Only 26% of responding Hunter owners typically sail with pets aboard, according to last week's Quick Quiz. Have you tried and given up, or is the very thought of furry crew too much to handle. If you have brought animals aboard, how do they deal with heel? And of course, the ultimate test of sailing pets: sanitation. Deposit your opinions here.
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Dave Condon
Schatzi
Schatizi who is a fun lovin Cocker has sailed with me since puppy hood. If the boat leaves the dock, guess what, he is in the water swimming towards the boat. His favorite perch if not in the cockpit is at the bow with his ears a floppin in the wind. I will also say he is a lady's man. Some know this darlin little rascal Crazy Dave
Schatizi who is a fun lovin Cocker has sailed with me since puppy hood. If the boat leaves the dock, guess what, he is in the water swimming towards the boat. His favorite perch if not in the cockpit is at the bow with his ears a floppin in the wind. I will also say he is a lady's man. Some know this darlin little rascal Crazy Dave
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Mark
Inu Loves Sailing
Inu, a 12 year old Aussie Shepard has been sailing w/ us for 8 years. She has learned that when we arrive at the marina she must "evacuate" herself. She then hops onboard and immediately positions herself on the cabin top under the shade of the boom. When we finally get underway she moves down into the cockpit, laying on the aft lazeratte. We have laid a carpet on the cockpit sole so when we take heavy winds Inu can drop down there and "hang-on". She will not go into the cabin when underway and rarely when at anchor. At about 6:00 pm we must take Inu ashore. Inu always wears her life jacket which has a handle on top making it easier to assist geting her in and out of the dink. Again, she knows why she is ashore and is done fairly quickly. In the morning the routine is the same. The only problem w/ Inu is she wants to be on any other persons boat but ours when we are rafting with friends. And you would be surprised how adept she is crossing from boat to boat through the lifelines. We wouldn't think of not taking her on the boat with us. She is a true sailing pup!! Mark S/V Tequila
Inu, a 12 year old Aussie Shepard has been sailing w/ us for 8 years. She has learned that when we arrive at the marina she must "evacuate" herself. She then hops onboard and immediately positions herself on the cabin top under the shade of the boom. When we finally get underway she moves down into the cockpit, laying on the aft lazeratte. We have laid a carpet on the cockpit sole so when we take heavy winds Inu can drop down there and "hang-on". She will not go into the cabin when underway and rarely when at anchor. At about 6:00 pm we must take Inu ashore. Inu always wears her life jacket which has a handle on top making it easier to assist geting her in and out of the dink. Again, she knows why she is ashore and is done fairly quickly. In the morning the routine is the same. The only problem w/ Inu is she wants to be on any other persons boat but ours when we are rafting with friends. And you would be surprised how adept she is crossing from boat to boat through the lifelines. We wouldn't think of not taking her on the boat with us. She is a true sailing pup!! Mark S/V Tequila
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Todd Houge
airedale
Lucy, a 75 pound 2 year old Airedale, is always welcome on my boat. I have a 23.5 and she is really too big for the boat, but she loves to go. She uses the grassy area above the dock before and after a sail, and does fine in between. When heeling, she normally lays on the lower cockpit seat with her head resting on back, so she can watch across the water. The only times she does not get to go is in the extreme heat, or when my crew is not dog friendly. She will also lay in the V-berth (if it is cool enough) and look out the hatch from time to time.
Lucy, a 75 pound 2 year old Airedale, is always welcome on my boat. I have a 23.5 and she is really too big for the boat, but she loves to go. She uses the grassy area above the dock before and after a sail, and does fine in between. When heeling, she normally lays on the lower cockpit seat with her head resting on back, so she can watch across the water. The only times she does not get to go is in the extreme heat, or when my crew is not dog friendly. She will also lay in the V-berth (if it is cool enough) and look out the hatch from time to time.
Schnauzers love it too.
We have a 7 year old schnauzer (Rosalee aka Rosa) that sails with us every weekend. She loves the boat (most of the time) but hates the water. The only time she gets nervous aboard is when there is a lot of noise. This is typically when we are motoring in rough water or big wakes from the "stinkpots". When we overnite we take her to shore once at nite and again in the morning. She has better bladder control than anyone else in the family.
We have a 7 year old schnauzer (Rosalee aka Rosa) that sails with us every weekend. She loves the boat (most of the time) but hates the water. The only time she gets nervous aboard is when there is a lot of noise. This is typically when we are motoring in rough water or big wakes from the "stinkpots". When we overnite we take her to shore once at nite and again in the morning. She has better bladder control than anyone else in the family.
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Michael Bell
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Scott Halloin
Dogs Love to Sail
We sail with our two terriers all the time. The key is to ease them into it like you do a child or someone new to sailing. Start on a calm day, using just the main and build from there. Obviously, a doggie PFD is a must.
We sail with our two terriers all the time. The key is to ease them into it like you do a child or someone new to sailing. Start on a calm day, using just the main and build from there. Obviously, a doggie PFD is a must.
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Tom Ressler s/v Blowdacious
Goldie (aka Airhead)
Our Goleden Retriever, Ollie, is somewhat a fixture aboard our 336 and with our marina neighbors. When he is not with us, our neighbors ask about him. He is 10 and has been sailing almost all his life. Our previous boat, a Corsair F24, seemed to be as lot more fun in his eyes. He could lay on the tramps and get totally soaked without moving a muscle. The 336 is more of a challenge but he is quite agile when moving from the cockpit to the foredeck when underway. As far as sanitation, he goes out in the morning, at noon and night. The only complaint is the ramps at the marina making his feet sore after a couple of days. The are traction aluminum and are tough on bare feet. he not to fond of the inflatable but will ride in it if he has to go bad enough. otherwise, he's a pleasure to have on board. He wears a lifejacket anytime we are not at the dock.
Our Goleden Retriever, Ollie, is somewhat a fixture aboard our 336 and with our marina neighbors. When he is not with us, our neighbors ask about him. He is 10 and has been sailing almost all his life. Our previous boat, a Corsair F24, seemed to be as lot more fun in his eyes. He could lay on the tramps and get totally soaked without moving a muscle. The 336 is more of a challenge but he is quite agile when moving from the cockpit to the foredeck when underway. As far as sanitation, he goes out in the morning, at noon and night. The only complaint is the ramps at the marina making his feet sore after a couple of days. The are traction aluminum and are tough on bare feet. he not to fond of the inflatable but will ride in it if he has to go bad enough. otherwise, he's a pleasure to have on board. He wears a lifejacket anytime we are not at the dock.
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Colin McCulloch
Doggy Dramamine?
I am a live aboard along with my Basset Hound -- Sea Dog. She is very adept at geting on and off the boat, and is well liked at the marina. however, we are still working on the sailing problem. I have found out why basset's are rarely mentioned in sea lore. Is there such a thing as doggy dramamine?
I am a live aboard along with my Basset Hound -- Sea Dog. She is very adept at geting on and off the boat, and is well liked at the marina. however, we are still working on the sailing problem. I have found out why basset's are rarely mentioned in sea lore. Is there such a thing as doggy dramamine?
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Bruce Grant
German Shepard
I posted a compilation of shots of my german shepard out on a cool day. She loves it, but also likes to chase ducks, so when coming in and out of the marina, it is a challenge to keep her aboard. She has no problems with sailing and much prefers it to motoring. The only problem is that when I do sail with her aboard, I can't use the genoa as the fore deck is her favorite place to lay. She kinda looks like Cleopatra riding a Nile barge. Bruce. Neon Moon
I posted a compilation of shots of my german shepard out on a cool day. She loves it, but also likes to chase ducks, so when coming in and out of the marina, it is a challenge to keep her aboard. She has no problems with sailing and much prefers it to motoring. The only problem is that when I do sail with her aboard, I can't use the genoa as the fore deck is her favorite place to lay. She kinda looks like Cleopatra riding a Nile barge. Bruce. Neon Moon
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carol donovan
purrfectly suited
Jeff & I have been pleasantly surprised by our 10-year old cat making a very successful transition from land to full time liveaboard last spring. BC seems to think we bought the H410 for her and we are her crew! Prior to moving on board, we got BC a PFD and harness - attempts to get her to wear them were abysmal failures - but we keep her safety gear with our PFDs. She has shown no desire to try to leave the boat or get into the dinghy - but we have seen younger cats jump in the water or dinghy with no reservation. These cats were brought on board as kittens and had their first COB drill when then were very young. After much trial and error, we learned that it was best to get BC into the cockpit with us as soon as we could after getting underway - preferably as soon as we back out of the slip - as this eliminates the motion sickness she experienced when she stayed below. If we're level she's right up on the coaming watching the boats, birds, dolphins and seals, and lies against the leeward lazarette when we're heeling. BC loves watching all the goings on in the harbor and in the anchorages - and appears quite proud of herself defending the boat from seagulls and night herons. She gets a little teed off with us when we thwack her with a jib sheet when tacking, but loves all the portholes and hatches which provide a wide variety of sun drenched napping spots. She's not quite ready to stand her own watch, but she has adapted wonderfully to the boat. /c s/v Twilight
Jeff & I have been pleasantly surprised by our 10-year old cat making a very successful transition from land to full time liveaboard last spring. BC seems to think we bought the H410 for her and we are her crew! Prior to moving on board, we got BC a PFD and harness - attempts to get her to wear them were abysmal failures - but we keep her safety gear with our PFDs. She has shown no desire to try to leave the boat or get into the dinghy - but we have seen younger cats jump in the water or dinghy with no reservation. These cats were brought on board as kittens and had their first COB drill when then were very young. After much trial and error, we learned that it was best to get BC into the cockpit with us as soon as we could after getting underway - preferably as soon as we back out of the slip - as this eliminates the motion sickness she experienced when she stayed below. If we're level she's right up on the coaming watching the boats, birds, dolphins and seals, and lies against the leeward lazarette when we're heeling. BC loves watching all the goings on in the harbor and in the anchorages - and appears quite proud of herself defending the boat from seagulls and night herons. She gets a little teed off with us when we thwack her with a jib sheet when tacking, but loves all the portholes and hatches which provide a wide variety of sun drenched napping spots. She's not quite ready to stand her own watch, but she has adapted wonderfully to the boat. /c s/v Twilight
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Les Blackwell
Cats on board
Over the past thirty years, we have had a number of cats on board. Presently, we have a 12 year old long haired white cat who has been sailing for only three years. Our young (1 1/2 yrs) Abyssianian was introduced when she was a kitten and now hasn't found a dock that she doesn't like. However, she also likes to sail. Both cats wear a double harness (around the neck and around the tummy). Neither cat seems to mind the harness--I think having the right size is important. We also have two folding Cat traveling bags to get them to the boat and back to the car. We carry a Cat emergency kit (our vet helped recommend) for bee stings and the like. And of course we have a kitty box with high sides. Carrying enough kitty litter is important as you leave civilizaion. Cat toys help relieve boredom and those are not left out but are broken out when needed so they don't lose their edge. Some of our cats have gone into the water by accident and one cat has dived in on purpose. I carry a salmon net for such times. Our present Abyssinian I'm sure is going in one of these days--she likes water. Several of our cats get seasick--our approach is to have old towels that they can sit on and get sick and then replace the towels. My wife holds one of the cats sometimes in her arms and it seems to help. The do seem to get their sea legs fairly quickly. The cats are not allowed outside the cockpit while sailing--we put their harness on and pull them back. They both seem to have learned this lesson. We do take the cats on walks when we are anchored or at a marina. An evening stroll is something they enjoy. They like the dinghy (an Avon) and will return to it after a walk. Feeding ducks is a treat--that is about as close to a big bird as they will ever get! Other than the above, the cats like the sun (so do we), and the Abyssinian enjoys my meals as much as I do. It's a good life with cats. Les s/v Trumpeter
Over the past thirty years, we have had a number of cats on board. Presently, we have a 12 year old long haired white cat who has been sailing for only three years. Our young (1 1/2 yrs) Abyssianian was introduced when she was a kitten and now hasn't found a dock that she doesn't like. However, she also likes to sail. Both cats wear a double harness (around the neck and around the tummy). Neither cat seems to mind the harness--I think having the right size is important. We also have two folding Cat traveling bags to get them to the boat and back to the car. We carry a Cat emergency kit (our vet helped recommend) for bee stings and the like. And of course we have a kitty box with high sides. Carrying enough kitty litter is important as you leave civilizaion. Cat toys help relieve boredom and those are not left out but are broken out when needed so they don't lose their edge. Some of our cats have gone into the water by accident and one cat has dived in on purpose. I carry a salmon net for such times. Our present Abyssinian I'm sure is going in one of these days--she likes water. Several of our cats get seasick--our approach is to have old towels that they can sit on and get sick and then replace the towels. My wife holds one of the cats sometimes in her arms and it seems to help. The do seem to get their sea legs fairly quickly. The cats are not allowed outside the cockpit while sailing--we put their harness on and pull them back. They both seem to have learned this lesson. We do take the cats on walks when we are anchored or at a marina. An evening stroll is something they enjoy. They like the dinghy (an Avon) and will return to it after a walk. Feeding ducks is a treat--that is about as close to a big bird as they will ever get! Other than the above, the cats like the sun (so do we), and the Abyssinian enjoys my meals as much as I do. It's a good life with cats. Les s/v Trumpeter
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George Kornreich
Never too old...
Maia, our Catahoula Leopard Hound, started sailing at the ripe old age of 11 (she's now 12 1/2), on our 430. She puts up with it, but is not thrilled to go sailing. She took a while to learn to climb the boarding steps, but absolutely refuses (no discussion) to come down the companionway steps. They must look like the Alps to her (despite the fact that she loves mountains and hiking on the steep. She sleeps in the cockpit, cold or hot, and has only been below twice, when the weather was so bad that we dragged her in through the forward hatch (but made it UP the steps, with help, on the way out). She does have the heeling thing figured out... lays down against the low side in the cockpit and "relocates" when we tack! Anyone ever made a hoist to get a big dog below?
Maia, our Catahoula Leopard Hound, started sailing at the ripe old age of 11 (she's now 12 1/2), on our 430. She puts up with it, but is not thrilled to go sailing. She took a while to learn to climb the boarding steps, but absolutely refuses (no discussion) to come down the companionway steps. They must look like the Alps to her (despite the fact that she loves mountains and hiking on the steep. She sleeps in the cockpit, cold or hot, and has only been below twice, when the weather was so bad that we dragged her in through the forward hatch (but made it UP the steps, with help, on the way out). She does have the heeling thing figured out... lays down against the low side in the cockpit and "relocates" when we tack! Anyone ever made a hoist to get a big dog below?
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Eren
Labrador Retreiver
I have a 3½ year old female black lab and her name is Benin (meaning black pearl in turkish). WE introduced sailing to her by going to the club on the weekend and letting her swim around the boats, Mystere 8meter catamarans to start with. Ones she was familiar with this i would sit on the boat and tell her to jump on the boat. It didn't take long before she was on the boat. Next step was a 30 foot trimaran with safety nets between the hulls. At first you could see in her eyes saying "I WANT TO GET OFF NOW!" but once i started petting her and moving around on the boat, being a devoted dog, she was following me. She had trouble at first walking because she wanted to use her nails to hold on. 30 minutes later, she had it all figured out; no nails, no worries, loads of fun. Two things came in handy, 1) to comfort her and say good dog, so she didn't think she was being punished with this experience and 2) you can never go wrong with some doggy biscuits!!! Also you should have a towel for your dog. When it gets hot and you can really let her swim at that moment just soak the towel in the water and lay it on your dog back. It's quite refreshing says Benin! Eren
I have a 3½ year old female black lab and her name is Benin (meaning black pearl in turkish). WE introduced sailing to her by going to the club on the weekend and letting her swim around the boats, Mystere 8meter catamarans to start with. Ones she was familiar with this i would sit on the boat and tell her to jump on the boat. It didn't take long before she was on the boat. Next step was a 30 foot trimaran with safety nets between the hulls. At first you could see in her eyes saying "I WANT TO GET OFF NOW!" but once i started petting her and moving around on the boat, being a devoted dog, she was following me. She had trouble at first walking because she wanted to use her nails to hold on. 30 minutes later, she had it all figured out; no nails, no worries, loads of fun. Two things came in handy, 1) to comfort her and say good dog, so she didn't think she was being punished with this experience and 2) you can never go wrong with some doggy biscuits!!! Also you should have a towel for your dog. When it gets hot and you can really let her swim at that moment just soak the towel in the water and lay it on your dog back. It's quite refreshing says Benin! Eren
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Gary Adams
Dog-gone right, I sail with my beast
I have two dogs a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. Both dogs are very comfortable with the boating scene. My husky enjoys sailing more than the ski boat. The Shepherd is a little to rowdy for the sail boat, but I take him along. We have sailed our catamaran with the husky for several years now. When he needs a break we head into shore and he runs into the woods, and then comes back out. It took some time for hime to adjust to the boat, but he loves the water. I have been playing with a dog friendly ladder/platform for the back of our 23. I have seen several designs for hunting dogs and i am trying to use that concept. My plan is to design a three step platform to allow the dogs entry to the water. My prototypes still need some work, but, I think it will work. I am looking forward to next spring, so I can take them for a week with me. I sure hope this doesn't backfire on me
I have two dogs a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. Both dogs are very comfortable with the boating scene. My husky enjoys sailing more than the ski boat. The Shepherd is a little to rowdy for the sail boat, but I take him along. We have sailed our catamaran with the husky for several years now. When he needs a break we head into shore and he runs into the woods, and then comes back out. It took some time for hime to adjust to the boat, but he loves the water. I have been playing with a dog friendly ladder/platform for the back of our 23. I have seen several designs for hunting dogs and i am trying to use that concept. My plan is to design a three step platform to allow the dogs entry to the water. My prototypes still need some work, but, I think it will work. I am looking forward to next spring, so I can take them for a week with me. I sure hope this doesn't backfire on me
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Mary Ann Halloin
Doggy Dramamine
After our dog, Coconut, threw up during a recent sail with friends (she had never done it before under sail -- it must have been all the excitement of so many guests), I spoke to our vet about doggy Dramamine. In fact, dogs can take Dramamine, but in smaller portions than what's recommended for adults. Our vet recommended a 1/4 to a 1/2 of an adult tablet for Coconut, a 17-lb. West Highland White Terrier. Check with your vet for specifics before you try it with your own dog!
After our dog, Coconut, threw up during a recent sail with friends (she had never done it before under sail -- it must have been all the excitement of so many guests), I spoke to our vet about doggy Dramamine. In fact, dogs can take Dramamine, but in smaller portions than what's recommended for adults. Our vet recommended a 1/4 to a 1/2 of an adult tablet for Coconut, a 17-lb. West Highland White Terrier. Check with your vet for specifics before you try it with your own dog!
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Wayne Estabrooks
Our Cat is a Landlubber
Our cats' name is "Bosun" But he has never been on the boat. I don't think he would want to. He weighs 18 lbs and he stays home and guards the house. Genuine Watchcat.
Our cats' name is "Bosun" But he has never been on the boat. I don't think he would want to. He weighs 18 lbs and he stays home and guards the house. Genuine Watchcat.
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Michael Cohn
My cat
My cat, Duncan, has his own boat. A very large, extremely comfortable off- shore cruiser complete with dry cat food dispensers, refrigerated wet cat food storage, and hydraulic everything for ease of sailing. I don't even want to talk about the litter box arrangements. The boat is a one off, and I think its about 85 feet or so - he bought it with my credit cards... He occasionally lets me wash it and clean the bilge. I've never sailed on it. He wouldn't lower himself to set foot on my litte piece of junk... MC
My cat, Duncan, has his own boat. A very large, extremely comfortable off- shore cruiser complete with dry cat food dispensers, refrigerated wet cat food storage, and hydraulic everything for ease of sailing. I don't even want to talk about the litter box arrangements. The boat is a one off, and I think its about 85 feet or so - he bought it with my credit cards... He occasionally lets me wash it and clean the bilge. I've never sailed on it. He wouldn't lower himself to set foot on my litte piece of junk... MC
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Steve Wright
How many owners have pets?
Maybe this question would make more sense if you would ask the questions: One, Do you own a pet? Yes No Two, Do you sail with your pet? Yes No
Maybe this question would make more sense if you would ask the questions: One, Do you own a pet? Yes No Two, Do you sail with your pet? Yes No
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Bob SnyderOur Cocker
Sammy loves to sail
Our Cocker spaniel took to our sailboat right off.This was our third season with our sailboat and he has been aboard for just about every sail.While we are sailing he just makes himself at ease on the floor of the cockpit and goes to sleep.If we get into times where the boat is heeling a lot he just braces himself against the the heeling and goes back to sleep.If he don't like it up on deck he just jumps into the cabin and lays down or sits on his dog bed that is in the cabin. We have had no trouble with him doing any business on the boat.We have been on over nights on the boat and he handles it well.If we spend more than one night on the boat we will take him to shore and let him take care of things. He also follows my wife all over the boat even when she goes up to the bow to work on sails etc.We wouldn't have it any other way.
Our Cocker spaniel took to our sailboat right off.This was our third season with our sailboat and he has been aboard for just about every sail.While we are sailing he just makes himself at ease on the floor of the cockpit and goes to sleep.If we get into times where the boat is heeling a lot he just braces himself against the the heeling and goes back to sleep.If he don't like it up on deck he just jumps into the cabin and lays down or sits on his dog bed that is in the cabin. We have had no trouble with him doing any business on the boat.We have been on over nights on the boat and he handles it well.If we spend more than one night on the boat we will take him to shore and let him take care of things. He also follows my wife all over the boat even when she goes up to the bow to work on sails etc.We wouldn't have it any other way.
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