I have a new little girl (see photo) I am looking to take on the sailboat with us. I have a safety harness for her (also used to seat belt her into the car) and was wondering what people use to help keep their pets onboard.
How do you keep your pet sailing with you?
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Sling
I've debated hooking up my golden retriever to a harness and clipping her to a tether - I doubt that this will work effectivly. I belive the most effective way to keep a dog on board is to put up safety netting - the same used for when kids are on board. That said, you should also think about recovery means - in the event that your dog decides to jump in you need to be prepared to pull her out - and brute force alone will not work. There's been some writeups recently about having some sort of a sling ready to go that you can hook up to your secondary halyard - make sure you run through the drill a couple of times.
I've debated hooking up my golden retriever to a harness and clipping her to a tether - I doubt that this will work effectivly. I belive the most effective way to keep a dog on board is to put up safety netting - the same used for when kids are on board. That said, you should also think about recovery means - in the event that your dog decides to jump in you need to be prepared to pull her out - and brute force alone will not work. There's been some writeups recently about having some sort of a sling ready to go that you can hook up to your secondary halyard - make sure you run through the drill a couple of times.
Just like one of the kids.
We have had a couple of dogs aboard our boat over the years. The main thing is training. We have been able to train Phoebe to stay on board while we go to the shower in the morning. She is sort of the "neighborhood" dog, so everyone watches out for her. While sailing she is either in the cockpit or down below. Being that she does not drink beer, she can go a long time without having to go pottie.
We have had a couple of dogs aboard our boat over the years. The main thing is training. We have been able to train Phoebe to stay on board while we go to the shower in the morning. She is sort of the "neighborhood" dog, so everyone watches out for her. While sailing she is either in the cockpit or down below. Being that she does not drink beer, she can go a long time without having to go pottie.
Oh Boy
My GF is gonna scream when she sees that picture! Cute dog. We started our then 8-month old puppy's sailing career last spring. Her first time out, she was completely terrified. She found the lowest, most stable part of the boat on every tack, layed down flat, and whined. She was so excited on return she jumped ship in the marina - toward the dock, and missed, of course. Dogs are natural-born swimmers, and ours had a doggie PFD on to boot - get one for yours. With time, she has become very comfortable and looks forward (do dogs do that?) to a day on the water. She remains cautious, though, and is careful and pays close attention when she's near deck's edge. She'd much rather sail with us than be left ashore. All that to say, you will probably find your dog to be much like any other passenger. Just put a PFD on her and she'll figure out the drill. Have fun.
My GF is gonna scream when she sees that picture! Cute dog. We started our then 8-month old puppy's sailing career last spring. Her first time out, she was completely terrified. She found the lowest, most stable part of the boat on every tack, layed down flat, and whined. She was so excited on return she jumped ship in the marina - toward the dock, and missed, of course. Dogs are natural-born swimmers, and ours had a doggie PFD on to boot - get one for yours. With time, she has become very comfortable and looks forward (do dogs do that?) to a day on the water. She remains cautious, though, and is careful and pays close attention when she's near deck's edge. She'd much rather sail with us than be left ashore. All that to say, you will probably find your dog to be much like any other passenger. Just put a PFD on her and she'll figure out the drill. Have fun.
...A must for a pet
FIDO definately needs a life jacket...even a small one. Sooner or later...they always seem to slip, jump, get careless, loose footing, etc. If he takes off swimming the wrong direction, you may have to allow him to become tired in order to easily retrieve. Anyway, loosing FIDO to drowning can ruin an entire sailing season. Our boat avoids that experience...you too, im sure. Happy Safe Sailing to you, yours, and FIDO.
FIDO definately needs a life jacket...even a small one. Sooner or later...they always seem to slip, jump, get careless, loose footing, etc. If he takes off swimming the wrong direction, you may have to allow him to become tired in order to easily retrieve. Anyway, loosing FIDO to drowning can ruin an entire sailing season. Our boat avoids that experience...you too, im sure. Happy Safe Sailing to you, yours, and FIDO.
Two Dogs
I agree with the need for a PFD. My two dogs love to sail and just pulling out the PFDs signals them to run for the boat. They even know when to shift sides after a tack. Remember to bring water for the dog(s) as the PFD will make them hotter than usual.
I agree with the need for a PFD. My two dogs love to sail and just pulling out the PFDs signals them to run for the boat. They even know when to shift sides after a tack. Remember to bring water for the dog(s) as the PFD will make them hotter than usual.
Around the dock is more dangrous
I've found that the only time my dog goes for a swim is when we are docked. We treat him like the kids, if we would not let the kids "go forward" then the dog does not get to either. We use a dog life vest and 30' leash when he is above deck and nothing when below deck.
I've found that the only time my dog goes for a swim is when we are docked. We treat him like the kids, if we would not let the kids "go forward" then the dog does not get to either. We use a dog life vest and 30' leash when he is above deck and nothing when below deck.
Really cute dog. Is that dog sleeping on a pillow?
and also under a blanket? Looks like she is having a really good snooze. Get a PFD with a handle. Being able to get her back into the boat is more important than keeping her on the boat. They will eventually go over into the water. Once in the water, you are not going to be able to get her out without a handle, especially if she is big. Just clip a haylard to her handle, and haul her up. Happy sailing.
and also under a blanket? Looks like she is having a really good snooze. Get a PFD with a handle. Being able to get her back into the boat is more important than keeping her on the boat. They will eventually go over into the water. Once in the water, you are not going to be able to get her out without a handle, especially if she is big. Just clip a haylard to her handle, and haul her up. Happy sailing.
Me Bad
Okay, Dog lovers are going to think that I am a real jerk, but can't you just leave the dog at home? The marina that I am at has a number of people who can't seem to go boating without their dog. Problem is you can't walk down the dock without being barked at or sidestepping dog shit. Dog owners always expect that when fido runs up and sticks his drooling face in your crotch that everyone is going to drop to their knees petting and gushing over what a lovely dog they have. I say no... keep your animal to yourself. How's that for a rant?
Okay, Dog lovers are going to think that I am a real jerk, but can't you just leave the dog at home? The marina that I am at has a number of people who can't seem to go boating without their dog. Problem is you can't walk down the dock without being barked at or sidestepping dog shit. Dog owners always expect that when fido runs up and sticks his drooling face in your crotch that everyone is going to drop to their knees petting and gushing over what a lovely dog they have. I say no... keep your animal to yourself. How's that for a rant?
One More Thing
One more item I'd add to the list is someting your dog can stand or sit on that will allow her to get some grip. When we take a friend's dog sailing on our boat, we generally set out one of our throw rugs for her. Fiberglass cockpit seats can get slippery for dogs, so with the rug not only does she know where her spot is, but she has the ability to stay there and not slide off.
One more item I'd add to the list is someting your dog can stand or sit on that will allow her to get some grip. When we take a friend's dog sailing on our boat, we generally set out one of our throw rugs for her. Fiberglass cockpit seats can get slippery for dogs, so with the rug not only does she know where her spot is, but she has the ability to stay there and not slide off.
My dog liked to stay home.
Years ago, I took my dog, a tough little pitbull mix, sailing one time on my Catalina 22. She couldn't get any footing on the fiberglass floor. All four legs went out every direction. So I put in the V-berth and she glared at me the entire time. After that, we had an understading, when I would go sailing, she would stay home and sleep on the bed.
Years ago, I took my dog, a tough little pitbull mix, sailing one time on my Catalina 22. She couldn't get any footing on the fiberglass floor. All four legs went out every direction. So I put in the V-berth and she glared at me the entire time. After that, we had an understading, when I would go sailing, she would stay home and sleep on the bed.
Liam
What you seam to have missed is that dogs are usually excellent judges of character - mine is beautifully behaved at the marina - except towards people I wouldn't want anywhere near me or my boat to begin with. In that case, look out. If the marina dogs are trying to rip your shorts off, best look in the mirror and think it through.
What you seam to have missed is that dogs are usually excellent judges of character - mine is beautifully behaved at the marina - except towards people I wouldn't want anywhere near me or my boat to begin with. In that case, look out. If the marina dogs are trying to rip your shorts off, best look in the mirror and think it through.
1 for liam then the rest of the response
Liam - as long as you keep your screaming, crying, anoying, noise playing, children at home, then no problem. I cannot think of the number of times that I have had to watch other peoples dock rats because they were too busy getting drunk! I can guarantee that my dog makes less of a mess and noise than your child! Let alone being more obedient. (show me a teenager that could pass the cdx test) "How's that for a rant?" everyone else - She has a harness already, and I am looking for a PFD for her. She is still just a pup, but I agree trying to hoist 70# of panicked puppy would not be an easy thing. My boom has an extra loop on the end and I was figuring to rig up a block with some 3/8's and a snap link. That way it could be used to hoist either a person or a pup using the winch. Anyone have a preference as to the brand on the pet vests? Yes she curled up on the couch her head on a pillow. SWMBO put one of her quilts over her.
Liam - as long as you keep your screaming, crying, anoying, noise playing, children at home, then no problem. I cannot think of the number of times that I have had to watch other peoples dock rats because they were too busy getting drunk! I can guarantee that my dog makes less of a mess and noise than your child! Let alone being more obedient. (show me a teenager that could pass the cdx test) "How's that for a rant?" everyone else - She has a harness already, and I am looking for a PFD for her. She is still just a pup, but I agree trying to hoist 70# of panicked puppy would not be an easy thing. My boom has an extra loop on the end and I was figuring to rig up a block with some 3/8's and a snap link. That way it could be used to hoist either a person or a pup using the winch. Anyone have a preference as to the brand on the pet vests? Yes she curled up on the couch her head on a pillow. SWMBO put one of her quilts over her.
Doghouse
West Marine carries lots - up my way they will even let you bring the dog into the store to try one on. A final thought (unless I have to address another pooch-hater) - like I said earlier, dogs are born swimmers - they will not panic the same way a person might if they go over the side. So as long as you don't panic, the pooch will be A-OK if she gets wet.
West Marine carries lots - up my way they will even let you bring the dog into the store to try one on. A final thought (unless I have to address another pooch-hater) - like I said earlier, dogs are born swimmers - they will not panic the same way a person might if they go over the side. So as long as you don't panic, the pooch will be A-OK if she gets wet.
Get a PFD with a good handle
that you can grab in time to get them back on board. A reflector or waterproof led light would help to find them at night. My friend had a dog which fell in one night at the dock in La Conner. She misjudged the jump because of the darkness. There is a serious current there but he was able to get up on deck, onto the dock, run down to the dog and get her aboard. No PFD with handle, no doggie.
that you can grab in time to get them back on board. A reflector or waterproof led light would help to find them at night. My friend had a dog which fell in one night at the dock in La Conner. She misjudged the jump because of the darkness. There is a serious current there but he was able to get up on deck, onto the dock, run down to the dog and get her aboard. No PFD with handle, no doggie.
I love a well behaved dog
The dog also needs owners that clean up their dog's poop!!! Or at least make the dog poop off away from where people walk. We have a Chocolate Lab that is exceedingly friendly but since he is a big dog he scares some people. He is good about not barking. Some people have dogs that bark constantly. My neighbor for one has a little dog that barks non-stop whenever I am out in my yard. It gets old!!! We make our dog behave and don't let him poop where people are likely to step. Children are the same a well behaved polite friendly child is great to be around. Little noisey brats can get on anyone's nerves. The great thing about a boat is that they can be untied from the dock and moved to a location that is free of unwanted dogs and children...not to mention other unpleasantries.
The dog also needs owners that clean up their dog's poop!!! Or at least make the dog poop off away from where people walk. We have a Chocolate Lab that is exceedingly friendly but since he is a big dog he scares some people. He is good about not barking. Some people have dogs that bark constantly. My neighbor for one has a little dog that barks non-stop whenever I am out in my yard. It gets old!!! We make our dog behave and don't let him poop where people are likely to step. Children are the same a well behaved polite friendly child is great to be around. Little noisey brats can get on anyone's nerves. The great thing about a boat is that they can be untied from the dock and moved to a location that is free of unwanted dogs and children...not to mention other unpleasantries.
Kenny loves sailing
Liam...sounds like you are just not a dog person, which is fine, but to slam all dogs just cause of one or two bad ones is not right. I think you are one of those type of people that hates every dog no matter what. My Boxer Kenny loves the boat. He goes where ever he wants on my O23 when he wants. I think as long your dog is raised around boats and water, they will love it!!
Liam...sounds like you are just not a dog person, which is fine, but to slam all dogs just cause of one or two bad ones is not right. I think you are one of those type of people that hates every dog no matter what. My Boxer Kenny loves the boat. He goes where ever he wants on my O23 when he wants. I think as long your dog is raised around boats and water, they will love it!!
Judge of Character
hey Drew, Gee I never thought of that. So dogs being the best judge of character will only bark at BAD people. That means that the barking is justified. Oh, I get it. That's great. I better get a dog so that I will know who is good and who is bad, since I can't trust my own judgement. Sorry that I couldn't figure this out on my own. But wait... is everyone that walks down my dock a bad person? Must be since the smart dog barks at everyone.
hey Drew, Gee I never thought of that. So dogs being the best judge of character will only bark at BAD people. That means that the barking is justified. Oh, I get it. That's great. I better get a dog so that I will know who is good and who is bad, since I can't trust my own judgement. Sorry that I couldn't figure this out on my own. But wait... is everyone that walks down my dock a bad person? Must be since the smart dog barks at everyone.
I like dogs
Actually I really like dogs. I have one. I just don't like dog owners who allow their dog to stand on deck most of the day barking constantly. Except for when they let them of the boat to go crap on the dock and don't clean it up. That's all.
Actually I really like dogs. I have one. I just don't like dog owners who allow their dog to stand on deck most of the day barking constantly. Except for when they let them of the boat to go crap on the dock and don't clean it up. That's all.
Pet's
Can't get my animals near the boat. Herb, Isn't that a Goffin. I miss ours. Doghouse, I can't tell for sure, but that looks like a nice little Gordon Setter.
Can't get my animals near the boat. Herb, Isn't that a Goffin. I miss ours. Doghouse, I can't tell for sure, but that looks like a nice little Gordon Setter.
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