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Paddling With Your Pooch
Our dogs are a reflection of our lives. As our stalwart companions, they share in our joys and comfort us in our sorrows. How many times have we seen those "sad doggy eyes" when we tell our furry friend that she has to stay home when we go out? Many paddlers don't experience this pain of separation, because they take their dogs along with them. The experience of taking their best friends to the water is well worth the wet dog smell in the car on the way home.
Here are a few things to consider if you want to take Fido paddling:
Is there enough space in the boat? Many people with a big dog will paddle a relatively large boat, a canoe or a tandem kayak. In the canoe, a couple of rubber bath mats will
give the dog a firm surface to grip. In the tandem kayak, Lassie can take
the bow seat and travel in comfort. Smaller dogs have more options. In
recreational kayaks with large cockpits, Spot sits right in front of the
paddler. If the stern hatch has a rubber cover, dogs sometimes sit
on top of it.
Does Rover have a PFD (Personal Flotation Device)? Most dogs can swim,
but the extra protection of a PFD is worthwhile. It also gives some warmth
on cool days or in cold water. Doggie wetsuits are available if Sparky likes
to swim alongside the boat. Keep an eye on him, because dogs get
hypothermia too!
Keep the first few outings short. The experience of being on the water
might be difficult for a high-energy dog. Ten or fifteen minutes might be all
that either of you can tolerate at first. Use a consistent routine for entering and exiting the boat. This may help prevent unexpected departures when you and Penny are on the water. Reward her for good behavior and keep it fun!
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