Dog on Board
- Thread starter Cambo
- Start date
I love dogs, but not on my boat. My cockpit cushions are expensive and I don't need claw punctures. I find it hard to enjoy people company with a dog afoot (afloat). No offense, it's just me.
Our girl is almost 12 and our sailing habits are changing. We're not sure how she will adapt. Before, it was a 5-minute drive to the boat and we were rarely on the boat for any more than 4 hours or so. She loved going to the boat, but we could also see a little look of panic if we were out long enough with her that she needed to go. We also left her home about half the time.
Now it will be a 2-hour car trip and much longer stays. Plus her age will be making access on and off the boat a little more difficult. She is not used to long trips in the car or overnight stays on the boat, so this will be an adaptation for all of us.
For most of her life, kids were home from school earlier so days at home alone were not too long. Now, Sue and I are often away at work up to 10 hours a day. We don't like leaving here alone for so long, but she seems content. We won't have a new dog under these circumstances. We're not planning on finding another dog after Shelby while we work these hours, but we will be heartbroken when she's gone.
Now it will be a 2-hour car trip and much longer stays. Plus her age will be making access on and off the boat a little more difficult. She is not used to long trips in the car or overnight stays on the boat, so this will be an adaptation for all of us.
For most of her life, kids were home from school earlier so days at home alone were not too long. Now, Sue and I are often away at work up to 10 hours a day. We don't like leaving here alone for so long, but she seems content. We won't have a new dog under these circumstances. We're not planning on finding another dog after Shelby while we work these hours, but we will be heartbroken when she's gone.
I would say find the puppy you want and start training it! I have had several breed's and not a problem out of any. As long as you train it and get it comfortable from the start you and it will enjoy each other's experiance's on and off your boat!!!
Our Retriever loves sailing. Be sure to have him/her tethered when the waters get rough. The last time we were out we kept hearing announcements on the radio asking people to keep an eye out for a dog lost near the West end of Catalina Island. We can only hope that she made it to the island.
