Can You Kayak With Your Dog?

Before taking your dog out for water-related activities, it is crucial to ensure they have the necessary skills and training to be safe. This includes assessing their comfort on and around the water, ensuring they can swim, and ensuring they can tolerate a kayaking experience. Kayaking with your dog can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it requires preparation, training, and safety precautions.

To prepare, assess your dog’s temperament, swimming skills, and comfort with water before hitting the waves. There are various types of recreational kayaks designed for casual paddlers, and a breakdown of different types can be found here.

Kayaking with your dog can be a great adventure for both of you, but it requires a bit of pre-planning to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe on the water. Pack essentials to keep you and your dog happy, healthy, and comfortable.

A sit-on kayak allows for more space, and most dogs will lie down when they relax. Proper preparation can lead to a grand adventure for both of you. A tandem kayak is ideal for paddling with your pet, but single-person kayaks with ample surface space are also recommended. Open deckcockpit style boats like the Platte and Platte Plus inflatable kayaks are recommended for their open deck design.

When kayaking with your dog, make sure to choose a clear, calm, and quiet area for the boat and your dog. Always bring a leash, even if you don’t want to use it, as you may not be the only one there.

In summary, kayaking with your dog can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it requires proper preparation, training, and safety precautions. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience for both you and your furry friend.

Can I take my dog on an inflatable kayak?

One really nice thing about inflatable kayaks is that, unlike hard shell enclosed style kayaks (where your pet would not be able to join you) or hard shell sit-on-top kayaks which have no sides, the side chambers of an inflatable kayak make like walls, similar to how a canoe is designed. It’s a perfect setup for both of you.Most inflatable kayaks will be able to hold the weight of you and your dog, but your should check to be sure. Two person inflatable kayaks shouldn’t be an issue, however those that are made for solo use may. The kayak in the photo above is a Sea Eagle 330. If the kayak is too small then you can run into complications such as capsizing the kayak.

Next on the list is to make sure that you and your pet have a Portable Flotation Device, also known as a Life Jacket. Buying the right life jacket for your pet is extremely important, it can be the difference between a fun filled day on the water or not. PFD’s for dogs can be purchased at a variety of pet stores and on Amazon. Also be sure to have a harness for your pet. This will allow you to get your pet back into the water easier if he or she jumps out.

In some cases, depending on the type of kayak you own, you can use a “doggie deck”. Click here to watch a video with directions for building your own “doggie deck”.

Is it safe for Dogs to go Kayaking?

Training and safety can take some effort, but it’s well worth it to kayak with your dog. Find a stable, sit-on-top kayak. Make sure they listen when you tell them to sit, stay, and lie down. Deck them out with a life vest, and hit the water.

Is it safe for dogs to go Kayaking?

Training and safety can take some effort, but it’s well worth it to kayak with your dog. Find a stable, sit-on-top kayak. Make sure they listen when you tell them to sit, stay, and lie down. Deck them out with a life vest, and hit the water.

Is it safe for dogs to go kayaking?

Training and safety can take some effort, but it’s well worth it to kayak with your dog. Find a stable, sit-on-top kayak. Make sure they listen when you tell them to sit, stay, and lie down. Deck them out with a life vest, and hit the water.

Does flying stress dogs?

Is it safe for dogs to fly long distances?. Dogs can fly long distances, but they can find it a little stressful. A 12-hour flight with them in a cargo hold is going to be much more unnerving for them than a 1-hour flight in a pet carrier on the seat next to you. Ensure they are given comfortable surroundings so that sleep is possible and ensure that they have opportunities to eat and drink. Many pet travel specialists will be fully versed in the correct handling of your dog and will be making sure it is treated just like it is their own pet during the journey. At PBS Per Travel, we only work with airlines that are among the most reliable in the world for safe pet travel.

Will my dog’s ears pop on a plane?. They can do! Just like humans, they will encounter a change in air pressure which can lead to painful ear popping which can make the flight a little more stressful. Unfortunately, there is not a great deal you can do but a chew toy can act as a great assistance to pain relief and distraction as can some gentle petting. Luckily, it is thought to be more uncommon in dogs than it is in humans and if the dog is n the cabin with you it may be hard to detect if they are struggling with it. Fortunately, dogs can be great communicators either through barking or body language and if you notice a sudden change in either, they may be looking for some assistance.

Altitude sickness for dogs. As well as ears popping, dogs may also experience altitude sickness, whilst not always likely to happen it can and just like with the painful ears, check for signs from your dog that something isn’t right.

Do they make kayaks for dogs?

Our favorite kayak for dogs is the Perception Hangtime 11 Kayak, which is roomy, with adjustable seating and plenty of storage. Plus, with a 350-pound capacity and a large front deck, it can easily accommodate dogs of just about any size.

What is the risk for kayaking?

Look out for and avoid possible hazards such as overhanging or submerged tree branches, a high volume of water, unpredictable currents or a large swell, low water temperature, other craft, marine life or snakes. Talk to local canoeists or kayakers for information specific to the waterway you plan to paddle.

• Common canoeing and kayaking injury areas include the shoulder and wrist.
• Always wear a helmet and life jacket.
• Take lessons to improve your paddling and safety techniques.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Can a dog fit in a one person kayak?

As previously mentioned, fishing kayaks are wider and offer more stability. This hardshell single-person kayak has space on top for you and your pet to sit comfortably.

• Front and rear handles to transport easily
• Various footrest positions
• Storage with Bungee cord lacing
• Adjustable quick release seat back
• Weight capacity of 275 lbs

Seat could become uncomfortable during prolonged usage;

Where does a dog sit in a kayak?

Have Your Dog Sit Up Front. Where your dog sits in the kayak is ultimately up to your preference. But for safety reasons, it’s a good idea that they sit up front so you can always see them. In a tandem kayak, they can take charge of the front seat, and in a one-person kayak, they might be comfortable between your legs.

Carry a First Aid Kit. Finally, don’t forget to always carry a first aid kit on your kayak adventure. With a first aid kit, you can address any cuts, bleeds, or mishaps for you and your dog as well.

With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to having a safe and unforgettable kayak adventure with your dog.

What dogs are good for kayaking?

On a kayak. Labradors, Retrievers, and Spaniels are definitely the most comfortable on the water but it’s not to say that your smaller breeds can’t enjoy a day spent outside as well. With smaller breeds be sure to be cautious of them entering the water and consider having them wear a PFD (personal floatation device).

With the right watercraft, a little patience, and of course plenty of dog treats; any dog is capable of becoming excellent water travellers. Johnson Outdoors and Old Town Canoes and Kayaks would like to help you break down the basics of canine-friendly watercraft, supplies and any special training your dog may require.

Dog-Friendly Canoes and KayaksThere are many excellent watercraft options well suited to get you and your canine out on water together this summer. If you’re wondering if your current watercraft will work, you’ll want to first review the weight specifications and then assess its overall stability. At Old Town, we have a few staff-favorites that have proven to be excellent options for travelling with dogs.

The Old Town Sportsman 120is a great choice and we highly recommend you consider this as your most dog-friendly kayak. This sit on top watercraft offers comfortable seating for you and your dog with plenty of space and great stability in the water. The Sportsman 120 has a large cockpit and oversized tank that provides a platform that is easy to organize, a sealed bow hatch for additional dry storage, and it has plenty of room to fish with your canine.

How do I keep my dog calm in a kayak?

• Hide little treats inside the kayak and let your dog find them.
• Every time your dog goes over to the kayak, praise them and/or give them a treat.
• Sit in the kayak yourself and pet your dog when they come over to say hi.
• Have your dog sit in the kayak while you pet them and/or give them treats and praise.

Once your dog connects the concept of “kayak” with “fun,” you’re ready to move on.

Training, Step #3: Practice Helpful Commands. The key commands you’ll use are pretty basic, but on and around the water, you want to make sure your dog knows the steps to safely board and disembark.

What to avoid when kayaking?

• On the water. Don’t paddle if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Use extra caution when paddling in cold water. Boating accidents are five times more likely to be fatal if the water is colder than 60 degrees.
• Never strap a person or lifejacket to a canoe or kayak.
• Paddling in a group is safer than paddling alone. If you are in a group, stay within visual or verbal contact if possible.
• In areas of high motorboat traffic, stay near the shore, and approach waves head-on or at a slight angle to avoid capsizing.
• If you do fall out or capsize, keep your feet pointed downstream and keep them off the bottom to avoid getting snagged or stuck. Stay upstream of your boat to avoid getting pinned between it and a rock or log.

• Reading the water. Scan ahead for hazards like overhanging trees, rocks, low bridges or rapids.
• If a section of river appears too challenging for your and your group, don’t be afraid to portage around it. This is a much better option than paddling in rapids, or quick currents that you aren’t used to. “When in doubt, get out and scout!”
• Riffles in the water mean that rocks are dangerously close to the surface. Follow the smooth water shaped like a “V” pointing downstream.

• Paddling safety videos. Life Jackets (0:53 min.)
• What to Wear (0:57 min.)
• Essential Paddling Gear (0:56 min.)
• How to Paddle Your Kayak (0:57 min.)