Thinking about heading out on the water with your dog?

Thinking about heading out on the water with your dog?

  • December 8, 2024

If you’re heading out on the water please wear a buoyancy aid.

Not only is this mandatory to comply with Scottish Loch bylaws, it could also save your life.

During the pandemic, the popularity of watersports increased dramatically.

With more and more people enjoying the water and taking up new hobbies.

And what is better than having a new hobby that you can share with your 4 legged friend?

Sitting by the water and watching others glide along with their dog perched on their vessel, surrounded by scenery is inspiring.

However, if you have not trained and prepared well for this the reality is far from peaceful and calm, more traumatic and life-threatening.

I have seen this time and time again, people arriving waterside excited and a little nervous, and the scenario quickly escalates to a very panicked dog and the owner in a very dangerous situation.

To name a few, Dogs biting inflatable vessels, Brachycephalic breeds without a buoyancy aid falling off a paddle board, and dogs stressed from the unstable platform with “ jelly legs ”.

First and foremost, consider both your and your dog’s fitness level and needs before heading onto the water, this should be evaluated each time think about heading onto the water.

Injuries, Overall health, Age, skills, and confidence are something you should assess for both you and your dog as these are variants that change constantly and should be a driving factor when choosing, If, Where & When you plan your day on the water.

If you are keen on sharing adventures on the water with your 4 legged friends please ensure you R.A.F.T .

Recall

.

Appropriate Vessel

.

Flotation Aid

.

Training

Get in touch for one-to-one training to get your dog water-ready. 🏄‍♀️🚣‍♀️

Paddling & Boating group training sessions can also be arranged.

As the availability of this type of specialized training is limited, remote training sessions via video call can also be arranged. 🛶⛵️

More Tips and Training Videos coming soon 🙂

Our Blog

Dog Water Safety: Essential Checks Before Every Trip

Dog water safety comes down to a few checks you do every time. Here’s the routine I run before any paddle, built around R.A.F.T. and REACT.

Read More

Why Dog Training Is the Foundation of Water Adventures

Great days on the water start with good dog training. A Scottish trainer explains why recall, calm and trust come long before the paddleboard.

Read More

Kayaking With Your Dog: Preparing for the First Trip

Getting ready for kayaking with your dog? A Scottish trainer’s guide to choosing a kayak, building confidence and staying safe on the water.

Read More

Camping With Your Dog: Paddling and Nights Under the Stars

Camping with your dog and a paddleboard is Scotland at its best. A trainer’s guide to wild camping, paddling and keeping your pup safe and cosy.

Read More

How to Paddle With Your Dog: A Trainer’s Guide

Learn how to paddle with your dog safely and calmly. A Scottish trainer’s practical guide to kit, recall and short first trips on the water.

Read More

Remote Dog Training for Paddlers in Ireland and Europe

From Irish loughs to Alpine lakes, remote video sessions bring specialist canine paddlesports training to owners across Ireland and Europe, with no time-zone gymnastics required.

Read More

Dog Swimming Safety: Building Water Confidence

Dog swimming should be calm and confidence-building, never forced. A Scottish trainer shares how to introduce your dog to water safely and slowly.

Read More

Doggy Paddle: Can All Dogs Swim?

Doggy paddle isn’t a given. A Scottish trainer explains which breeds really struggle in water and why a canine buoyancy aid matters for every dog.

Read More

Paddleboarding With a Dog on Board: Balance and Trust

Paddleboarding with a dog is all about balance, technique and trust. A Scottish trainer shares how to get you both steady and confident on board.

Read More

Thinking about heading out on the water with your dog?

If you’re heading out on the water please wear a buoyancy aid. Not only is this mandatory to comply with Scottish Loch bylaws, it could also save your life. During the pandemic, the popularity of watersports increased dramatically. Wi...
Read More
© 2026 - Canine Paddle Sports