Taking our dog sailing

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MaryandJohn

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We would love to know any info people have on their experience of cruising with a dog. We want to do some extensive cruising in the next few years and would love to take a dog but are worried about quarentine probs etc would love to know what has happened to others /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif <span style="color:blue"> </span>
 
We tried it - did not work out for us/the dog.

1. Exercise: if you will be out a long time an issue
2. Seasick: some dogs to get seasick - not a pretty sight. And who will clean the mess?
3. Toilet training: not easy. Also having to hold your dog when he/she's doing a number two coz the boat's moving too much...
4. Quarantine: lots of places don't allow you to land a dog - to say nothing of the problems of getting back to the uk.
5. Comfort: nothing stinks as much/bad as wet dog in a cramped space.

I have seen people do it - but I would not recommend it for anything more than a daysail.

Last but not least: you may like sailing. Are sure your dog does?
 
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nothing stinks as much/bad as wet dog in a cramped space

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Not so bad with a labrador and ainside a well ventilated catamaran, could always turn on the eberspacher til the dog is dry!
 
There's been lots of discussion on this over the years - a quick Search of the forums should turn up some points of view.

We had/have the same dilemma, which is why I know there is some discussion. I managed to get the boat, and continue to resist the dog. We are about to move house and have been presented with *now* can we get a dog.

Its difficult enough getting the Reluctant Sailor and two daughters on the boat. What a complete nightmare if we get a dog and the dog barfs all over the boat when we get on it. I am usually an optimist, but what a risk to take!

John
 
Very bad idea I think. A dog has low freeboard, limited capacity and very poor self-righting abilities. If you can't run to a boat, I would recommend you try sailing with a bathtub or garden shed instead of the dog.
 
We are currently living aboard and cruising with a 75lb Giant Schnauzer. We have had the dog for years and I just did not want to put off cruising waiting for the dog to pass on. All in all it is a big bother to cruise with a dog. All the points we stated above but realize you need to walk the dog -- ours will go on deck when she has to but if shore is within sight -- forget it -- she knows that she should be doing her business ashore and will drive us nuts before she goes on the boat under those conditions. That means 2X day minimum going for walks when at anchor. And dealing with the deposits. And the dog food --etc.

I love my dog but am not a fan of cruising full time with her. [not that I have a choice now]
 
Hi, rather than take your own dog sailing why not try someone else's first? It might cost a bit to hire one but hey, better than than taking your own one out and wrecking it.
 
hm, again, i wd be wary of taking out just anyone's dog which may or may not be representative of the dog-on-boat experience. Far too manypeople have a sunny afternoon with a borrowed or rented dog and think that having their own dog on board will be a breeze, and it might be or it might not. If you must rent a dog, i wd i use a reputable dog charterer (eg www.dogsail.com) who are less likely to offer a dog which is an absolute dog.
 
As some have said, the dog may not like it! Our now-departed golden retriever hated it, she was reduced to a quivering wreck and that was before we cast off! She was probably 5 or 6 years old when we first had a yacht, perhaps she'd have been OK if she had been able to try it as a pup. Now she's gone, we decided not to replace her as she was too much of a tie and actually stopped us getting away sailing.
Would suggest that if you are determined to give it a go, a small dog is a better idea than a big one, for all sorts of reasons e.g. getting the thing on and off the boat from a dinghy.
 
Current 4 year old labrador loves boats and boating but hates sails! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Doesn't like anything flappy above him including kites - good dog.

Dries quick and stays under the canopy when he's wet. First time he was on a boat for any length of time he took himself to the bathing platform and performed both bodily functions over the edge while at anchor! We were amazed and glad we weren't in a marina! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Second time he managed to fall off in mid-pooh which was even funnier but he hasn't done it since. He loves RIB's too prefering to stand at the bow with his ears flapping and bracing himself against the tubes over waves.

I wouldn't miss the fun of boating with my dog for anything and am choosing my new boat to suit his needs nearly as much as mine! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
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