walk the dog. He refuses to eliminate anywhere on the boat. We tried the astroturf routine, even tried digging up a patch of turf from our yard which he had just used and brought it on board in a large rectangular Rubbermaid container, but that didn't work either.
We got him used to the dingy by inflating it in the house during the winter right after we bought it. We all sat it in, including the dog. We left it inflated for awhile so that we could do this and so that he would freely get in and out of it on his own.
The first time we actually put it in the water, he was ready to go. We haven't had any problems getting him in and out of the dingy either. We pull it up alongside the boat, my husband sits on the side at the gate area, he then takes Cimon and just sits down square in the center of the dingy. I get it and we're on our way. I also purchased an Edson step which we hand from the gate stanchion bases which makes it easier for him to board the boat from the dingy -- easier for us too. Once he's got his front feet on the step, we just give his butt a boost.
The only problem we have is when we're trying to inflate the dingy on deck. As soon as we unroll the dingy, the dog is in it. He cannot wait. We usually have to chase him out of it several times while it's being inflated.
Have fun with the dogs.
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 Realization
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
We've been sailing with our dalmatian since we purchased our CD32 in 1995. (He hasn't sailed with us this year since he injured his back and had to have surgery earlier this Spring. Hopefully he'll be sailing again next year.) We started him off by only taking him out on days when the wind was relatively light so that we wouldn't scare him and so that he'd get used to the boat. Sometimes, we'd just go down and sit on the boat and let him run around on it and get used to it.
He seems to enjoy being on the boat as much as we do, but it could be that he simply enjoys being with us rather than being left at home or at a kennel. He has had no problem getting up and down the companionway ladder. And while we're under sail, he stays in the cockpit (he usually sleeps). He also has to wear his PFD at all times while underway. If things get dicey, I attach a tether to the PFD and the steering pedestal ensuring that he stays in the cockpit.
We purchased an inflatable dingy just because of the need to walk the dog. He refuses to eliminate anywhere on the boat. We tried the astroturf routine, even tried digging up a patch of turf from our yard which he had just used and brought it on board in a large rectangular Rubbermaid container, but that didn't work either.
We got him used to the dingy by inflating it in the house during the winter right after we bought it. We all sat it in, including the dog. We left it inflated for awhile so that we could do this and so that he would freely get in and out of it on his own.
The first time we actually put it in the water, he was ready to go. We haven't had any problems getting him in and out of the dingy either. We pull it up alongside the boat, my husband sits on the side at the gate area, he then takes Cimon and just sits down square in the center of the dingy. I get it and we're on our way. I also purchased an Edson step which we hand from the gate stanchion bases which makes it easier for him to board the boat from the dingy -- easier for us too. Once he's got his front feet on the step, we just give his butt a boost.
The only problem we have is when we're trying to inflate the dingy on deck. As soon as we unroll the dingy, the dog is in it. He cannot wait. We usually have to chase him out of it several times while it's being inflated.
Have fun with the dogs.
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 Realization
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
just took the two pooches on their first trip-an overnighter. they are both small young chows and did well. it even made sailing more enjoyable for the first mate-something to keep her occupied.
i am looking for any wisdom on sailing with them. particular problem areas are keeping them aboard (they have pfd's or are they dfd's) and going potty. also does anyone know if dogs get seasick? one of the girls barfed one time, but she does that ashore occasionally as well.
thanks
john churchill
cd26 "SKUA"
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
-
Mike Everett
Re: dogs on board
The Dr. Pepper's crew includes two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who each weigh about sixteen pounds and love the opportunity to spend quality time in close proximity to the humans in their pack.
They earn their way by keeping seagulls off the boat.
We've all just returned from a two-week cruise.
We use the astroturf method described by Matt. I rigged up a mat with a corner grommet and a nylon line so it can be tossed over the side for cleaning.
We also find that a bit of seaweed on the mat helps the dogs to locate it better.
Since our younger dog loves to swim, and tends to be a goofball, we find that safety netting is essential for keeping him on board. So far he's jumped out of the dinghy, but not off the mother ship. We use doggy life jackets and/or tethers to a padeye when conditions would make it difficult to retrieve them.
Not sure if they get seasick, but it's apparent that extreme motion - especially rolling - worries them. A pat on the head
everett@megalink.net
They earn their way by keeping seagulls off the boat.
We've all just returned from a two-week cruise.
We use the astroturf method described by Matt. I rigged up a mat with a corner grommet and a nylon line so it can be tossed over the side for cleaning.
We also find that a bit of seaweed on the mat helps the dogs to locate it better.
Since our younger dog loves to swim, and tends to be a goofball, we find that safety netting is essential for keeping him on board. So far he's jumped out of the dinghy, but not off the mother ship. We use doggy life jackets and/or tethers to a padeye when conditions would make it difficult to retrieve them.
Not sure if they get seasick, but it's apparent that extreme motion - especially rolling - worries them. A pat on the head
everett@megalink.net
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Mike Everett
Re: dogs on board, continued
(Hmm, I wonder why my posts get clipped off. Here's the rest:)
A pat on the head relieves them.
Otherwise, no problems. If you like dogs, then you'll enjoy having them on your boat.
Mike Everett
s/v Dr. Pepper
everett@megalink.net
A pat on the head relieves them.
Otherwise, no problems. If you like dogs, then you'll enjoy having them on your boat.
Mike Everett
s/v Dr. Pepper
everett@megalink.net
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: Just wondering??????
Catherine,
I was just wondering, when you're sitting in the kitchen, in your inflated dingy, with the husband and the dog, WHAT do you possibly talk about? Have the neighbors witnessed this behavior, and have they reported you all to the authorities? Maybe a short list of nautical sea stories would be appropriate, but I just can't imagine!!! Do you pretend to paddle, or just start up the outboard??
I guess you can tell that I'm bustin' ya. It just seemed funny! I'm in the process of purchasing a new beagle, had to put down my old one a few weeks ago, so I will go through the training again with her soon. Oh, and yes, dogs do get sea sick. Sally-sue used to turn slightly green under the gills if it got rough out, then she would curl up in a ball on the bunk and go to sleep. I wonder if four straps tied around her little wrists would help...FWIW....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
I was just wondering, when you're sitting in the kitchen, in your inflated dingy, with the husband and the dog, WHAT do you possibly talk about? Have the neighbors witnessed this behavior, and have they reported you all to the authorities? Maybe a short list of nautical sea stories would be appropriate, but I just can't imagine!!! Do you pretend to paddle, or just start up the outboard??
I guess you can tell that I'm bustin' ya. It just seemed funny! I'm in the process of purchasing a new beagle, had to put down my old one a few weeks ago, so I will go through the training again with her soon. Oh, and yes, dogs do get sea sick. Sally-sue used to turn slightly green under the gills if it got rough out, then she would curl up in a ball on the bunk and go to sleep. I wonder if four straps tied around her little wrists would help...FWIW....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
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Neil Gordon
Re: dogs on board
This is our first season with our chocolate lab. She's 9 1/2 months now and has been sailing with us since May.
Roxy sails with her life jacket on. It provides visibility and a lifting handle should she fall overboard. More important, we thread a tether through the lifting handle which is secured to the frame of the dodger on both sides. Roxy has enough room to go from port to stbd on either side or to lie on the cockpit floor, but she doesn't have enough slack to leave the cockpit.
The pup mostly sleeps while we're sailing. She either stays in the cockpit or goes below and curls herself up. She's ok on the windward side until about 20 degrees, then she slides off. I'm thinking of teaching her to change sides to leeward when I say "helm's alee." <g> She's never been seasick.
She's never *gone* on the boat. Longest sail was more than six hours and she just waited. I've tried an astroturf mat with some dirt from home rubbed into it, but she's not interested. So far, taking her ashore once we get to where we're going has not been a problem.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
Roxy sails with her life jacket on. It provides visibility and a lifting handle should she fall overboard. More important, we thread a tether through the lifting handle which is secured to the frame of the dodger on both sides. Roxy has enough room to go from port to stbd on either side or to lie on the cockpit floor, but she doesn't have enough slack to leave the cockpit.
The pup mostly sleeps while we're sailing. She either stays in the cockpit or goes below and curls herself up. She's ok on the windward side until about 20 degrees, then she slides off. I'm thinking of teaching her to change sides to leeward when I say "helm's alee." <g> She's never been seasick.
She's never *gone* on the boat. Longest sail was more than six hours and she just waited. I've tried an astroturf mat with some dirt from home rubbed into it, but she's not interested. So far, taking her ashore once we get to where we're going has not been a problem.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Catherine Monaghan
Re: dogs on board
Neil,
Cimon is a self-tacking 70 lb dog. He gets up and moves to the leeward side as soon as we tack. He lays down up against the backrest where he's secure. When he starts sliding around, we shorten sail. I'm sure your dog will learn how to tack with the boat too.
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 Realization
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
Cimon is a self-tacking 70 lb dog. He gets up and moves to the leeward side as soon as we tack. He lays down up against the backrest where he's secure. When he starts sliding around, we shorten sail. I'm sure your dog will learn how to tack with the boat too.
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 Realization
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
This is our first season with our chocolate lab. She's 9 1/2 months now and has been sailing with us since May.
Roxy sails with her life jacket on. It provides visibility and a lifting handle should she fall overboard. More important, we thread a tether through the lifting handle which is secured to the frame of the dodger on both sides. Roxy has enough room to go from port to stbd on either side or to lie on the cockpit floor, but she doesn't have enough slack to leave the cockpit.
The pup mostly sleeps while we're sailing. She either stays in the cockpit or goes below and curls herself up. She's ok on the windward side until about 20 degrees, then she slides off. I'm thinking of teaching her to change sides to leeward when I say "helm's alee." <g> She's never been seasick.
She's never *gone* on the boat. Longest sail was more than six hours and she just waited. I've tried an astroturf mat with some dirt from home rubbed into it, but she's not interested. So far, taking her ashore once we get to where we're going has not been a problem.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
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Evan Kramer
Re: dogs on board
We sail with two minature dachshunds and a big lanky mutt puppy. The youngest dachshund and the mutt both got seasick and vomited on their first sails, but neither has any problems since. We haven't had any luck at all convincing the dogs to go onboard but are still trying to convince them to go on a carpet-like doormat in the cockpit. Available water is a must for the dogs, so make sure you have a heavy, low profile water bowl that can take some rolling without spilling - we keep one in the cockpit and one in the cabin. In rough weather, I put the dogs in the v-berth, which is fully padded and close the door (otherwise, I can't get the first mate to pay any attention to sailing). We also have PFDs for the dogs that have been adjusted for custom fits. Overall, I think they love it - a boat's dimensions are perfect for kids for and dogs. Good luck.
Evan Kramer
Laissez Faire, CD28 # 91
Houston, Texas
evankramer@hypercon.com
Evan Kramer
Laissez Faire, CD28 # 91
Houston, Texas
evankramer@hypercon.com
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Neil Gordon
Re: dogs on board
>>Cimon is a self-tacking 70 lb dog. He gets up and moves to the leeward side as soon as we tack.<<
That gives the added advantage of being able to keep the human crew comfortably to windward.
I'm gonna just keep moving Roxy to leeward as we tack. She'll get the idea soon enough.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
That gives the added advantage of being able to keep the human crew comfortably to windward.
I'm gonna just keep moving Roxy to leeward as we tack. She'll get the idea soon enough.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Catherine Monaghan
Re: Just wondering??????
Dave,
If anyone saw us in the dingy (inflated in our dining room) it would have been the neighbors behind us. If they did, I wonder what they thought. We all got in the dingy and laid down so they would have only seen mine and my husband's legs hanging over the side.
Cimon has been sick on board a couple of times (each time, wouldn't you know it, he threw up in the crack between the lid for the propane locker and the cockpit seat -- had to remove the lid to clean up) and each time it was rather lumpy out there. I think they do well if they just remain lying down and sleeping rather than trying to sit up.
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 Realization
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
If anyone saw us in the dingy (inflated in our dining room) it would have been the neighbors behind us. If they did, I wonder what they thought. We all got in the dingy and laid down so they would have only seen mine and my husband's legs hanging over the side.
Cimon has been sick on board a couple of times (each time, wouldn't you know it, he threw up in the crack between the lid for the propane locker and the cockpit seat -- had to remove the lid to clean up) and each time it was rather lumpy out there. I think they do well if they just remain lying down and sleeping rather than trying to sit up.
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 Realization
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
Catherine,
I was just wondering, when you're sitting in the kitchen, in your inflated dingy, with the husband and the dog, WHAT do you possibly talk about? Have the neighbors witnessed this behavior, and have they reported you all to the authorities? Maybe a short list of nautical sea stories would be appropriate, but I just can't imagine!!! Do you pretend to paddle, or just start up the outboard??
I guess you can tell that I'm bustin' ya. It just seemed funny! I'm in the process of purchasing a new beagle, had to put down my old one a few weeks ago, so I will go through the training again with her soon. Oh, and yes, dogs do get sea sick. Sally-sue used to turn slightly green under the gills if it got rough out, then she would curl up in a ball on the bunk and go to sleep. I wonder if four straps tied around her little wrists would help...FWIW....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
-
eric
Re: dogs on board
My 5-year-old 35 LB mixed breed dog joined us on our new CD 25 this summer. It was her first time aboard. First trip was down the coast into a 25 knot breeze. Dog and boat performed wonderfully.
She's travelled with us all her life and seems up to most anything. She moved to Europe twice with us and loves new adventures. I'm sure any young dog will adapt to a life at sea quite well and will be a better dog for the experience.
E
ewoodman@lycos.com
She's travelled with us all her life and seems up to most anything. She moved to Europe twice with us and loves new adventures. I'm sure any young dog will adapt to a life at sea quite well and will be a better dog for the experience.
E
just took the two pooches on their first trip-an overnighter. they are both small young chows and did well. it even made sailing more enjoyable for the first mate-something to keep her occupied.
i am looking for any wisdom on sailing with them. particular problem areas are keeping them aboard (they have pfd's or are they dfd's) and going potty. also does anyone know if dogs get seasick? one of the girls barfed one time, but she does that ashore occasionally as well.
thanks
john churchill
cd26 "SKUA"
ewoodman@lycos.com
-
Olli Wendelin
Re: dogs on board
We have two standard poodles which sail with us all the time. Lilly is 3 years old and 45#. Luke, her son, is 7 months old, 43# and still growing. Both have pfds. In the harbor and at sea they stay in the cockpit. In the waterway or smaller rivers they roam the decks. We use the dingy and take them ashore for potty breaks. Lilly only did it on board once during a long passage (after 12 hrs). When we went out for the start of the Around Alone race last year the sea got a bit rougher than expected. Half of my crew got seasick, including Lilly (4 times).
The dogs enjoy sailing. They are on a much more equal footing with the humans. Sit on seats, sleep on beds, food within easy reach. Also they get to run on uninhabited beaches without leashes.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil
The dogs enjoy sailing. They are on a much more equal footing with the humans. Sit on seats, sleep on beds, food within easy reach. Also they get to run on uninhabited beaches without leashes.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil