[SKINNYDIPPIN’]

I’d like to start bringing my 2 and a half year old black lab with me every now and then but a little worried about him wanting to constantly jump off into the water and especially overheating from a day in the sun. Any tips to keep the two from happening? Ive got some rod holders in the bow I’ll just stick an umbrella in so the bow is shaded while I wade or fish off the platform so he can hopefully cool off in the shade, and ofcourse bring tons of water for him. He loves the water and it’s almost impossible to keep him out of it so still lost there. Any other tips you guys have would be much appreciated. Or how did you acclimate your dog to your skiff?

 

[MatthewAbbott]

Keep him on a leash until you’re sure he won’t bail on you. You can start out with him in the boat in the driveway and walk away from it before you take him to the water if you want. Having a “place” in The boat is a bonus. Something like a towel for him to key on to and know that THAT is where he needs to be and stay. This step needs to be done at the house.

 

[MRichardson]

1) Throw dog in skiff.
2) Go fishing.

 

[Mike C]

We got Cherry at15 weeks old. At 16 weeks she had her first experience on the boat.
We made it simple for her and just cruised up the Alafia river.
She was leashed and wore her life vest.

After a few trips fishing with her we decided to try and include time for her.
With that said, we stopped at the mouth of the little Manatee river to let her play in the shallow water.

She's just over a year old now and is an old pro. She doesn't go in unless she's told okay.

Her comfort level in the boat and on the water is very high. She's so comfortable, she's found a new thing to do in the water.

Yep, she's doing that.

 

[prinjm6]

In 3 more years your pup will just sleep on the boat, when my dude was a pup it was hard keeping him in the boat. He eventually grew out of that with discipline/training.

 

[Plantation]

I've always been against keeping a dog on the leash while running. I know it's a slim chance but I have a horrible thought of a leash finding the prop if jumping/falling off the bow.
When I was way younger I ditched a lab off the front of a john boat when tapping a mud bar. It was just enough of a jolt to send her flying, and I about flung myself out trying to avoid her. All was ok, but since then I'm against having a dog hood ornament on the bow. Dog needs to know to stay in the cockpit when under way.

 

[Outearly]

One of the issues is keeping them from wanting to go every time you get ready to go ... our b##ches howl and whine every time I hit the switch on the lift.

 

[Matts]

Life jacket is a good idea. My Griff is a swimming machine but I’ve had a close call.

 

[SKINNYDIPPIN’]

Thanks for your experiences. I’ll do the driveway thing to get him used to staying in the boat a bit. What do most of you do at the ramp when launching, parking the trailer, retrieving with your dog? Load up the pup before dropping, keep them with you until you’re actually leaving the ramp, or what? I usually fish solo so it’s just me and my dude. And he has a high vis life vest in the mail.

 

[SKINNYDIPPIN’]

This is the big guy. Almost 100 lbs

 

[MatthewAbbott]

Thanks for your experiences. I’ll do the driveway thing to get him used to staying in the boat a bit. What do most of you do at the ramp when launching, parking the trailer, retrieving with your dog? Load up the pup before dropping, keep them with you until you’re actually leaving the ramp, or what? I usually fish solo so it’s just me and my dude

I would leave him in the truck while launching the boat if your solo. At least until you and him are comfortable enough for him to stay in the boat. Lay thing you want is for him to bail out of the boat while your parking your truck.

With all that has been said; solid basic obedience is a must or it’ll end up being a nightmare.

 

[MatthewAbbott]

Good looking pupper.

 

[MatthewAbbott]

I've always been against keeping a dog on the leash while running. I know it's a slim chance but I have a horrible thought of a leash finding the prop if jumping/falling off the bow.
When I was way younger I ditched a lab off the front of a john boat when tapping a mud bar. It was just enough of a jolt to send her flying, and I about flung myself out trying to avoid her. All was ok, but since then I'm against having a dog hood ornament on the bow. Dog needs to know to stay in the cockpit when under way.

Dogs should never be on the bow while underway. Once off plane and at idle speeds it’s fine. I agree with not having a dog leashed up with the ability to move about freely. But with a new “to a boat” dog I strongly think they do need to be leashed with minimum movement ability. Meaning they should not be able to reach the sides of the boat. I’ve watched quite a few dogs bail out of boats moving... including mine once or twice even though he knew not to.

 

[MatthewAbbott]

My CBR Stoegie. More than a couple years ago but about the same age and size (3ish and 109lbs) as yours @SKINNYDIPPIN’

Big dogs in smaller boats can be fun. Lol

 

[SKINNYDIPPIN’]

Thanks for the responses again. Not being able to reach the sides of a gheenoe is a little tough haha. He’s pretty well trained with the basic commands but we’re working on him not losing his mind around water. He just wants to swim if he sees any water. And definitely won’t keep him in the bow while underway. He will be in the stern next to me.

 

[bw510]

I have a2 year old black lab
He’s a hell of a swimmer but when running or fishing I keep his life jacket on
Not just for safety but every once in a awhile when fishing he will jump out and the handle on the life jacket really helps to get him back in the boat

 

[Pole Position]

Always carry water when you go for many obvious reasons.

 

[Zika]

Be careful with the heat, especially with black fur. Shade helps but my Rottie is homebound now until fall. Plenty of water to drink and a wet towel to the head and back will also help cool them down. The head is critical. Do NOT use ice water as the shock can be too much. Ambient water is best.

Mine loves to run along the beach but doesn't get in the water so no help there. I did buy him a cart harness that he wears in the truck/boat to help pull him aboard if he does go for a dip, like the time he wanted to check out a crab trap float and realized he couldn't walk on water. Went completely under and I grabbed him when he popped back up. He hasn't done that again but I do worry about him slipping when I'm landing fish and he's trying to help.

 

[georgiadrifter]

The harness idea is good...and will help getting him in the boat. With the dark fur....he’s going to want to get in the water. With that said....be conscious of bodies of water that may harbor gators and crocs.

 

[WhiteDog70810]

Provide shade.

Provide water.

Schedule playtime or they’ll create it on their own.

A young dog requires a ton of attention to keep them in their “place” and not under your feet.

Any good retriever hates catch and release, so make sure you have them in a sit before you pitch that fish back.

Nate