Anyone have advice on boats and pups?

And if you haven't considered this already, be assertive on Frankie's behalf, too. Be very, very clear to the humans around you what his rules are. If you don't want him on other people's boats for his first season or forever, say so. If you don't want anyone to feed him anything ever, say so. It should apply on land and on water, but it's astounding to me how many people will pick up a dog, coax a dog to get in the water or go someplace other than where his people are, or feed anything and everything including alcohol "because it's funny," all without asking the humans (heck, people do the same thing with kids!). Some pet parents are particular because their dogs' systems are sensitive, but it's absolutely your right to say he can't have hamburgers just because you say so, even if you might give him one yourself once in a while.

If you don't care, that's fine, too. But if you do, set the tone early, firmly, and often and don't feel weird or guilty about it. You may find that your closest dog-friendly boating buddies will get to know his rules, support your efforts, and educate others, too, on those occasions when strangers join the party and might think nothing of corrupting a new dog friend!

That's absolutely priceless advice, something I've never thought of, but will now keep that in mind, as we're nearing the start of the season. Thanks so much.
 
We have a Labrador.......what else do I need to say.

First on the boat at the dock, last off. First in the water, has been known to 'accidentally' fall off the dock.

He is often our main reason for going out on the boat.

Only downside....he's Black!....white boat....dog hair!


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Trick to Lab hair is to shear them. Used to pay someone, now I do it myself. About 20 mins 3 times a year or so and hair problems are greatly reduced.
 
That's absolutely priceless advice, something I've never thought of, but will now keep that in mind, as we're nearing the start of the season. Thanks so much.
You're welcome! :thumbsup:

I wish Frankie and your family many years of healthy, happy boating!
 
And if you haven't considered this already, be assertive on Frankie's behalf, too. Be very, very clear to the humans around you what his rules are. If you don't want him on other people's boats for his first season or forever, say so. If you don't want anyone to feed him anything ever, say so. It should apply on land and on water, but it's astounding to me how many people will pick up a dog, coax a dog to get in the water or go someplace other than where his people are, or feed anything and everything including alcohol "because it's funny," all without asking the humans (heck, people do the same thing with kids!). Some pet parents are particular because their dogs' systems are sensitive, but it's absolutely your right to say he can't have hamburgers just because you say so, even if you might give him one yourself once in a while.

If you don't care, that's fine, too. But if you do, set the tone early, firmly, and often and don't feel weird or guilty about it. You may find that your closest dog-friendly boating buddies will get to know his rules, support your efforts, and educate others, too, on those occasions when strangers join the party and might think nothing of corrupting a new dog friend!

Great advise.
I actually got into a fight with a guy that was blowing pot smoke in my dogs face. The guy asked me what my problem was, I tripped off line and beat the **** out of him........
 
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Congrats on the new family member. The best life jacket I have found for dogs large and small is Outward Hound. Check it out. Great quality, comfort, and durability. Have a great summer!
 
"OUTWARD HOUND"! I love it. Our dogs are Rottweiler/Shepherds weighing in at 150lbs and 105lbs. They eat and sleep in their kennels but I can not fit two kennels on the boat. The dogs do go with us from time to time but their assigned 'job' is to watch our house when we are away. Which they do very well thank you:grin: I am totally in agreement with 'trflgrl' on setting rules and boundaries for BOTH the dogs and other people. My dogs do not beg for food or run around uncontrolled. If they are barking, there is a reason. There were a couple of my backpacking buddies who were concerned when I started bringing my dogs along on our annual Blue Canyon backpack, and are not dog fans. I should say WERE not dog fans. My dogs are trained. They have a pretty good vocabulary including "place" and "come" and "down". Now everybody loves that they come along. They can carry down a substantial amount of beer and wine, and everybody sleeps better knowing nothing will be sneaking around the camp at night. My advice for dogs in any venue is to take the time to get them trained, and just do not bring them if you are not willing to spend the time to get them under control. Not everybody enjoys having dogs around and it is not their responsibility to deal with your free roaming, or barky, family member. Respectful dog owners with well behaved dogs are usually welcome around the camp sight or the dock.
 
So, Frankie has been home for almost 4 weeks now. He's 4.5 months, and has gained 2.5. lbs., weighing in at 10.4. He's doing very well with basic commands, and potty training is going quite well. This week, he had his first puppy visit, and got his 4th round of shots. In April, he goes for his Rabies shot, just in time for the boating season.

As as anyone who has raised a puppy knows, it's a lot of work. But, after the visit to the marina today, we just absolutely can't wait to get back on the water, with Frankie aboard. The yard brought our boat inside for some winter maintenance and a PlasDECK installation. We brought Frankie down, to introduce him to the boat.

We brought him aboard the shrink wrapped vessel, and he didn't hesitate one bit. He took it all in, and explored every nook and cranny his little terrier body could get him into. No fear, yet cautious at the same time. So, it looks like he'll have his little doggie sea legs in no time!!!
 
Maybe bring him to the boat and start the motors a few times so he gets used to the sounds before you take him out. Then he'll need to get his sea legs. Our terrier fell over a few times he wasn't expecting the rolling etc. but Frankie looks at home to me :smt038
 
Always bring our Chesapeake bay with us , like having a big 3 year old running around, we always put down towels on the seats and runners down stairs on the 340 . On the 19 just towels down. He will out swim anything or anyone , strange dog he floats and can swim for 2 hours without touching landView attachment 39263
 
Always bring our Chesapeake bay with us , like having a big 3 year old running around, we always put down towels on the seats and runners down stairs on the 340 . On the 19 just towels down. He will out swim anything or anyone , strange dog he floats and can swim for 2 hours without touching landView attachment 39263

GREAT picture, really does say 1000 words. Your guy looks like he was born to be on the water.
 
Maybe bring him to the boat and start the motors a few times so he gets used to the sounds before you take him out. Then he'll need to get his sea legs. Our terrier fell over a few times he wasn't expecting the rolling etc. but Frankie looks at home to me :smt038

Joe, great advice, that way he'll have less to think about when we head out the first time. There is ferry service across the Connecticut River, and I was thinking a trip across in the car, before the boat, might be a good idea.

I will be very alert to his sea legs, but on land he seems pretty versatile, almost too much so for his own good. We'll be vigilant, until he develops respect and knowledge of being on board.⚓
 
Acclimating him to some sounds and motions before launching is perfect. Training him to a sit in certain spot on command may come in handy, too, and you can start that with the boat docked, for sure. I'd have fun and find a creative one, like "On deck, Frankie!" or "Battle station, Frankie!"

It may help if you can acclimate him to swimming in advance, as well. If there's someplace he can wade and paddle, go for it. Put his jacket on him and lift him while he's in motion so he gets the feel of that drill. If there's someplace he can jump off a dock and learn how to paddle to a ladder or platform, even better. The more things he learns in pieces, the better they'll come together and the less you'll worry if anything unexpected happens.

I'm looking forward to his first photo shoot on the water!
 
Acclimating him to some sounds and motions before launching is perfect. Training him to a sit in certain spot on command may come in handy, too, and you can start that with the boat docked, for sure. I'd have fun and find a creative one, like "On deck, Frankie!" or "Battle station, Frankie!"

It may help if you can acclimate him to swimming in advance, as well. If there's someplace he can wade and paddle, go for it. Put his jacket on him and lift him while he's in motion so he gets the feel of that drill. If there's someplace he can jump off a dock and learn how to paddle to a ladder or platform, even better. The more things he learns in pieces, the better they'll come together and the less you'll worry if anything unexpected happens.

I'm looking forward to his first photo shoot on the water!

Thanks!!!

Great idea on designating a certain "go to" spot. And, acclimation to swimming makes a ton of sense. Thanks again, and Frankie is also looking forward to his first photo shoot on the water. He's counting down the days.
 
We boat a lot anchor, buoy and strange marinas. On common tread about dogs. They need to go to shore. If it is sunny that is good. If it is raining and stormy and big waves they still need to go to shore. They go when the sun comes up when it is lunch time when it is dinner time and when the sun goes down.
I would not bring a dog on a boat as it seems as they are just like a child that is starting to toilet train. If you cross boarders with them it becomes complicated.
We have seen a few cats on boats. They seem happy and do not need to go to shore. Once we met a couple who had a cat. They used to let it wander the dock. Always came home. It brought them a pregnant live mouse once that got loose on the boat. Cat was happy owner was not.
We
 
Methinks it's time to hear (see!) how Frankie's doing....
 
Methinks it's time to hear (see!) how Frankie's doing....

Trflgrl, thanks so much for asking. It has been a while!!! I am very pleased to report that Frankie is doing well. Housebreaking is done, and he really is a mostly perfect little boy. He is now just over 6 months old, and is a very happy pup. With the transition to spring he's discovered a whole new world, with grass, birds, ducks, squirrels, and although he hasn't seen them yet, we have had coyote and bear sightings in the neighborhood.

View attachment 40065

We are so glad we brought him into our family, as we absolutely love him, and enjoy every minute we get together. He loves to play soccer with his miniature tennis balls, visits to the dog park, walking (3 mile walks at the reservoir, and speed walking in the neighborhood), car rides (and especially in the convertible), and Doggy Ride rides (a doggy carrier for the bike).

View attachment 40062

He's also been quite busy getting himself prepared for his very first season of boating out on the water, including his very own life vest.
We have taken several more trips to the boat, since we first reported, getting Frankie used to what it's like to be aboard, albeit all on land as we aren't in the water yet.

View attachment 40064

View attachment 40063

He really does seem right at home though, and what I love the most is that he tends to get into a relaxed state of mind while at the marina. Good thing! He has met some of the other marina customer's dogs, as well as the General Manager's dog. Last weekend he spent most of Saturday and Sunday helping me wax the boat, or should I say playing by the boat and generally inspecting my work!

View attachment 40060

View attachment 40061

More to come as we approach our launch date, we just can't wait!!!
 
Awesome pics and story! I wish you all many wonderful years on land and at sea! (And I wish CSR many regular reports of Frankie's adventures!)
 
Frankie is ridiculously adorable and lucky to have such caring parents. Great job on acclamating him to the boat. I am sure he will love it. Have a great doggy boating season!
 

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