Can You Take Your Dog on a Kayak? | Explained Things Today!

Chances are, your dog will love kayaking as much as you do! Many dogs love the water, and it’s a fact that your dog will love spending time with you. However, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you get out there. Kayaks are pretty safe, but they require good canine behavior and a bit of balance to keep upright.

Your Dog’s Feelings about the Water

This may seem like a no-brainer, but your dog’s feelings towards the water are an important factor to carefully consider before you bring him on a kayak. You don’t want him panicking or scared the entire time you’re out cruising when he should be relaxing. Don’t know how your pooch feels about the water? Introduce her to water gradually, by starting with a little walk through shallow water before you bring him out on the boat.

Safety on the Water

Kayaks are generally safe by design, but with a pup as a passenger, there are a few special considerations. Chiefly, make sure you have an appropriately-sized and comfortable flotation device for your dog. You’ll also want to make sure your pooch is on a leash and fully in your control at all times.

Water Conditions

For less experienced kayaking for Dogs, you’ll want to be especially cautious on your first couple of trips out. Make sure you’re kayaking on tranquil water for starters, preferably on the shallow side.

What Features Do You Need in a Kayak for Your Dog?

Good kayaking practice for pooches starts as soon as you select a kayak. No doubt you have your own personal wants and needs, but if your pooch will be a frequent passenger, make sure his needs are equally weighted when you make your decision.

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that you pick a stable kayak. No matter how well-behaved your pooch is, he probably won’t sit perfectly still the entire time he’s on the boat, so make sure your kayak can stand up to his standing and movements.

Make sure you also pick a design that is comfy for your canine a sit-on-top design is a must, and maybe even one with a removable seat for some extra legroom. Don’t forget to look for plenty of storage space for treats and water toys too. Another major consideration is the combined weight of you and your pooch. Larger people and big pooches might run into problems, as some kayaks have a weight limit of as low as 300 pounds.

Verdict

When it comes to kayaks for canines, durability is key. Pick a sturdy option that can stand up to your pooch’s nails, and possibly teeth, too. An inflatable kayak may be a bit risky, but you can make it work if you pick a durable model and your pooch’s nails are kept trimmed. You’ll also want to consider what kind of kayaking journeys you plan on making – long trips in the ocean or rough rapids are probably not ideal for inflatable vessels.