Kayaking with your doodle

[EJ & Dante]

I love recreational kayaking, and we live at the edge of river (slow moving to flat water).  Dante is 4 months old and being in Upper Michigan, it's not really warm yet, but I took him for a brief trip on a warm day a few weeks ago.  He didn't love it, but didn't hate it.

Issues:  I have a sit in Kayak, and he's over 30 lbs.  He didn't fit well and wasn't comfortable.  Moving water seemed to make him a bit anxious, but by the end, wanted to lean over the edge to drink, making me worry he'd tip the kayak.  

We kept it short, and went to the other side of the lake to hike which he loved.  Didn't have a huge issue getting back into the kayak, but I had to lift him.

I picked up a used sit on top kayak that would have plenty of room for him to lay down (what he wanted to do but couldn't).  I'm going to put a non skid surface on "his" area, so his feet won't slip.  I'm getting him a PFD.    I'm teaching him the command "load", but we aren't there yet.

Anyone kayak or boat with their dog, tips and suggestions to make it successful and enjoyable for both of us?

Edie and Dante

[Stacy]

I have no ideas for you, but I think that's so cool! I really want to either kayak or paddleboard with the girls, but I don't currently do either and I'm afraid to spend a lot of money on something that doesn't end up working out. And I don't want to do it without them. I can't imagine myself going to the park and leaving the dogs at home. I'm also not sure about transporting either one. I've never put anything on the roof of my car. 

I'm really glad that Dante will be wearing a life jacket. I think that's important. And I love your pictures! I hope to hear more about how this goes. Maybe I will be inspired to do the same.

[JACKS MOM LORIE ANN]

I 2nd the,"I have no idea"!

:)

 I do Kayak and have 3... I would love to with my Jack. Good question and cool that you posted!

Dante is Gorgeous!

 

 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Both of my daughters kayak, but neither have done it with a dog. Although one has an origami kayak and not sure that would be possible anyway. I know I have seen photos of someone active here on DK who kayaks with their dog. I can't remember who though. The PFD is a great idea. I am in lower Michigan and the water is still too cold for me. It sounds like fun. Dante is a beauty.

[John Deutinger]

Check out this link - http://kayakcritic.net/kayaking-with-a-dog/

[EJ & Dante]

awesome resource - thank you!

[C&L]

What great photos!  I took my doodle kayaking when I first got him but he is huge and I need a double kayak :)  

[Stella]

My ex and I used to canoe with our two doodles (70lb and 50lb) and we all loved it! Due to an old shoulder injury I can't paddle a canoe on my own very far, especially with two large dooodles in it as well. So, I have been on the quest for a kayak that will work. The two best options I have found so far are:
- Nativecraft Slayer - this is a fishing kayak and is extremely stable, but it weighs 70lb Nd there is no way I could get that on the roof of my car by myself!
- Swift Keewaydin pack boat - this is actually more like a canoe, but the way it sits in the water means it can be paddled with a kayak paddle. Only weighs 30lb, but costs $3500!!!

A lifejacket is essential, especially one with a handle on the back. We got cut off once by a high speed boat and because of the wake if I hadn't grabbed the handle on the lifejacket, my one dog would have been out of the canoe into the water. The more you do it, he will get used to it and settle down. My guys love to go out on the water :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We have had quite a few kayaking members with dogs ranging from about 15 pounds to very large. Because I don't kayak myself, I don't know what kind of kayaks they have or what the set up is,  so I can't help you, but from the photos I've seen, it has worked out well.  Good luck.

[Wendy and Myla]

We do a lot of kayaking with Myla - but we have a tandem kayak - Necky Manitou II - we took out the toddler seat and that is where Myla sits or lays.  She is 63 pounds, so quite large for a kayak.  The three basic commands that we use while kayaking are "Leave it", "Stay" and "Lay Down".  The 'leave it' command is used most often like when we see ducks or loons swimming by.  We use "lay down" when the water turns rough and we want her down while paddling.  What I would suggest is making sure that Dante does not get out of the kayak until you give her a command.  That was really hard with Myla, because as soon as we got close to shore she would want to jump out and explore but we make her wait until I get out and pull up the kayak and make sure its safe for her (as far as rocks or logs).  When we first started years ago we made sure that we were always close to shore but now we are confident in her training and take her everywhere.  Last summer we went kayaking in the ocean and a dozen seals were popping up all around us to check us out. We made Myla "lay down" and "stay" and were really pleased that she did - I was kind of freaked out but it was a really awesome experience.  We have also had a beaver slap his tail very close to us in the kayak.  Dante is young still but I would be persistent in the commands so that when he is older he will be trained to go where you go!  Have fun!!!

[Wendy and Myla]

[EJ & Dante]

Practicing "Load" while on dry land...

[Stacy]

He is just so darn cute! And he looks like he likes it.