Tips for Going Boating with Your Dog
Traveling with pets isn’t always simple as it’s difficult to keep them calm and happy when you head out on a trip. Fortunately, boating with your dog can be fun and rewarding, especially if you take a few steps to make things easier on them. Read on to learn how to maintain discipline, keep your dog healthy, and keep the whole family happy on a boating excursion. If you’re in need of a new boat or need parts and services for your current one, stop by The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales). We’re located in Branson, MO, and we proudly serve all those in Springfield and Kansas City.
Comfort Level
As eager as you might be to hit the water with your dog, it’s important to make sure you’re properly prepared. The first and most crucial factor to consider is your dog’s comfort level with the water. For example, some dogs can paddle along in the water and have a lot of fun in the process. However, there are some dogs that become anxious. While many dogs are capable of swimming, this often depends on the depth of the water and the state of their health.
It’s not likely that your furry friend will fall overboard, but you still want to be absolutely sure that they can handle swimming. Will they be able to stay afloat long enough to make their way back to the boat? Or can they at least manage to stay above water long enough for a family member to dive in and bring them back to safety? These are some very critical questions you’ll need to ask yourself before you take your dog boating. As fun as it might be to go boating with your dog, it can be a recipe for disaster if they’re not comfortable with water.
Set Boundaries and Maintain Discipline
One of the first mistakes that people make when boating with dogs is that they don’t maintain boundaries and discipline. Travelling can be very stressful for dogs, but maintaining order and discipline will help them feel more at home. The routines and disciplinary strategies we maintain help tell the dog how to behave and make them feel more secure.
Keep Them Hydrated & Well-Fed
It’s important to keep your dog fed and watered while boating. Maintaining their food and water will help them be biologically stable. Think about how stressed out you get when you go too long without eating. Make sure you bring plenty of food from home on the trip so that you don’t run the risk of having to introduce your dog to some new food while traveling. This can make them sick and it can even affect their behavior.
Boating with your dog can be fun, and having them along on your vacation can be a rewarding experience. If you’re just thinking about getting a new boat, stop by The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) in Branson, Missouri. We proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Springfield and Kansas City.