Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Sailing

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Introduction

Sailboating enthusiasts are known to have the most exhilarating experience ever on a playground of water. If you are one who loves boating, you know that many emotions are felt at once during your times out in the ocean or lake. You may feel thrilled, joyful, adventurous, and relaxed all at once! Often times, sailors know what they want in life, and it usually revolves around their love for the sport. If you are a sailor, your dog probably is involved just as much as you are! If you don't have a dog yet but are thinking about it, you may consider a dog that is good on the water and easy to train. No worries there because many breeds are excellent sailing companions! In addition to that, when you are not sailing, there are activities you can do with your dog that involve water and play in order to keep you both happy.

Dock Diving

Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Harness
Life Vest (recommended)
Activity description
Dock diving is a sport that is gaining in popularity. Dock diving is accomplished by a dog going up on a dock and jumping off into a body of water. A dock on a lake may be ideal for any dog to partake in this sport. Some areas also have pools for dog water sports. The competition level of jumping off of a dock includes judging for height into the air and how far they go before hitting the water. There are many organizations that can guide you in the right direction if you would like to become more familiar with the sport. In order to find the places that have dock diving, research online for docks in your area. You can also ask your local canine organization, your veterinarian, or any of your friends that take their dogs out on the water. 

Step
1
Find a safe spot
If you like sailing, chances are you know of safe waters for your dog to dock dive. If not, you can ask other dock-diving experts in the area or research online. Finding a safe spot, with waters that are not algae-filled, stagnant, or ladened with parasites is very important.
Step
2
Teach your dog slowly
If your dog has never jumped off of a dock before, you will need to gradually teach your companion how it is done. Perhaps starting off with having your dog get in the water and swim is a good beginning point. From there, have your furry friend enter the water, alone, from the ledge while you are in the water calling and coaxing. If you are at a pool, see if your adventurer will jump off the side!
Step
3
Jumping from the dock
It may take some time for your dog to get used to jumping off of the raised surface of a dock. If this is the case, never force the dog off of a dock, for this can cause any canine to be very scared and nervous. Simply be patient and the time will come. If your dog is comfortable jumping off of a dock, then add a few toys to the activity, such as a frisbee or other toy that floats!
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Paddleboarding

Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Cheap
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Life Vest
Harness
Activity description
Paddleboarding is a fun sport for any water-lover! Many dogs can also get in on the action, too. Once your dog becomes accustomed to the feel of the paddleboard on the water, it is pretty much "smooth sailing" from there. But, before the task of paddleboarding is undertaken, there are certainly some ground rules that must be followed. For starters, it is imperative that your pup is obedience trained. Knowing the commands of "sit" and "stay" is very important. Also, it is crucial that your dog wears a floatation device with a handle on it, in case a jump in the water leads to the need to assist the canine back onto the board. If you are a beginner, or if your dog is a beginner, it is important for you and your companion to feel comfortable on the board. Never take your dog out on the board before you are very, very good at paddleboarding. Once you are comfortable on the water, then you can teach your canine.

Step
1
Purchase a paddleboard
If you are new to the sport, be sure to do your research on the type of paddleboard to get. You want to make sure you get the right size for you and your companion. Most recommend a paddleboard that is nine to ten feet long and about 34 inches wide. That gives you both plenty of room. Also, be sure the paddleboard has anti-slip or gripping on it so the dog doesn't slide. Once you begin looking at paddleboards you will see a lot to choose from. You can also ask the employee or email the company about your dog and the specifications you will need to keep your water companion safe!
Step
2
Train your dog on the board
Once you are a great rider, it is time to show your companion how it is done. Always start on land, and place your dog on the board so the feeling of it under the feet will become familiar. Be sure your dog knows the commands "sit" and "stay". Once familiarity is achieved on land, apply the life vest to your dog and try paddleboarding in shallow water. Keep working on it until you feel comfortable going into the water at a deeper level.
Step
3
Try it out
Once you feel you are both very comfortable with the board in the water, give it a try! Remember the life vest will keep your dog afloat if something happens, so you can ride with confidence knowing you are safe. Take it slow and don't forget to enjoy the feeling of the water beneath your feet and certainly don't forget to relax and look at your beautiful surroundings!
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Sailing

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Expensive
Normal
5 hrs
Items needed
Life vest
Harness
Leash (at times, if needed)
Dog food
Water bowl
Treats
Activity description

If you love to go out on the water on your sailboat, you can take your companion with you for a beautiful, peaceful day. Many avid boaters have dogs that join them on the boat. Dogs provide great company and also have an enjoyable time with their owners. Before you embark on a sailing adventure with your canine, be sure your dog knows the commands of obedience. Commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come" are crucial. Boating safety is a top priority, and your pup must know how to behave and listen to you when on the boat. Also, be sure your furry friend always wears a floatation device! A safe day is a fun day!

Step
1
Pack up
Just as you would pack for a day on the boat, your dog needs to have supplies. Make up a doggy bag with food, a water bowl, treats, and even a dog bed if it is preferred. Some people pack puppy pads for bathroom time, and some have a designated spot on the boat with a green "carpet" area. This method is very successful for boat dogs.
Step
2
Prepare
If you have never sailed with a dog before, get advice from experts who sail with their dogs. If your dog has never been sailing before, it is important to have them walk around the boat and become familiar with it before you set sail. Be sure your boat is ready to sail. Check for all safety guidelines, and be sure to check the weather!
Step
3
Enjoy the day!
Whether you are alone with your companion for a day on the water or have friends and family with you, take time to enjoy the scenery around you. More than likely your dog will be up with you by your side, and if for some reason nervous behavior ensues, perhaps being down in the boat will help.
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More Fun Ideas...

Shallow Water Fetch

If you have a shallow river or wading area near you, you and your dog can still enjoy the water. Take your water-lover out in it and bring that special toy. Have fun playing fetch!

Field Running

If your companion is accustomed to being in the water, a break may be necessary. Your furry friend may enjoy some time in an open field or very large fenced field running free! This is a different way to get much-needed exercise!

Conclusion

A dog is truly a man's best friend, and that means participating with you in the things you enjoy the most. In addition to sailing with your dog, there are many adventures you can do together. Keeping your dog active and content is very important, and, you being the amazing dog owner you are, will do just that!