Dog on Board

lee oakley · Mar 12, 2016

yea I have a black lab his first trip to the boat was kinda funny he had a blast running around the marina as I don't put him on a leash. But when he started towards the boat itself the dock wiggeld a little bit and he froze! Had a time getting him even close to getting on had to pick him up and put him on then woud'nt get off so I left him there when he heard my truck start he got off on his own and came running! guess it's in their demenor

forbin · Mar 12, 2016

My main piece of advice would be to make sure you train him or her as a puppy to go to the bathroom on the boat, preferably on a turf mat that you can dunk overboard to clean. My dog will not go on board and it's been the single biggest pain in the ass about taking him on anything more than a day trip.

Nothing else has really been an issue. I use the handle on his lifejacket to get him in and out of the dinghy and he has no issue with the companionway. Underway I keep his lifejacket on and clip his harness to a secure line to make sure he can't go overboard accidentally (or intentionally after a stick or something.)

Definitely fun to have him on board though.

walt · Mar 12, 2016

A little smaller dog is way easier on a boat. The guy who is with me pretty much any time Im on the boat weighs about 30 pounds and his doggy life jacket has a handle which comes in very handy. On land several times Ive had a big Owl come in just over his head and decide he was too big to cart off. So my dog size criteria is too big to get carted off by an Owl but small enough to easily lift on a boat. Pooch is great.. he always wants to go and I enjoy him being there.

lee oakley · Mar 12, 2016

I remember a german shepard that we had when I was young she loved the boat never any problems as far as sea worthy! Also no problems going to bathroom on board she would hold everything until landfall!

capta · Mar 12, 2016

I did most of a circumnavigation with a big dog aboard. She came aboard as a puppy and was at sea several days later. She used a square of artificial turf as a toilet area and would actually wait to get back aboard to do her thing. She did not particularly love the sailing and there was certainly no place for her to run around, but she was a good watch dog and was a good boat dog and VERY obedient, which is why she survived.
HOWEVER, there are a lot of countries where a dog is NOT welcome. To the point of having to defend your dog's life against the powers that be. Perhaps it would be the same in some waterside communities where you are cruising?
Lastly, there are only a few things worse than an unmannerly dog on a boat anchored or tied up near you. We actually have had a little yapper (high pitched whiny bark), that barks nearly 24/7, near us in the last two anchorages and it's awful. It barks when the owners are aboard or ashore and they obviously couldn't care less who it bothers.

Stu Jackson · Mar 12, 2016

We both had dogs when we were kids, and really liked them. We chose not to get another one for our families when we were older. We definitely chose not to get one since we sail so often.

It's not fair to the dog.

And before you flame me and give me all those wonderful reasons why dogs are man's best friends, I know the drill. No one, as far as I know, has ever asked the poor dog.

Marc14857 · Mar 12, 2016

We sailed with our 65# Golden Doodle for many years before we went to doggy heaven. Was never a problem. He couldn't swim so he always wore a life jacket. Longest trip was about 8 or 9 hours. He loved the boat. We now have a 2 year old "Spinone Italian" whom we've had ever since he was a pup. Biggest initial problem was that he did not like being on the boat alone when we went into town for dinner etc. Marina neighbors all who are dog lovers started to complain. We used a bark collar after that to train the dog and barking is no longer an issue. The only frustrating issue we have is that when we travel and are on a mooring,we expect to have to bring the dog into shore via dinghy which is not a big problem. Unfortunately the dog is interested in everything there is to sniff at on shore and after a 1/2 hour or so when we return to the boat, (dog not having done his business) you guessed it time for another trip into shore. Sounds like a bit of a joke but it can be frustrating at 11:00 at night when weather is not so great and all we want to do is go to bed. Also an issue with shedding. Can't believe all the places we find dog hair. He is still a great dog and my wife especially enjoys having him onboard wherever we go. We've done about a 5 or 6 hour sail with him but will be going a little further this year. Now that he is a little older, I don't expect it to be a problem.

Sailgunner · Mar 12, 2016

No dog is a good dog on a boat if you are cruising. We have a 20 pound dog and have him trained for the mat for No2 and bow for No1. The problem is if you are cruising you cannot leave the dog on a hot boat. And you have to get back to the boat every 4-5 hours. They really tie you down. Love the dog. He is a great boat dog. But when he passes on he will be the last.

Ilanortho · Mar 12, 2016

capta said:
I did most of a circumnavigation with a big dog aboard. She came aboard as a puppy and was at sea several days later. She used a square of artificial turf as a toilet area and would actually wait to get back aboard to do her thing. She did not particularly love the sailing and there was certainly no place for her to run around, but she was a good watch dog and was a good boat dog and VERY obedient, which is why she survived.
HOWEVER, there are a lot of countries where a dog is NOT welcome. To the point of having to defend your dog's life against the powers that be. Perhaps it would be the same in some waterside communities where you are cruising?
Lastly, there are only a few things worse than an unmannerly dog on a boat anchored or tied up near you. We actually have had a little yapper (high pitched whiny bark), that barks nearly 24/7, near us in the last two anchorages and it's awful. It barks when the owners are aboard or ashore and they obviously couldn't care less who it bothers.

_______________________________________________

Same here, at our marina a few boats down is a yapper who barks half the night especially when the owners are out while we're trying to sleep on a hot night. Really makes you wonder what is wrong with people and their lack of sensitivity to those around them.
I have two dogs at home and love them but in the middle of the night some very evil thoughts cross my mind.

Bob 04 H260 · Mar 12, 2016

We have had dogs on board for a number of years, they loved sailing and being on the boat. They do tie you down alright. Teaching them to go on board would be great. Ours would not and it was a problem if they had to go in late at night in nasty weather, fortunately that wasn't very often. We went into a slip more often because of the dogs.
I would recommend a smaller breed, maybe 20 to 30 lbs. small enough you can stand up in your dinghy and lift the dog up over your head on to a dock or sea wall. Ours weighed 22 lbs each. Dog hair can be a big issue, it will clog a lot of bilge pumps.
Our last little guy Charles passed on last summer. We decided not to get another dog for a few years. Our cruise this winter is a bit easier but we miss them a lot.
Bob
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Stu Jackson · Mar 12, 2016

Bob,

Very nice. Thanks for those pictures.

If somebody had asked YOUR dogs, they'd sure say: "Hey, I'm havin' a ball!"

Bob 04 H260 · Mar 12, 2016

They loved the water, fresh or salt they didn't care !

Here is Charles last winter in the Bahamas at 12 years of age,
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One other consideration for longer cruises is dog food, they don't like diet changes so you need to carry enough for a month or more, for a bigger breed that can add up.
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Bob

Ukeluthier · Mar 13, 2016

If you like labradoodles, consider a miniature labradoodle for one who might be more manageable on a boat. We got one last fall, and she is currently at 30 lbs. and won't get much bigger. Typical great doodle personality and no shedding! Here's Moxie a month ago:

TomY · Mar 13, 2016

We've had 4 dogs on sailboats, so far. The single most important thing we've found is, like kids, the earlier you start your dog sailing, the easier it is for both of you.

Having had a sailing dog that weighed over 50 pounds, and 3 under 20, I much prefer the smaller size for a sailboat. The smaller dogs have been easier to deck train and there's less waste to deal with.

But that's a personal preference. All dogs have their issues(terriers can be a handful). In fact, like kids, it's an effort to take them sailing with you. But we find the rewards (with both) out weigh the extra effort.

Do these dogs look they would rather be home?

Dogs approaching Pulpit Rock[/url] by Tom Young, on Flickr Large 1024 × 683[/IMG]

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uncledom · Mar 14, 2016

With both a friend's dog and my niece's dog, we had to get actual turf. Neither would go on an artificial mat. It's a bit more of a hassle and it only lasts 3 or 4 days plus it has to be in a plastic container but both dogs love the boat. We tried "seeding" the artificial grass and in both cases it was no go.

RoyS · Mar 14, 2016

We have a 65 pound standard poodle. He enjoys sailing with us. We spend weeks coastal cruising with him in Maine. He needs to go ashore before we leave in the morning and then he patiently waits until we anchor in the evening to go ashore again. His life jacket has a substantial handle that we use to assist him getting in or out of the dinghy. He handles marina launches with ease. Most port towns have a few restaurants and bars that tolerate dogs. They are easy to find, just watch for a dog bowl of water near the entrance and ask before entering with the dog. Buckwheat will wait on deck for us to go ashore to eat dinner, if necessary. He was trained as a puppy to never bark. He would never attempt to swim in to find us because he dislikes swimming. A retriever may not behave this way, however. We think the dog is worth the trouble. Poodles do not shed either.

Scott B · Mar 14, 2016

We've had a Goldendoodle for 8 years and she loves the boat. We have a walk-through transom, so no issue getting in and out of the dinghy. You're biggest issue will be lifting the dog off the deck and into the dinghy while standing in the dinghy and trying to keep it alongside the boat. I've seen people do this but couldn't imagine myself doing it with our 85 lbs. dog, even 50 - 60 lbs. may become a chore after a few years. Don't forget they'll live 12- 15 years. You could use a spare halyard to swing it into the boat, but this may also become a chore. Not trying to talk you out of one, they're great dogs, just giving you some ideas what you'll be up against.

First year we had the boat I snickered at everyone heading to shore first thing in the morning for dog duties. We got a dog the next year and now I enjoy the morning walks on shore and she loves the run. We always anchor in locations with shoreline we can walk and explore. She needs lots of exercise, but being a retriever cannot leave a stick alone once thrown into the water, rinse, repeat. Great way to burn off a lot of energy, ( which comes from the poodle part)

We've gone across to Killarney & Tobermory and she's managed to survive the trip, but was in a hurry once we docked. She doesn't mind the sailing for the most part and will curl up on the low side of the boat when we're heeled. She gets annoyed when I tack often as she has to switch sides each tack. ( picture "the look" you get from you're wife when you do something annoying

)

Btw, we're at Killbear Marina.

Regatta Bay, Franklin Island this past Thanksgiving.

GorillaToast · Mar 14, 2016

[QUOTE="Stu Jackson, post: 1277747, member: 74093

It's not fair to the dog.

No one, as far as I know, has ever asked the poor dog.

[/QUOTE]

I have. Every time I ask my Border Collie if she wants to go to the boat, her ears ***** up and her eyes widen. When we get to the marina, she beats me to the docks, finds "her boat", and is first on board.

Scott B · Mar 14, 2016

GorillaToast said:
View attachment 120591 [QUOTE="Stu Jackson, post: 1277747, member: 74093

It's not fair to the dog.
No one, as far as I know, has ever asked the poor dog.

I have. Every time I ask my Border Collie if she wants to go to the boat, her ears ***** up and her eyes widen. When we get to the marina, she beats me to the docks, finds "her boat", and is first on board.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I don't even have to ask. As soon as I start loading the truck, she's the first one to the front door and heads out and stand beside the truck until I open the door.