Boating with your dog: advice and tips from sailors
Cani-paddle, Cani-canoe, Cani-surfing with his dog… As for activities to do with his dog, he has plenty of other nautical activities to try! If I say to you “hey hey sailor, sailor is sailing on the waves”, will you answer me? "Boat" !? On target ! Boating with your dog is possible and even Wouafement Bien! So as not to mislead you and bring you 100% useful advice, I interviewed Claire, Greg and Ohanko. These Wouafer's were tired of having an ordinary life so they decided to leave everything to go and live on a sailboat! The sea, the sound of the waves, getting away from it all for a weekend on the water: they love their new home. Today, they give us all their little tips for a smooth sailing experience.
Ohanko, a Husky who likes to take to the open sea
Before setting out to sail, a short presentation of the trio is in order. Claire (24) and Greg (36) met Ohanko when he was only a few days old. Little Husky with gray hair and brown eyes: he was to die for. Ohanko had been adopted by another family. Claire and Greg saw him regularly and the older he grew, the more their attraction to him grew. One day, the owners of this little Husky announced to Claire and Greg that he risked ending up in the SPA… The reason: he was not a black Husky with blue eyes! It was out of the question for our couple to let Okanko go. So they decided to adopt him. Today, he is one and a half years old. He is very nice, very playful, but also very clingy and stubborn. As soon as something displeases him, he makes it known. He's a Husky, hard to get more stubborn, aha. Beyond that, it's a cream. He loves learning things, discovering places and lots of cuddles. We can say that our trio maintains a very close bond: they are always together!
There you go, the scene is set. Appear on board, sailor!
Getting your dog on a boat: instructions with Ohanko
Tired of the banal life of “everyman and lady”, Claire and Greg have decided to leave their house to go and settle on a boat with their dog. They live on a sailboat type Dufour 24, 7,50 m. It's not Too Woof? Their little Husky was 4 months old when they moved on board. He immediately liked this new environment. A real fish in the water: a real sailor! Both at quay and at sea, their dog feels very comfortable aboard the boat. Claire even finds him sometimes a little too carefree…. But beware, not all dogs are like this Husky who approaches his career as a four-legged captain like a true professional. Like you, your dog can get seasick. Pay attention to these signals in order to provide your dog with some comfort. Your veterinarian will be your best ally in this regard.
Woof Good Browsing Experiences
Our three adventurers are real little sailors. They make sure they can go out to sea every weekend. Sleep near creeks, in ports, on the open sea… It all depends on the mood of the moment. No constraint. Just enjoy the moment. Happiness ! Besides, Ohanko loves to watch the tracks that the boat leaves behind him: one day he even saw dolphins! If that's not Wow Good!
For now, our trio's fondest sailing memory remains the blue coast, with its turquoise water and creeks. They sail a lot around Cassis, Frioul, Port Miou and the pond of Berre. Next year, our sailors want to set sail for Corsica. An adventure that promises to have some dog. But they don't intend to stop there! A world tour is planned… So, business to follow: W'ouf Course. And count on me to follow her closely as we did for the around the world in a sailboat by Oï et Marie. You can find the episodes of their adventures in the Mag' of EmmèneTonChien.com!
The essential equipment for your dog on board your boat
A sea trip cannot be improvised! You must not leave with your hands in your pockets… If you want to be a real little sailor, you need suitable equipment for your dog and for you.
Master side : Our three sailors advise you to have one, or even several, self-inflating life jackets as well as all the safety equipment (lighting devices, towing, the tide directory) and an anchor and lifeline. Also think about warm clothes (the legendary fleece) and waterproof clothes (marine oilskins): at sea the weather changes quickly!
dog side : A dog life jacket with a handle strong enough to get your dog up and down, if he wants to bathe. Don't forget to equip it, too, with a lifeline, to allow your dog to go to the front and the back of the boat, without splashing! It will hold your dog on board if it ever rocks. Equip your dog with fluorescent gear (necklace, bandana, harness…), because if doggie falls into the water, it will be more easily spotted. Wow Race, one waterproof for dog and a microfiber towel may also be welcome. Especially if doggie is chilly and hates being wet. The spray will quickly curl his hair. Also note that it is important to rinse and dry your dog to avoid skin problems due to salt. If you are going on a road trip on your boat with your dog for several days, remember to bring the tapis or the doggie basket, so that he can feel like a king.
A first aid kit for you and your dog is essential! To make sure you don't forget anything, take a look at the article What should your dog's first aid kit contain? ? The first aid kit for dog is essential to make some first aid gestures in an emergency.
Precautions and advice for furry navigation with your dog
boat side : Before leaving, it is imperative to carry out a complete check-up of the condition of the boat (engine, fuel, instruments, sails, etc.). The cockpit must be clean and tidy: nothing should lie around. And the halyards and sheets must be correctly “coiled”.
Master side : Make sure your life jackets and safety pack are with you.
Musher and Sophie: “Who says travel on the seas and oceans of the world, says border crossing. Make sure you have your dog's papers in order and have the necessary authorizations to dock with him. Depending on the countries and islands you plan to visit, the legislation is different.”
dog side : It is important to know how to listen and observe your dog. If he is not comfortable, do not force him! To find out if doggie is a real sailor in the making, it is a good idea to take progressive boat trips.
Musher and Sophie: “Start by bringing it on board at the dock a few times, then schedule a one-hour outing, then extend the duration of the outings as you go. Don't plan to take him on board for 3 days of sailing the first time: he wouldn't understand why he has no more grass to pee on, why he can't run in the park anymore, why things move all the time... And s he's not comfortable on board, he'll have to endure the whole crossing and it's a safe bet that this very bad experience marks him for life and that he hates sailing. The hull of boats is generally made of a material can accommodate their claws. It can be a bit slippery for him at first. He must find his bearings and his balance on this new material, which may impress him at first. The height of the boat above the water level can also impress him if your dog is a little dizzy for example. The list of the boat can also disconcert him a little: he will not understand why he loses his balance without the possibility of anticipating the phenomenon. In short, let it take its marks and it will become your best companion for adventures on the seas and oceans of the world.”
Last point not very glamorous, but to know aha… How to do for the natural needs of the dog? Ohanko goes to the front of the boat, does her little business and HOPS a bucket of water. When at anchor, they use their small inflatable motor boat to take Ohanko for a ride on the beach.
Musher and Sophie: “If your dog is clean, he will surely find it difficult to understand that he has permission to relieve himself on board… You will have to invite him, reward him when he does so that he understands that it is authorized . A little lesson to validate ;)”
The final word
Musher and I hope this article has inspired you to hit the waves with your dog! Take into account the advice of Claire, Greg and Ohanko: do not embark on the adventure without knowing what navigation is. And above all, remember to share your travel photos with us. #takeondog !!!! We want to see your faces!