Paddling with your pup can be a great way for you to bond with your dog! Most (not all) dogs, will love being out on the water with you. Teddy isn’t big on swimming but he does love a good paddle. It is the perfect way for your dog to explore and sniff the world that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to!
Since this is unnatural territory for your dog, where do you start? How do you get your dog on the board or boat?
1. Introduce your dog with the new objects on land (boat/board/paddle, etc.)
Your dog may be much more fearless than Teddy, but if you do have a nervous pup, it is a good idea to slowly introduce your dog to the new foreign creature (aka. boat).
The goal is to make your dog know that the new object, be it a kayak, canoe, or SUP board, is safe and that they are ok to be exploring it while on land. To do this use treats or commands like touch, as you get closer and closer to the boat. Once your dog is ok being next to the boat you can start putting treats on or in the boat or paddle board. Take this slow, if your dog is really nervous, take a few steps back until they are comfortable. Don’t push it because this is where you are building trust.
2. Let your dog explore.
Once they know that the boat won’t bite back, let them sniff around and explore. Praise them for doing this with words, pets, or treats!
3. Invite them in the boat/on the board.
After they are comfortable (this could be in a few minutes or a few days, depending on your dog) then invite them in the boat or board while it is on land. We’re not quite ready for the rocking boat yet. Have them jump in the boat with you and again, praise heavily! Repeat this over and over until it is a fun game!
4. Repeat all steps in the water.
Once your dog seems to like the new boat, you can then repeat steps 1-3 while the boat is in the water. (Please be sure to have a PFD - especially in the cold -with a handle for your dog in case they fall out).
5. Test it out and make it comfortable.
For the first few outings just go for a short paddle (maybe even just a few minutes at a time). Check in with your dog to see how they are doing. Are they fidgeting? Readjusting? Stress panting? If so, try to make the ride more comfortable for them - you can lay down a familiar bed in their seat so they know that it’s extra safe.
6. Make frequent land stops.
For most dogs, paddling will be a very unfamiliar environment. It will be important to make frequent land stops to let your pup get out, stretch their legs, and mark their spot :) My Teddy likes to use these land stops to sniff around and run zoomies.
7. Extend Paddle over time
Your first paddle with your dog should NOT be a long multi-hour trip. This will be too much for your dog on the first go. Instead, start maybe with just a 5 or 10 minute paddle and work up to longer paddles.
Hope this helps - now go have some fun!