kayaking with a dog (safety points + suitable gear)

kayaking with a dog (safety points + suitable gear)

It’s all alright that you bring your dog while you are kayaking and he can join you in this exciting experience. Sometimes you are a kayaker and don’t want to leave your dog alone at home or there is a time when you just want to try this enjoyable activity and would like to share it with your dog.

There is no difference between these two situations. You have to consider your dog’s safety. This safety should be regarded as both by choosing the right kayak and the proper suit to make the dog ready. So there is nothing to be worried about!

Bellow all about kayaking with a dog is covered:

Choosing the Right Kayak for paddling with a dog

It is really important to choose a kayak that has the option to bring your dog with you. Let’s take a look at the types of kayaks:

sit-inside kayak

this kind of kayak has a comfortable seat in the way that everyone calls it a dog-friendly kayak. There are some places that your dog can sit in this kind of kayak and kayaking with a dog would be pleasant for you both:

• Smaller dogs can sit in the cockpit of a sit-inside kayak, rest on your laps, or at your feet.
• In 2 person kayaks there is a space between 2 seats where your dog can stand on a flatter surface.
• Some dogs prefer to stand on the deck of your kayak. This part of a kayak is slippery so you can build him a platform to stand. With PVC pipes, plywood, and a yoga mat as none non-slip material, you can build this platform.

Sit-on-top kayaks

• Most of these kayaks have flat deck areas which is spacious for a dog to sit.
• In tandem kayaks, there is a space between two seats where your dog can sit. It’s really comfortable and has enough room which you can keep an eye on your pet.

K2 Inflatable Kayak

It’s a 2-person inflatable kayak that is sufficient for 2 people and a dog. You might think that the dog can puncture the inflatable boat with its claws, but it’s totally made of a puncture-resistant polypropylene material.

How to prepare your dog for kayaking

You can use treats such as their favorite food and stuff to get on the kayak and stand or sit there. And with this kind of reward system, your dog would be interested in kayaking with you often.

On the ground, before you bring him in a kayak, you should teach him some commands like; sit, stay, and come. These are so good for controlling them in kayak.

You should bring your kayak to the ground and start paddling while you’re dog is sitting behind you, on your lap, or on the deck. then he will get used to your paddling movements. And add some rewarding system to this which makes it a great experience for your dog.

The other important thing is teaching your dog how to swim before kayaking with a dog. If your dog suddenly or accidentally falls into the water, they could be able to rescue themselves.

What are the essential Gear for Dogs coming along with you for kayaking?

A life jacket is the most important gear while kayaking with you. Before taking them with you. Teach him to swim with a life jacket in that case they would have confidence. If you want your dog to get used to wearing a life jacket. You can wear his PFD and bring him to the park with it and while feeding them don’t take it off.

Safety Tips While Kayaking with a dog

There would be some signs that you will understand that your dog may want to jump in the water. For example, if he sees a thing in the water. In this situation, you should distract him by giving him his favorite food or calling his name till he comes back to you.

Choosing the Right Location

Take a look at these points about choosing a right place for kayaking with a dog:

• Search for calm waters, slow-moving rivers, and lakes
• Accessible location to launch your kayak.
• Look for locations that have lifeguards.

Check the table below for more information on the names of these locations:

After kayaking with a dog, what should you do?

The steps bellow are the things that should be done after kayaking with your dog:

1. After kayaking with a dog in saltwater, you should wash away salt or chlorinated water from your dog by bathing them. This act will prevent their skin from any irritation.
2. After bath, dry them in case they don’t get flue.
3. Check their skin closely to see if there is an injury swelling and redness on their skin.