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

Your first adventure on the water with your dog

Your First few trips together on the water should be short & broken up with lots of breaks on the shore, Take time to make sure this is positive for everyone involved. Planning the location for your first outing and being confident you ...
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

Pack Raft Adventures With Your Dog in Scotland

Pack raft adventures open up Scotland’s wild waterways with your dog. A trainer’s guide to kit, claws, cold water and building up to remote trips.

Read More

Ensure you R.A.F.T when out on the water with your dog 

Recall –I would advise against paddling with your dog with a leash attached, if your dog enters the water this can create a hazard by getting caught on items underwater or other passing vessels.Not only can leashes present a risk of c...
Read More

Paddleboarding With Your Dog in the USA: Remote Training From Scotland

Specialist canine paddlesports training is thin on the ground in the USA. Here is how remote video sessions from Scotland get American dogs water-ready, and why time zones are less of a problem than you would think.

Read More

What Is a SUP Pup? Your Perfect Paddleboard Partner

A SUP pup is more than a dog on a board. Here’s what makes a great paddleboard partner, and how we train calm, confident SUP pups in Scotland.

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

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

Canine Paddlesports in Australia: Remote Training Across Time Zones

Australia has a brilliant paddling culture but few specialist canine paddlesports trainers. Here is how remote video coaching from Scotland works for Australian owners, time zones and all.

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
© 2026 - Canine Paddle Sports