Those who enjoy the outdoors often like to bring their dogs along for the fun. That’s easy enough when you’re hiking or running, but how can you involve your canine pal when you want to head out in a kayak or canoe? 

Kayaking or canoeing with a dog can work brilliantly, but there are a few points to keep in mind before you head out onto the water. Here at NorthShore Watersports, we’ve created a guide with our top tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable paddle with your pup.

Is your dog ready for the water?

First, you need to think about whether your dog is ready and able to join you on the water.

Some dogs take to water instantly and were even bred for it, such as Newfoundlands and Labrador Retrievers. These are going to be easier to train. Others aren’t as happy and confident on the water and might need a few more treats and extra coaxing to get them settled on your boat. 

Similarly, if your dog is very energetic, playful, and has trouble obeying commands, you might need to devote more training time before heading out on the water! 

Or perhaps your dog is quite timid and nervous. If so, really think about if kayaking or canoeing is for them. We know that you won’t be hurtling down rapids and manoeuvring around jagged rocks, but even the bobbing of the boat and splashing of the paddles might distress very anxious dogs, so it’s worth considering.

How to prepare your dog

A major step in the road to kayaking or canoeing with your dog is getting them accustomed to your boat. You can try this by putting it in the garden and letting them sniff around before bringing it indoors (if there’s room), and putting them inside.

If they don’t seem interested, try getting in the boat too and let them follow you, or scatter some of their favourite toys in and around it to encourage them.

Once they get their scent on it, it’ll make it a lot easier for your dog to feel comfortable when it comes to heading out on the water.

Our main piece of advice to make this training process easier is to ensure you have your pet’s favourite treats handy and that you reward them every time they obey!

Training is vital when it comes to kayaking with dogs or canoeing with dogs. When you’re out on the water, it’s critical that your dog does exactly what you tell it if you run into difficulty. There’ll also likely be a lot of wildlife nearby, so there’s a good chance that your dog will want to leap overboard from sheer excitement.

If they don’t already know the ‘stay’ and ‘come back’ commands, teach them. Learning these two key orders means they’ll remain on your boat — regardless of distractions — and return if you let them go off for a swim or run about the shore during a break.

Your dog probably already knows these inside out, but they could react differently on the water and in a new environment.

Before you go kayaking or canoeing with a dog, take them to your planned paddling area and try out your commands by the water’s edge. This will help your dog make a connection between these commands and the paddling environment and help them get used to the movement of the water. 

Launching your boat

Get your pet to sit in (or on) the boat as you push it away from shore. Repeating this command until you’re seated in the boat yourself is a good way to keep dogs calm, and it should help to persuade them to remain on board and not run to you in a panic.

Once you’re both onboard and bobbing away from the shore, carefully start moving the oars to propel you both forwards — but be very gentle. Dogs easily scare in new surroundings, and accidentally banging the side of the boat or splashing your pet might just tempt him to leave you. After a slow and steady paddling motion, your dog should relax, and then you can confidently say you’re canoeing or kayaking with your dog!

Start with a quick paddle close to shore, then gradually increase your distance.

How to choose dog kayaks and canoes

Some boats are far more dog-friendly than others. The main feature you should look at is the size and whether the boat you have in mind can physically hold both you and your dog. 

With kayaks, you’ll need to think about where your dog is likely to actually be on the kayak. Will they be standing on the bow or sitting snugly between your legs in the cockpit?

In our opinion, the typical designs of touring and recreation kayaks are the best dog kayaks. This is because longer kayaks are easier to manoeuvre, so you can maintain a smoother ride for your pet. Wider beams add to your boat’s stability, which again should help keep your dog calm on the water. With canoes, larger, family size canoes will give you the space you need.

You’ll also need to think about the size of your dog. If they’re one of the larger breeds, you’ll need to make sure that they’ll fit safely and comfortably in your kayak or canoe so that you don’t tilt or sink! 

With a smaller dog, you can get away with more compact boats that can hold less weight. Although, if you’re planning on having them sit with you in a kayak cockpit, we’d still suggest making sure this is spacious enough for you to maintain good paddle motion.

Where to go kayaking and canoeing with dogs

Although you can take your dog and boat on any expanse of water you like, we suggest picking somewhere clear, calm and quiet if it’s your dog’s first time.

A peaceful, large lake on a warm, clear day with high visibility is the best way to introduce your dog to kayaking or canoeing. Your dog will have less temptation to jump overboard if there are fewer people around, while the steadier water should help keep them composed, and the great visibility enables you to stay vigilant.

Kitting out your dog 

Kayaking and canoeing with dogs is popular, which means there’s plenty of watersports gear available for your pooch to make sure they’re safely equipped for time off-shore! Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:

• PFD

Firstly, your dog needs a personal flotation device (PFD), just like you. Many dogs are excellent swimmers, but you never know when the weather or water might turn on you, so make sure they wear a life vest at all times.

• Lead, collar and harness

Get them a strong collar and a harness in case you need to heave them out of the water or stop them from leaping off the boat. You should also bring your dog’s lead — although never tie them to the kayak. Tethering your dog might make you feel safer that they can’t swim away, but if your kayak overturns or gets stuck somewhere, it could make it very difficult for your dog to reach safety.

• Toys and treats

If you’re planning on pulling up ashore during your adventure, a few water toys might be good to reward your dog for good behaviour. Make sure you don’t forget dog food, treats and a bowl. Unless you’re paddling on freshwater lakes or rivers, bring along bottled water, too.

• A blanket or towel

If your dog is particularly fidgety, you even might want to use a small towel or blanket to stop their nails from scratching your boat. Plus, the material’s scent and feel might make them more comfortable and more likely to stay on board. A blanket is also good to have to hand if your dog gets cold.

Final tips

• Throughout your journey session, keep talking to and stroking your dog to reassure them. 
• It’s also a good idea to plan a rest so that you can treat your dog to a run-off, toilet break and a bowl of their favourite dog food, too. This should stop them from getting restless sitting on the kayak.
• Avoid all obstacles (at least those that you see).
• Don’t go too fast, even if your dog appears calm, and slow down if your pet starts looking distressed or anxious.

With preparation and training, kayaking and canoeing with dogs can be hugely rewarding experiences for watersports lovers. For the right gear for the job, check out our ranges of kayaks, canoes, watersports clothing and more here at NorthShore Watersports.