Paddling with your dog
Learning to paddleboard with your dog is easier than it looks! In this article, I'll share my tips for getting started with your dog and enjoying the best adventures together!
Canipaddle is paddleboarding or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with your dog. It's a fantastic activity to share with your canine companion. SUP is an ideal activity for dogs and their owners who love the water.
Paddleboarding with your dog is a little summer pleasure: water, calm, a board, a paddle… and your dog sitting in front of you like the captain of the ship.
Musher and I love paddleboarding with our dogs. We've been paddleboarding regularly together for 10 years now, summer and winter, on lakes and at sea. But before you start, there are a few rules to know: choose a suitable spot, equip your dog with a flotation vest, make sure they're comfortable in the water, and above all, never force them.
In this article, I share my tips for starting paddleboarding with your dog: the equipment to get used to the board, the mistakes to avoid, the safety rules and the best spots to practice.
And I'll start by sharing with you a checklist of equipment valid for all the water sports you'll be doing with your dog!
Table of contents
What is cani-paddle?
It's simply stand-up paddleboarding with your dog . It's a hike on the water, whether on the sea, a river, or a lake, depending on your skill level and that of your dog. Standing on your board, paddle in hand, with your dog sitting or standing on the board, you glide across the water.
It's a calm water activity to share with your dog . If he enjoys the water and knows how to swim, he'll surely love it. I want to emphasize these two points: if your dog hates the water and isn't a strong swimmer, choose another activity. You risk traumatizing him further. And he'll almost certainly have a terrible time, terrified on the board.
I love canipaddle paddling because it's a special moment I share with my dog . Out in nature, in the peace and quiet, we take our time to enjoy life, and that's priceless. It's a zen moment that we both cherish.
The golden rule 🐶
Cani-paddleboarding should remain a fun experience for your dog. If he trembles, refuses to get on, tries to run away, repeatedly jumps into the water, or shows signs of stress, don't insist. Try again later, more gently, or choose another activity.
Introduction to canipaddle
Before going out on a paddleboarding trip, you will need to test your dog's reactions , if it is his first time.
Step 1: Discover paddleboarding on land
First, at the water's edge, show him the board. Let him sniff it. Invite him to get on it. Don't force him. If he doesn't want to and is uncooperative, you'll have to postpone your canipaddle session.
Step 2: Get onto the board… without moving
Step 3: Test at the water's edge
Enter the water where he can stand . Let him walk around the board. Make sure the board is stable before inviting him to get on, so he doesn't capsize, which could frighten him. Glide the board along the water near you. Then, gradually move a little further from the edge and get on yourself. Praise him at each step and repeat each step, taking your time so he understands that he's safe on the board and feels comfortable.
Your dog must master three important commands for its safety: sit, down, and stay. Regardless of the board's movements, jumping fish, river rapids, or waves at sea, it must be able to remain in a "stay" position on the board . Otherwise, you'll spend all your time diving in to retrieve it before it reaches the shore. A dog's natural instinct is to swim toward the bank when it feels threatened.
Step 4: Move slowly close to the edge
And let's go for an immersion in nature over the water!! A nice moment of complicity to share.
Finally, you're off, provided you know how to do it yourself and your dog is comfortable and well-trained. If you fall into the water every 30 seconds, your dog will fall in too. You'll then both have to pull yourselves back onto the board and start again.
If your dog can't sit still when you ask, he'll knock the board off balance, and you'll fall too, and then: splash! In short, if you're both beginners, it can quickly become a disaster! It's all about balance and harmony with your dog. And perseverance!
Step 5: Keep it short and positive
Warning: If your dog shows signs of fatigue or boredom and refuses to get on the board, stop the session. Don't discourage him from paddleboarding. As with any activity, it should remain a game for him.
Always end on a positive note: a break on the riverbank, a quick swim, a floating toy, a treat, some petting… In short, something that makes your dog want to do it again.
One last piece of advice for a good start: plan a session with no waves, no current, and no wind . This will give you the best chance of a successful session.
The right rhythm is your dog's rhythm. Not your Instagram story's. 😉
If your dog is not yet very comfortable in the water, start by reading our guide to teaching your dog to swim.
Step 4: Move slowly close to the edge
And let's go for an immersion in nature over the water!! A nice moment of complicity to share.
Finally, you're off, provided you know how to do it yourself and your dog is comfortable and well-trained. If you fall into the water every 30 seconds, your dog will fall in too. You'll then both have to pull yourselves back onto the board and start again.
If your dog can't sit still when you ask, he'll knock the board off balance, and you'll fall too, and then: splash! In short, if you're both beginners, it can quickly become a disaster! It's all about balance and harmony with your dog. And perseverance!
Step 5: Keep it short and positive
Warning: If your dog shows signs of fatigue or boredom and refuses to get on the board, stop the session. Don't discourage him from paddleboarding. As with any activity, it should remain a game for him.
Always end on a positive note: a break on the riverbank, a quick swim, a floating toy, a treat, some petting… In short, something that makes your dog want to do it again.
One last piece of advice for a good start: plan a session with no waves, no current, and no wind . This will give you the best chance of a successful session.
The right rhythm is your dog's rhythm. Not your Instagram story's. 😉
If your dog is not yet very comfortable in the water, start by reading our guide to teaching your dog to swim.
Cani-paddleboarding: what equipment do you need?
🐕 Your dog's equipment
To go canipaddling with your dog, there's one essential piece of equipment: a dog life jacket . I always equip my dog with a life jacket or flotation vest , even though she's a water lover, capable of swimming long distances, and in excellent health, but it's a safety accessory I recommend you buy.
It is not mandatory for practicing this water sport but highly recommended for paddleboarding with your dog safely.
Why put a life jacket on even a dog that swims well? 🛟
A flotation vest helps your dog stay in a swimming position if it falls in, panics, gets tired, or gets caught in the waves. It also makes it easier to spot your dog in the water and, most importantly, to pull it back onto the paddleboard using the handles on its back.
Never pull your dog up by the collar: you risk strangling or injuring it.
To choose the best life jacket for your dog, I advise you to read or reread our comparison of the 5 best life jackets for dogs.
Here are 3 floating vests for dogs:
- 🌟✨ The NEW Decathlon dog flotation vest 🌟✨ - A new product for 2026 that I had the chance to test in advance. And I was also able to ask the product design team lots of questions to learn everything about it. Behind the scenes of the manufacturing of the Decathlon dog flotation vest.
- Ruffwear K9 Float Coat (the one Musher wears all year round)
- Trixie life jacket (perfect for beginners and doing a few sessions during the holidays)
The essential selection for a successful cani-paddle outing
Decathlon dog flotation vest
The essential equipment for boating outings with your dog.
From 49,99 €
Decathlon dog bathrobe
To dry your dog after swimming and save the car boot.
From 14,99 €
Musher's cani-paddle checklist 🐶🛟
Before putting on your swimsuit and inflating your paddleboard (or putting it in the water), here's my personal checklist of what I take for a successful outing with my dog:
- a life jacket or dog life jacket
- mon safety jacket
- a floating frisbee
- a floating tether
- another solar shower for rinsing the dog and equipment after the session
- a bath poncho to change into
- a duckboard so I don't get my feet dirty when I change
- un dog bathrobe (and an absorbent mat for my trunk)
- mon paddle and its inflator
- another dog first aid kit
- sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Water for you and your dog and a foldable bowl
– “Personally, I buy a lot of my gear at Decathlon, and even more so since they created a range of specific canine accessories for going on adventures with your dog. Find the brand's canine water sports equipment here.”
During your paddleboarding trip, don't forget about your dog's comfort 🐶
We often think of the life jacket, the paddle, the paddle… but a successful cani-paddle outing is also one where your dog has a good time from beginning to end.
Cani-paddleboarding should be a fun, shared experience. If your dog gets tired, agitated, trembling, tries to get off, or seems less comfortable, we'll shorten the outing. The goal isn't to achieve a great athletic performance: it's to have a fantastic time together on the water. 🌊🐶
After the outing: rinse + dry 💦
After a trip to the sea, always rinse your dog with fresh water to remove the salt. The same applies after a trip in sandy or muddy water.
With Musher, I plan to have something to rinse her on site, then a towel or a dog bathrobe to avoid the "wet dog" effect in the trunk.
👙🕶️ Equipment for humans
Your equipment for paddleboarding includes:
- another combi (depending on the season),
- a paddle board. I chose a Aqua Marina inflatable paddle board for its resistance and its grip, perfect for Musher's claws and so that it does not slip off the board. Mine is the Aqua Marina Fusion. I find it great. Easy to store in his backpack, I carry it everywhere easily. I opted for an electric pump to inflate it because inflating it with the manual pump was long and tedious.
- a paddle
- a leash to attach to your ankle
- un safety jacket also
I'll leave you with a little anecdote from my first canipaddle session with Musher. Since we were doing rescue work together, she immediately understood what to do with the board. She pulled herself onto it and lay down in front of it, observing. She also figured out that it was a great way to get closer to the ducks… I didn't anticipate her jumping in early enough. Her momentum threw the board off balance, and I ended up in the water! She turned around and came to rescue me… What a laugh!
Furthermore, I'd like to draw your attention to an important point: leashes and floating tethers. The topic of leashes on a paddleboard with a dog is tricky. Your own leash is essential in the sea or on a calm lake to stay connected to your board. However, attaching your dog haphazardly can be dangerous: the leash can get tangled, caught, or hinder your dog if it falls into the water.
My advice: never attach your dog by its collar. If you need to keep it close, use a suitable life jacket with a back attachment. Extreme caution is advised on rivers: some paddleboard manufacturers even discourage the use of leashes due to the risk of snagging. The same danger applies to your dog!
If you want to buy your own paddleboard to use with your dog, don't just choose the prettiest or cheapest model. With a dog on board, especially a large one, the priority is stability (and the sturdiness of the materials).
Look closely:
- the width of the board;
- the grip on top to prevent your dog from slipping or puncturing the paddle with its claws;
- the available space at the front so that he can sit or lie down;
- The total weight supported: you + your dog + a small waterproof bag.
For beginners, I recommend a stable inflatable paddleboard that's fairly wide and suitable for your combined weight. At Decathlon, the most robust inflatable paddleboard is the model designed for rental shops and clubs!
👋 Musher's great deal
Dog food, supplies, grooming, vacations… the cost of a dog can quickly add up. So, with Musher, we created the Advantage Card : the very first card that brings together useful discounts to save you money all year round, on everyday expenses or vacations. 💸 See the 34 available discounts
Where can I go paddleboarding with my dog?
Not everyone has the space or budget to buy their own paddleboard. So here are some QUALIDOG-certified leisure centers that will gladly rent you a paddleboard suitable for cani-paddleboarding. Find a center anywhere in France to enjoy the water with your dog!
You can find all dog-friendly paddleboard rental companies here 😉
The best spot for cani-paddle isn't necessarily the most spectacular.
It's especially the one where your dog can go up, down, swim, take a break and enjoy themselves without stress.
Before you set off, take a few minutes to observe the area: access to the water, current, waves, traffic, presence of other dogs, boats, fishermen… The calmer the environment, the more comfortable your dog will be.
To choose your spot wisely, keep a few points in mind:
✅ In a lake or pond : this is often ideal for beginners. The water is generally calmer, the banks more accessible, and you can take breaks more easily. To find a spot, check out our selection of 60 lakes and ponds in France where dogs can swim.
✅ At the beach: always check that dogs are allowed on the beach before taking out your paddleboard. Some towns allow them year-round, while others only allow them off-season or at certain times. Before you go, be sure to check our guide to dog-friendly beaches . And after your outing, rinse your dog thoroughly with fresh water to remove the salt, which can irritate their skin, paws, or eyes.
✅ On the river: be careful of the current, branches, rocks, and narrow passages. For your first outing, choose a very calm area, without rapids or obstacles. With a dog on board, a river can quickly become more challenging than it seems.
Safety rules to follow when paddleboarding with your dog
Cani-paddleboarding is an increasingly popular activity, and it's easy to see why: it's fun, refreshing, original, and allows you to share a truly special moment with your dog. But be warned, just because it looks easy on Instagram doesn't mean you should jump in recklessly. On the water, with a dog on board, safety must always come before the souvenir photo. 😉
Before setting off, always check the conditions for practicing the activity:
✅ The wind and the waves
Even on a lake, the wind can quickly make an outing difficult. At sea, avoid days with swell, waves, or rough seas. With a dog on the board, balance is more precarious.
✅ The current
Be very careful when walking in rivers. Even a slight current can make the return trip difficult, especially if your dog moves around, jumps into the water, or gets tired. Avoid areas with rapids, branches, rocks, dams, or narrow passages.
✅ Water quality
Before letting your dog swim, check that the water is safe for swimming. In summer, be especially wary of stagnant water and cyanobacteria, which can be very dangerous for dogs. If the water has a suspicious color, an unusual odor, greenish foam, or surface deposits, do not take any risks.
✅ The weather and the heat
Avoid the hottest hours. On a paddleboard, your dog is exposed to the sun and the water's reflection, and can quickly overheat, even if it's swimming. Always provide fresh water, especially at the beach, to prevent it from drinking salt water.
✅ Smooth progression
For your first outing, choose a lake, a pond, or a very sheltered area, with no current, no waves, no boats, and an accessible bank. The goal isn't to go far, but to create a positive first experience.
✅ Regular breaks
Your dog should remain almost still on the board. Remember to take breaks so he can walk, drink, urinate, swim a little and calm down.
If you're a complete beginner, get some help. A certified paddleboard instructor can help you choose the right spot, the right conditions, and the right equipment. And if your dog is intimidated by the water, the paddleboard, or new environments, you can also seek advice from a friendly dog trainer experienced in recreational activities with dogs.
Cani-paddleboarding is a great activity… as long as you're sensible. Choose a calm spot, mild weather, clean water, a well-equipped dog with a flotation vest that fits properly, and keep in mind the most important thing: this time should be fun for them too. 🌊🐶
Share your canipaddle photos with me on Instagram with #emmenetonchien! I will be delighted to know that you have started with your dog 😉
For those who want to go paddleboarding in winter with their dog , check out my article and the tips that go with it.
READ ALSO : Canoeing with your dog , Canyoning with your dog , Surfing with your dog
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Finally a site that brings together several activities to do with our 4-legged companions…. This is so helpful….
Thank you for everything you do, which is interesting, unique and what all handler/dog duos need. Keep going!!