Dogs onboard

[WJ]

I live on the Great Lakes and would like to know what people do with their dogs onboard. Do you stop intermittantly to let them go potty or do you make them hold it for extended periords ? My dog is a 110 lb Golden Retriever so when he goes he really goes! Any suggestions ?

 

[Jim]

Golden Retriever

Hi:I also have a Golden Retriever which sails with me. He has a large bladder so he can go several hours before I have to put ashore so he can relieve himself. Fortunately, I can pull up my centerboard and rudder and get close to shore for him. Hope this is helpful.Duane Lamiman

 

[Dave]

Dogs

Hi Jim;We sail with Gus, a 45lb Brit. He is good for 6hrs, but we seldom daysail for much longer than that. For overnights, we put him in the local kennel, and we are both happier!Fair winds, Dave

 

[Tom Lueck]

"Myles"

Myles, our golden, sails with us all the time in the San Francisco bay. Usially he holds it after plenty of time ashore before the day starts. If we get near a dock during the day he gets to go ashore. Also ..we bought him a pair boots that dog sled dogs wear... they give him extra grip on deck.

 

[Greg Ketley]

Dog days

We almost always take our 55 pound mutt with us on weekend and 1 or 2 week cruises. She loves the boat and needs to go ashore only twice a day. If it is raining in the am she has been known to go a lot longer!! We take her in the dingy and let her run around for a good amount of time and have never had a problem. If she has been in the water we take a short dingy ride to let her drip dry and then we give her a quick rinse with fresh water back on board. We keep a sun shower on deck just for this purpose. We also taught her to stay in the cockpit whenever the boat is moving.I feel this is safer and easier than using netting all over the place.

 

[Rob Rich]

Boom as a Crane

We take our 75lb Lab with us occasionally on overnights. She only needs to go twice per day - once in the morning, once in the evening. This coincides with anchor up and anchor-down times. We use a block and tackle attached to the boom to lower her over the side of the boat, and swim with her to shore. She loves the exercise!If you need it - I'll send you a picture of her going over. It shows the mechanism nicely.