Boating with your dog: advice and tips from sailors

Cani-paddleboarding , cani-canoeing , cani-surfing with your dog… When it comes to activities to do with your dog, there are plenty of other water sports to try! If I say, “Ahoy there, matey, aboard!” you answer, “Boat!”? You guessed it! Boating with your dog is possible, and even Woof-tastic! To give you the straight facts and 100% useful advice, I interviewed Claire, Greg, and Ohanko. These dog lovers were tired of their ordinary lives, so they decided to leave everything behind and go live on a sailboat! The sea, the sound of the waves, escaping for a weekend on the water: they love their new home. Today, they're sharing all their tips for a fantastic sailing experience.

Before heading out to sea, a brief introduction of the trio is in order. Claire (24) and Greg (36) met Ohanko when he was just a few days old. A little gray Husky with brown eyes: he was absolutely adorable. Ohanko had been adopted by another family. Claire and Greg saw him regularly, and the older he got, the stronger their affection for him became. One day, the owners of this little Husky told Claire and Greg that he was at risk of ending up in a shelter… The reason: he wasn't a black Husky with blue eyes! For this couple, letting Ohanko go was out of the question. So they decided to adopt him. Today, he's a year and a half old. He's very sweet, very playful, but also very clingy and stubborn. As soon as something displeases him, he lets you know. He's a Husky, it's hard to find a more stubborn one, haha. Aside from that, he's a sweetheart. He loves learning new things, discovering new places, and giving lots of cuddles. You could say our trio has a very close bond: they're always together!

There you go, the scene is set. Appear on board, sailor!

Tired of the humdrum life of "Mr. and Mrs. Average," Claire and Greg decided to leave their house and move to a boat with their dog. They live on a 7.5-meter Dufour 24 sailboat . Isn't that awesome? Their little Husky was four months old when they moved aboard. He immediately loved his new surroundings. A real fish in water: a true sailor! Whether in port or at sea, their dog feels very comfortable on board. Claire even finds him a little too carefree sometimes… But be warned, not all dogs are like this Husky who approaches his four-legged captain's career like a true professional. Like you, your dog can get seasick. You need to pay attention to the signs so you can comfort your dog. Your veterinarian will be your best ally in this regard.

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 most cherished sailing memory remains the Côte Bleue , with its turquoise waters and stunning coves. They sail extensively around Cassis , Frioul , Port Miou , and the Étang de Berre . Next year, our sailors plan to set sail for Corsica. An adventure that promises to be quite something. But they don't intend to stop there! A round-the-world trip is in the works… So, stay tuned: W'ouf Course. And you can count on me to follow it closely, just as we did for Oï and Marie's round-the-world sailing trip . You can find episodes of their adventures in the EmmèneTonChien.com magazine!

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.

From the captain's perspective : Our three sailors advise you to have one, or even several, self-inflating life jackets, as well as all the necessary safety equipment (lights, towing devices, tide tables) and an anchor and lifeline. Also, remember warm clothing (the legendary fleece) and waterproof gear (oilskins): at sea, the weather changes quickly!

For your dog : A dog life jacket with a sturdy handle is essential for getting your dog in and out of the boat if they want to go swimming. Don't forget to equip them with a lifeline as well, so your dog can move freely between the bow and stern without falling in! It will keep your dog on board if the boat starts to rock. Equip your dog with high-visibility gear ( collar , bandana , harness, etc.) so they'll be easier to spot if they fall in. A dog raincoat and a microfiber towel are also very useful, especially if your dog is sensitive to the cold and hates getting wet. The sea spray will quickly make their fur ruffled. Remember to rinse and dry your dog to prevent skin problems caused by the salt. If you're going on a road trip with your dog on your boat for several days, consider bringing a dog bed or basket so they can feel like royalty.

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 ?" A dog first aid kit is indispensable for providing basic first aid in an emergency.

💬 I'll take 10 seconds off for some very useful information, I promise! 
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Regarding the boat : Before setting off, it is essential to carry out a complete check-up of the boat's condition (engine, fuel, instruments, sails, etc.). The cockpit must be clean and tidy: nothing should be left lying around. And the halyards and sheets must be properly coiled.

From the captain's perspective : Make sure your life jackets and safety pack are with you.

Musher and Sophie: “Traveling the world’s seas and oceans means crossing borders. Make sure your dog’s paperwork is in order and you have the necessary permits to dock with him. Depending on the countries and islands you plan to visit, the legislation varies.”

Regarding dogs : It's important to listen to and observe your dog. If he's not comfortable, don't force him! To see if your pooch is a true sailor in the making, it's wise to gradually introduce him to boating.

Musher and Sophie: “Start by letting him on board at the dock several times, then schedule an hour-long outing, and gradually increase the duration of the outings. Don't expect to take him on a three-day sailing trip right away: he wouldn't understand why there's no more grass to pee on, why he can't run in the park anymore, why it's constantly moving… And if he's not comfortable on board, he'll suffer through the entire crossing, and it's highly likely that this very bad experience will leave a lasting mark on him and that he'll hate sailing. The hull of boats is generally made of a material that isn't very suitable for their claws. It can be a bit slippery for him at first. He has to find his bearings and his balance on this new material, which can be intimidating at first. The height of the boat above the waterline can also be intimidating if your dog is a little afraid of heights, for example. The boat's list can also be a bit disconcerting for him.” He won't understand why he's losing his balance without any way to anticipate the phenomenon. In short, let him get used to it and he'll become your best companion for adventures on the world's seas and oceans.”

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 house-trained, he will probably have trouble understanding that he is allowed to relieve himself on board… You will have to invite him, reward him when he goes so that he understands that it is allowed. A little lesson to master ;)”

Musher and I hope this article has inspired you to hit the waves with your dog! Take Claire, Greg, and Ohanko's advice to heart: don't embark on this adventure without a solid understanding of sailing. And most importantly, be sure to share your travel photos with us using #emmenetonchien (bringyourdog )! We want to see your adorable faces!

👉 To try other water activities with your dog, I recommend our complete guide to canine water sports!