Pets on Board

[Barrie McDonald]

Ahoy Sailors,My wife and I have just bought a new puppy an American Cocker Spaniel. We want to take him with us aboard our Hunter Legend 37. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. So far we have had him down to the boat 4 times and each time he is getting more use to this new environment, however, we are concerned for his health and safety when we finally do take him on his first trip this spring.Thnaks for your advice in advanceBarrie

 

[Steve Dion]

Many animals adapt better than humans!

Barrie:Many animals adapt to the "sailing" environment better than humans. I suggest that you get him used to the noise of the motor first. Then get out there sailing in moderate air. Then you can work up to some rough water with or without sails. They seem (animals & wives) always seem to have certain conditions that may upset them but they do adapt.All animals are different, so it is somewhat of a crap shoot if they will be frightened or not. There was just a thread about "pets on board" last week.

 

[Bob]

Your carma will make the difference

We have broke in two puppies this year to sailing... one doberman and one lab.... the dogs will adapt quickly as long as you don't send signals that there is a concern.... don't forget that they are dogs - not humans - keep it prospective and they will your new addition will do just fine... for long voyages you will have to train them on where to do their business - and there are lots of folks to give advice... happy sailing

 

[Tim]

Our beagle started boating at 8 weeks

We have a Hunter 40.5 and our now 9 month old beagle thinks the boat is her home. We got her at 8 weeks and she spent her first few nights with us on the boat, so the environment just seemed normal to her. We did crate train her, so "accidents" rarely happened before she was completely house broken.In the 7 months we have had her, the pup has been to Catalina (about 25 miles each way) six times, as well as other assorted destinations. We have a lifejacket that she always wears when under way, and we also tether her to the bridgedeck area of the boat (the area at the entrance to the companionway). Most of the time, she just sleeps when we are under way. (She also thinks the dinghy is hers, and that we are the hired to drive her around the harbor.)IMPORTANT: When we do leave on her on the boat alone, we ALWAYS close all of the seacocks.