Best friends on the water
Dogs are everywhere these days, we see them in stores, restaurants, on planes, trains, automobiles, and in boats. If you are a dog owner and you like to take your best friend boating, here are some tips to make their outing with you enjoyable for them.
Start by getting your best friend their own life-jacket and make them wear it. They might not like it at first so consider making them wear it around the house, so they get used to it.
If you have a pool you may want to also get them used to being in the water with the life-jacket on. This way when they fall or jump in the water it won’t be as big a shock to them.
Make sure the life-jacket is brightly colored so you and other boater in the area can see it in the water. The life-jacket should also have a handle to make it easier to help you them get out from the water. If your dog is a large one, you might also consider investing in a boarding ladder designed for large dogs.
Plan for and practice a “dog overboard” incident. This makes sure that everyone on board knows what you expect them to do when this happens. And just like having people in the water near your boat, turn off the engines once you get near them. Your dog won’t like meeting a rotating propeller.
Here are a couple of other tips for having a dog on board. Set up a place where your pet can find shelter and water. Like you they need to stay hydrated while out on the water. Also be sure to create a shady spot on your boat where they can get comfortable and rest out of the sun.
If you plan on making a lunch stop, check with your destination to see if they allow dogs. Don’t just show up and try to pass your dog off as a “service animal” and expect the restaurant to agree. Too many pet owners have been abusing this and some businesses are tired of being taken advantage of.
Stay safe on the water!
Thomas E. Dawson
Cape Coral, Florida
Tomas E. Dawson has been teaching safe boating at the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron in SW Florida since 2018. Dawson developed and is teaching a local waters seminar that discusses boating in Lee County. The seminar is offered during snow-bird season starting again on October14th. You reserve your seat by signing up for the seminar on line at ccsaps.org. Clicking on the Events/Seminars button to find all upcoming dates and signup. A book based on the seminar, “Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge Recommended” is available on Amazon along with i WSn Thomas E. Dawson has been teaching safe boating at the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron isince 2018. Dawson developed and is teaching a local waters seminar that discusses boating in Lee County. The seminar is offered during snow-bird season starting again on October14th. You reserve your seat by signing up for the seminar on line at ccsaps.org. Clicking on the Events/Seminars button to find all upcoming dates and signup. A book based on the seminar, “Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge Recommended” is available on Amazon along with i WSn Thomas E. Dawson has been teaching safe boating at the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron isince 2018. Dawson developed and is teaching a local waters seminar that discusses boating in Lee County. The seminar is offered during snow-bird season starting again on October14th. You reserve your seat by signing up for the seminar on line at ccsaps.org. Clicking on the Events/Seminars button to find all upcoming dates and signup. A book based on the seminar, “Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge Recommended” is available on Amazon along with “Safe Boating in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral Edition.”
