For a lot of South Floridians, a day on the water is just part of life. And if your dog goes everywhere else with you, it’s only natural to look at that happy face sitting by the door and think, Why shouldn’t you come too?
For many dogs, boating can be a great adventure.
But not every dog is automatically a boat dog.
Before you grab the leash and head for the marina, think about your particular dog. Are they comfortable around water? How do they react to loud engines, unfamiliar movement and slippery surfaces? Can they settle when asked, or are they likely to spend the entire trip bouncing from one side of the boat to the other?
A little preparation goes a long way toward making boating fun instead of stressful for both of you.
Start with the most important question: Does your dog actually want to be on a boat?
Some dogs take to boating immediately. Others are perfectly happy admiring the Intracoastal from dry land.
If your dog is nervous around water, easily startled by noise, struggles with new environments or has trouble settling down, don’t make their first experience a four-hour boating trip.
Start small.
Take your dog to the dock. Let them hear the sounds, smell the surroundings and watch what’s happening.
If possible, let them explore the boat while it is securely docked or on the trailer. Allow them to get on and off without pressure.
Treats and praise can help your dog build a positive association with the boat.
And if your dog is clearly telling you, No thanks, this is not my thing, listen.
There’s nothing wrong with having a dog who prefers the couch to the captain’s chair.
This was one of our favorite tips from the original Pet Junction article, and it still makes a lot of sense.
Before actually leaving the dock, do a dry run.
Load the boat the way you normally would. Put coolers, fishing gear, bags and other equipment where they usually go.
Then bring your dog aboard.
Where can your dog sit or lie down without being underfoot?
Can they move around safely?
Is there a spot with shade?
Can they get on and off the boat comfortably?
This is much easier to figure out while you’re safely tied to the dock than when you’re already underway.
It also gives your dog a chance to learn that being on the boat doesn’t mean they should pace from bow to stern looking for something exciting to happen.
Even if your dog is a fantastic swimmer, put them in a canine life jacket when boating.
Strong swimmers can still become tired, disoriented or overwhelmed if they unexpectedly fall into the water. Waves, current and the movement of the boat can make getting back aboard much more difficult than swimming in a pool.
Fit matters.
The life jacket should be snug enough that your dog cannot slip out of it but comfortable enough that they can sit, lie down and move normally.
Look for a jacket with a sturdy handle on the back. That handle can be extremely useful if you ever need to help lift your dog from the water back onto the boat.
Try the life jacket on before boating day too.
You don’t want the first time your dog wears it to be while the boat is moving.
Your dog shouldn’t have to figure out where they belong every time the boat changes speed or direction.
Pick a safe place for them to settle while the boat is moving.
A nonslip mat can help if your deck gets slippery. Shade is also important, especially here in South Florida.
Keep your dog away from areas where they could interfere with the operator or suddenly move into someone’s path.
And remember that your dog counts when you’re thinking about space and weight aboard the boat. A 70-pound Labrador is not exactly carry-on luggage.
A leash is useful when boarding, docking and moving through marinas.
But there’s an important distinction between holding a leash and tying your dog to the boat.
Don’t tether your dog directly to the vessel while you’re underway. If the boat were to capsize or another emergency occurred, being physically attached to it could put your dog in greater danger.
Instead, supervise your dog closely and teach them where you want them to stay.
Good basic cues such as sit, stay, leave it and come become especially valuable around boats and water.
This is something you should think about before you ever need it.
What would you do if your dog went overboard?
Don’t assume you can simply grab the collar and pull them back in.
That may be surprisingly difficult, particularly with a large wet dog.
Know where you can safely bring your dog back aboard and practice the process in a controlled environment.
The handle on a properly fitted canine life jacket can help, and some boat owners use dog-friendly ladders or ramps depending on the type of boat they have.
The important thing is having a plan.
You don’t want to invent one while your dog is already in the water.
Don’t expect your dog to drink from the ocean, Intracoastal, lake or canal.
Bring fresh water specifically for your dog and offer it regularly.
This is especially important in South Florida, where heat and sun exposure can add up quickly.
A collapsible or spill-resistant water bowl is easy to keep aboard.
And if your dog has been swimming in salt water, don’t let them repeatedly gulp ocean water while playing.
Fresh water should always be readily available.
The breeze on a moving boat can make it feel more comfortable to us than it actually is for our dogs.
Your dog is still sitting under the Florida sun.
Make sure there is a shaded place where your dog can get out of direct sunlight. Offer water frequently and give them opportunities to rest.
Also check the surfaces they’re walking on.
Decks, docks and other exposed surfaces can become extremely hot in the sun.
If a surface feels uncomfortably hot against your hand, don’t expect your dog’s paws to handle it comfortably.
Signs that your dog may be getting too hot can include excessive panting, heavy drooling, weakness or difficulty settling.
If your dog seems distressed by the heat, get them somewhere cool and take it seriously.
Our South Florida sunshine is one of the reasons we love being on the water, but it also means heat needs to be part of your boating plan.
South Florida heat deserves its own planning too, especially during summer. Our hot-weather dog care guide covers signs of overheating and other warm-weather precautions.
One of the questions dog owners quickly discover after taking their dog boating is:
Where exactly is the dog supposed to go to the bathroom?
For a shorter trip, plan a potty break immediately before boarding and again when you return.
For longer days, know where you can safely dock or go ashore.
If you regularly spend long periods on the water, you may want to train your dog to use a designated onboard potty area such as artificial grass or a potty pad.
Whatever method you choose, don’t wait until your dog is desperate.
Include potty breaks in your boating plans just like you would food, fuel and everything else.
A day on the water often means fishing, which introduces a completely different set of hazards for curious dogs.
Hooks, lures, fishing line and bait can all become a problem very quickly.
Keep tackle securely stored when you’re not using it.
And don’t assume your dog understands that the delicious-smelling object hanging from a hook is off-limits.
A strong leave it command is useful, but good storage is even better.
Sometimes the most awkward part of boating with a dog isn’t being on the water at all.
It’s getting on and off.
Wet docks can be slippery. The gap between the dock and boat can be intimidating. Older dogs and dogs with mobility problems may find jumping difficult.
Don’t drag or force your dog aboard.
A stable ramp or other boarding aid may make sense depending on your dog and your boat.
This is another reason practicing while securely docked is so helpful.
You can figure out the safest routine before there’s a line of people waiting behind you at the marina while your dog decides they have absolutely no intention of taking that final step.
Anyone who spends time outdoors in South Florida knows that beautiful weather in the morning doesn’t guarantee the same conditions later in the day.
Check the forecast before heading out and keep an eye on changing conditions.
Thunder, lightning and rougher water can be frightening for dogs even when they’re normally comfortable aboard.
If your dog already has a fear of thunderstorms, being trapped on a moving boat during one probably isn’t the place you want to test their coping skills.
When conditions look questionable, there will always be another boating day.
You don’t need to bring the entire pet aisle with you, but having a dedicated dog boating bag makes life easier.
We’d include:
It’s also a good idea to have a clear photo of your dog on your phone.
Hopefully you’ll never need it for anything other than showing everyone how adorable your first mate looks.
This is where boating with dogs gets a little different for us.
Between the Intracoastal, ocean access, canals, lakes and countless marinas, South Florida offers plenty of opportunities to spend time on the water with your dog.
But our environment also means paying closer attention to:
Heat and sun. Shade and fresh water aren’t optional extras.
Salt water. Bring your dog’s own drinking water and discourage them from drinking seawater.
Hot docks and decks. Check surfaces before allowing your dog to stand on them for long periods.
Afternoon storms. Keep an eye on weather conditions and know when to head back.
Busy waterways and marinas. Dogs that are easily overwhelmed may do better starting during quieter times.
Fishing equipment. Hooks, bait and line should always stay away from curious mouths and paws.
The goal isn’t to make boating complicated.
It’s to think through the things that are easy to overlook until you’re already out there.
You can buy the best life jacket, pack the perfect dog bag and have every safety precaution covered, but the most important thing is still your dog.
Watch them.
Are they relaxed?
Can they lie down and rest?
Are they comfortable with the movement and noise?
Do they seem to be enjoying themselves?
If the answer is yes, you may have found yourself a boating buddy.
If the answer is no, that’s okay too.
A successful day with your dog doesn’t have to include the boat. Sometimes the best decision you can make for your pet is leaving them somewhere cool and comfortable while you head out on the water.
But for the dogs who love it?
There aren’t many things better than a South Florida day on the boat with your best friend along for the ride.
Yes, many dogs enjoy boating. Introduce your dog to the boat gradually and make sure they’re comfortable with the movement, noise and water before planning a long trip.
A properly fitted canine life jacket is strongly recommended even for dogs that are good swimmers. Unexpected falls, current, waves and fatigue can make swimming more difficult, and a life jacket adds buoyancy and makes recovery easier.
For short trips, take your dog out immediately before boarding and plan another break when you return. Longer outings may require stops ashore or a designated onboard potty area using artificial grass or pads.
A leash can be helpful when boarding, docking and controlling your dog around a marina. While underway, closely supervise your dog and don’t tie or tether them directly to the boat.
Dogs should have their own supply of fresh drinking water. Don’t rely on seawater or other natural bodies of water for hydration.
At minimum, bring a properly fitted dog life jacket, leash, fresh water, bowl, waste bags, identification and basic first-aid supplies. For a longer trip, add food, treats, a resting mat and a plan for bathroom breaks.
Don’t force it. Start with short visits while the boat is docked and use positive experiences to help your dog adjust. If they remain frightened or stressed, boating simply may not be the right activity for that particular dog.
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