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 have taken the necessary precautions will reduce any nerves, having someone with you for your first few trips to assist and support you would be sensible.
Weather- this should be assessed in detail before setting off for a day in the water.
Take the time to learn how the conditions affect your vessel & if the conditions are suitable for your skill level.
Location- What risks are associated with your planned location?
Fast water, currents, tides, wind direction, jet skis, kite surfers?
If you plan a trip, pack your kit, and head to the water and your dog is not comfortable in the environment, on hot days leaving your dog in your car/ van and having a “ quick paddle ” is not an option.
A lot of the sights and sounds on the water will be new to your dog, take the time to introduce your dog to things that it will experience in these environments.
Paddling with dogs is one of my favourite pastimes.
I would love to help you train your dog to join you on adventures on the water.
Remember how to REACT to reduce the risk to you and your dog around water
