Training a new puppy for crusing

[Larry Jackel]

Training a new puppy for cruising

We are about to bring home a 3 month old American Eskimo puppy who should grow to his full adult size (~30 lbs) by the start of our yearly summer cruise to New England. Until then, he will do his business in the usual way, when we walk him. But we want to train him in such a way that he will be able to go using a mat or Astroturf when we are offshore or when a dinghy ride is not practical.

Anyone with a K-9 crew who has advice to share?

 

[Rick D]

Our dog is less than a third that size. However. we use large waste pads that we trained him on as a puppy. They work great for us. He doesn't need anything for six hour or so on a trip, but it's great he has an option if he needs it (and has on occasion). But, where he really gets the use out of them, is when we are at a mooring or anchor and he's relaxed. It gives him a chance to go without getting uncomfortable. For strictly outside use, synthetic turf is good stuff. Whatever you choose, do it now as a puppy, because it get harder by the day as they get older. Good luck.

 

[Steve Dion]

Hopefully whoever you are getting the dog from has crate trained the dog. This is a very good start to their potty training. Then when you take them out they usually need to go ('cause they don't want to pee/poop where they sleep).

I would try getting some of the scent stuff and put it outside where you want the dog to go. Then you can put the same stuff on the astro turf and he/she will usually get the message.

Good luck. They can be a lot of fun on the boat.

 

[Rick D]

As A Matter of Fact...

...Steve was crate trained at an early age, and look how well behaved he is...

 

[Bill1565]

We tried astro turf, real turf, absorbent pads, their scent, other dogs scent and anything we could think of with no sucess. Ultimately we used glycerin supositries on our middle aged 50 # Shephard mutt and 60# Golden mutt. Took them up on the foredeck, and waited not very long.
Gave them treats and affection when they couldn't hold it any longer. Only had to do that once. After that they went whenever they needed to. Gonna do it again soon with new mutt.

 

[Sanman]

We tried astro turf, real turf, absorbent pads, their scent, other dogs scent and anything we could think of with no sucess. Ultimately we used glycerin supositries on our middle aged 50 # Shephard mutt and 60# Golden mutt. Took them up on the foredeck, and waited not very long.
Gave them treats and affection when they couldn't hold it any longer. Only had to do that once. After that they went whenever they needed to. Gonna do it again soon with new mutt.

Thats Brilliant!

 

[Bill1565]

Thats Brilliant!

The Admiral thought of it. She sent me into Everglades City to buy the only jar of supositories in town. I would still be dingying dogs ashore if not for that.

 

[mark_swart]

We have pugs and have taken them on a few overnight trips. Usually they just go in the morning, so we feed them then put a pee pad up on the foredeck. They usually hit it, or at least get close : ) !