I have a 105 LB dog who hasn't sailed before. I purchased a life jacket w/handle. Aside from that, if she does go overboard, what should I do?
Dog Overboard Suggestions Needed!
- Thread starter tami heart
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Dogs on Sailboats
We have 3 labs, not all of whom would be on the boat at any one time. However we have had two at a time on the boat and always have them on a harness with a strong leash to keep them close. Years earlier, we used to let our black lab roam the deck since she seemed so sure footed, and we had nylon cord lacings between the life lines and the toe rail, However one spring day, she slipped and went backwards right thru the lifelines and lacings. We were able to retrieve her and get her back aboard by way of carying her up the swim ladder, but we never again sailed without either a harness and/or life jacket and have fortunately never had another incident.
We have 3 labs, not all of whom would be on the boat at any one time. However we have had two at a time on the boat and always have them on a harness with a strong leash to keep them close. Years earlier, we used to let our black lab roam the deck since she seemed so sure footed, and we had nylon cord lacings between the life lines and the toe rail, However one spring day, she slipped and went backwards right thru the lifelines and lacings. We were able to retrieve her and get her back aboard by way of carying her up the swim ladder, but we never again sailed without either a harness and/or life jacket and have fortunately never had another incident.
use a ramp
Use a ramp if need be to get the dog on board and the harness is the best idea... AND make sure you practice DOB... dog overboard... with a lifejacket or hat a few times so that when (believe me, WHEN) your dog goes overboard, you can get her/him back!
Use a ramp if need be to get the dog on board and the harness is the best idea... AND make sure you practice DOB... dog overboard... with a lifejacket or hat a few times so that when (believe me, WHEN) your dog goes overboard, you can get her/him back!
Get a 4wd cat 
Just kidding. Seriously, you should get a harness with a handle you can get a good grip on and put it on the dog. My friend had a dog overboard accident at the dock at LaConner. There are some serious currents there and he was able to reach over the side and get the dog. I saw it and am sure if the dog was not in a harness that he could grab, she would have been gone in another second or two.
Just kidding. Seriously, you should get a harness with a handle you can get a good grip on and put it on the dog. My friend had a dog overboard accident at the dock at LaConner. There are some serious currents there and he was able to reach over the side and get the dog. I saw it and am sure if the dog was not in a harness that he could grab, she would have been gone in another second or two.
Yep, get a life jacket with handle
Our dog was wearing her new one when we set sail last summer for the first time after our rebuild. Over she went. She was also tied to the binnacle. Pulled her right back. Whew!
Our dog was wearing her new one when we set sail last summer for the first time after our rebuild. Over she went. She was also tied to the binnacle. Pulled her right back. Whew!
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