Owning a dog is one of the best choices a person could make. Not only you’ll have one of the most faithful beings in your life, but you’ll also have great company for every adventure and activity you could imagine, including dog paddleboarding.
Yet, to be able to fully enjoy it, there are some basic steps you should go through so you and your puppy stay safe and have fun. This article will show you all you need to know about sup with the dog.
How To Get Your Puppy Ready For Dog Paddle Boarding
To make things easier for you and your barking friend, there is a simple-to-to 5 step guide you could follow. It may take some time and you’ll have to be determined, constant, and patient, but the final reward will be a puppy that will be more than happy to hop on board with you.
1. Let Your Pup Get Familiar To Your Board
With puppies, it’s all about trust. When they become familiar with something or someone, they become more comfortable with it and aren’t scared of it. You’ll achieve this by placing your surfboard in the room where your dog feels the most comfortable. The puppy will most likely sniff all over it, even may try to walk on it. Leave it in that room for about a week, until your pup is comfortable enough to start to hang around your board regularly.
Using dog treats will most definitely help. Don’t do it instantly, wait for about a day or two and then place a dog biscuit so your pup has to climb on your board to get it. When he does, give him another one. Repeat this activity a few times a day if you see your puppy is comfortable. If not, give him some additional time. And if your dog decides to pee on it, don’t yell! Stay calm, wipe it off, and move on.
2. Getting On And Off The Board
It is recommended to have a special command for getting on and off your board. Have your dog get on the board, and stay there until you give him the command to get off. If he gets off sooner, skip the treat. However, if he follows your command, give him a treat and pet him so he knows he has done a good job.
As you practice, the time your puppy stays on board will become longer, until eventually, you reach the point where you’ll have to command it before he leaves it.
3. Practice Dry Paddling
Once your dog learns the basic behavior and commands, it is time to practice the paddling part in a controlled environment. Have your dog seated, then sit behind him and follow by giving him a treat. When your pup becomes comfortable with you being there, try to stand and mimic a wave movement by slightly tilting your board. This part may be a bit harder, so try to make it as fun as possible.
This step is important because your dog will have to get used to paddling moving around him without becoming too excited and starting to chase it or play with it. This way you’ll avoid possible jumping off your board that could throw you off, also.
4. Repeat This Outside
By moving this practice outside and going through all the processes again you’ll see how well your dog reacts in a different environment. It is recommended to do it in your own yard, and with your board placed on the grass. It is not the same doing it inside of your house and on the outside, with countless possible smells, sounds, and other distractions. Once you’re certain that your dog is completely familiar and comfortable with your board and commands, it is time to hit the water.
You might also like: How You Can Make Your Own SUP Paddle
5. Finishing Touches Near Or In The Water
Now the time has come to put your knowledge to the test. Go to the water and repeat the process near or if possible inside the shallow waters. Do it until you get the same response as you did in your home. Once you do, repeat it a few more times. If it all goes smoothly, you’ll know your puppy is ready.
Additional Advice
There is some additional stuff you’ll have to check before you decide to give up on dog ago:
- Swimming is important because your dog may sometimes jump off your board or fall off. If your puppy doesn’t know how to swim, it is recommended to learn, just to be sure that in case something goes wrong he knows how to move through the water and stay up.
- Obedience is another thing to take seriously. Dogs tend to get easily distracted, so it is important not only that your dog knows the basic commands like sit or stay, but also that your puppy doesn’t get easily distracted.
- Weight is important because you may have a problem to go paddleboarding with your dog if he weights above 100 lbs.
- You should also be a good swimmer. Sometimes the accident could happen and you’ll lose the balance along with your dog, or you’ll have to swim to get your pup.
- No matter what, stay positive, and don’t forget to reward your dog!
PFD And Other Safety-Related Things
It’s all fun and games as long as you and your dog are safe, so there are some safety-related things you should know:
- Don’t paddle away without a PFD on. There are many different options; all you have to do is to choose read this article.
- Keep the leash off, otherwise, it could strangle the dog if he accidentally falls off or goes for a swim.
- Get a tracker. There are many different tracking devices you could hook on your dog’s PFD, so if you get separated you could find him easier.
What To Bring
Another important question is what should you bring, besides your dog, PFDs, the board, and paddles:
- Dry bag, to keep your stuff in it
- Dog treats
- Water bottles for you and your dog
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Which Board Is The Best
The answer to this question may vary from person to person because everyone has different opinions, but for most paddlers, inflatable paddle boards are the best ones for this activity. Their material has additional traction, so your dog will be more stable. If you worry about the damage caused by claws, don’t. Their claws are not sharp enough to drill a hole or damage the board. But, if you have some other type, and your dog enjoys it, then go with it.
Globo Surf Overview
The summer is near and the chance to experience some amazing water adventures comes with it. Dog paddleboarding is one of them. This way you’ll be able to bond with your four-legged buddy, while also having an amazing amount of fun.
It may sound like a hard task, but it is actually really easy and fun, as long as you are patient enough and willing to work with your animal. The key is to stay persistent, positive, and willing, and these five steps will be more than enough.
Skills Paddle Board Guides:
- SUP Deck Rigging Guide
- How To Choose The Right Paddle Board Size
- How To Convert A SUP Into A Kayak
- How to Transport Your Stand Up Paddle Board
- A Beginners Guide To SUP Surfing
- SUP Fitness: How Many Calories Does Paddle Boarding Burn?
- SUP Training Exercises
- Falling Off and Getting Back Up On Your SUP: It Happens To The Best Of Us