Introducing dog to boat

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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’ said:

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

Click to expand...

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.

Good looking pupper.

Plantation said:

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.

Click to expand...

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.

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.

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

Always carry water when you go for many obvious reasons.

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.

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.