Your Ultimate Guide To Canoeing Or Kayaking With A Dog
Thinking of taking your dog along with you next time you're out paddling the waves? Here's how to get started & how to keep your co-captain safe.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or new to the world of water adventures, taking your pup along for the ride can be an unforgettable experience. But should you go canoeing with a dog – or is a kayak a better choice? And more importantly, how can you make sure your furry co-captain is safe, comfortable, and happy? Here’s a dive into the pros and cons of each, plus where a waterproof GPS tracker for dogs can be a potential lifesaver.
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Read moreKayaking vs. Canoeing with a dog: Is one better than the other?
Both canoes and kayaks can be great for paddling with your pup, but they each come with unique challenges and benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Kayaking with a Dog
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| More control Kayaks tend to be easier to steer and maneuver. | Less space Kayaks, especially sit-in models, don’t leave much room for a dog. |
| Great for solo paddlers If you’re heading out alone, a kayak might be the better choice. | More likely to tip Kayaks are narrower and can be less stable than canoes. |
| Faster on the water The sleek design lets you glide across the water with ease. | Getting in and out is tricky A wiggly dog can make launching and landing a challenge. |
Canoeing with a Dog
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| More space Canoes typically have an open deck, giving your dog more room to stretch out. | Harder to maneuver alone Canoes require more effort to paddle, especially if you’re solo. |
| More stable The wider design makes canoes less likely to tip over. | Can be harder to transport Canoes are often bulkier and heavier than kayaks. |
| Easier to enter and exit This is especially important for larger dogs who might struggle getting into a kayak. | |
| Better for long trips Since they can carry more gear, canoes are ideal for extended adventures. |
So, which one is best?
- If you have a large dog or want a more stable experience, a canoe is the way to go.
- If you prefer maneuverability and have a smaller dog, a kayak could be a better fit.
Essential dog gear for canoeing or kayaking
Whether you’re canoeing or kayaking with a dog, here are some important bits and bobs that’ll come in handy, no matter your boat of choice.
- Dog life jacket
Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, a life jacket provides extra safety and helps with retrieval if they fall in. - Non-slip mat or dog pad
Which can give your dog a secure surface to sit or lie on, preventing them from slipping around. - Fresh water and a collapsible bowl
To help keep your dog hydrated without relying on lake or river water. - Dog treats and toys
In case you need to keep your buddy occupied and reinforce any good behaviors. Familiar items like a small blanket or toy can help ease anxiety and make the boat feel like a safe space. - Leash and harness
Essential for keeping your dog controlled when launching or docking. - Poo bags
In case your buddy has an accident on board. Keep some gloves handy to take care of any mess and bags to dispose of them safely once you’re both on shore.
Canoeing with a dog? You could also bring along a…
- Dog seat or bed
Since canoes have more space, you can bring a comfy spot for your dog to rest. - Extra towels or blankets
Which can help keep your dog dry and comfortable on longer trips. - Shade cover or umbrella
Since canoes are open, some extra sun protection can help keep your dog cool.
Kayaking with a dog? You could also bring along a…
- Kayak deck mat or grip pads
These can provide stability for your dog’s paws on the slick surface of a kayak. - Smaller dry bag for dog essentials
Since space is more limited in a kayak, a small bad can help keep your dog’s gear compact and waterproof. - Dog harness with a handle
A harness with a sturdy handle makes it easier to lift your dog in and out of the kayak.
💡A waterproof GPS tracker strapped to your dog’s collar can be a life-saving emergency measure if your buddy takes a splash out of the blue into the blue – or wanders off somewhere when you’re docked.
How to train your dog to get used to a canoe or kayak
Doesn’t matter how strong a swimmer your dog is – safety first, always. Here are some steps to get them used to your boat and avoid any mishaps down the line.
- Introduce the boat on land
Start by allowing your dog to sniff and explore it. Encourage them with treats and praise them for stepping inside. This will help them develop a positive association with it. - Practice getting in and out
Help your dog learn how to enter and exit the boat safely. If possible, practice near a dock or shallow water where they will be boarding. This reduces anxiety when launching for real. - Get your dog used to sitting in the boat
Once your dog is comfortable stepping into the boat, encourage them to sit or lie down inside it. Reward any calm behavior with treats and praise. Gradually increase the amount of time they stay in the boat before moving on to the next step. - Practice your basic obedience commands while in the boat
Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down” are crucial when on the water. Train your dog to stay still in the boat to avoid sudden movements that could cause tipping. - Get your dog used to shallow water first
Before launching, place the boat in shallow water and let your dog experience the gentle movement while inside. Stay close to shore and ensure they’re calm before progressing any deeper.
With these slow and steady teps, your dog will feel confident and comfortable when it’s time for the real adventure on the water.
Safety tips for canoeing or kayaking with a dog
- Check your local laws & regulations
Some places require dogs to be on a leash even when in a canoe or kayak. Others might require special permission before you two head out into the water. - Check the weather before heading out
Wind and waves can make things difficult for both you and your pup. Likewise, days with the sun directly overhead opens up your buddy’s risk for overheating. - Pack a first aid kit
A dog first aid kit isn’t much different than that for us humans. Including essentials like antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tweezers for ticks. Make sure to carry along your dog’s medical records and any emergency contact numbers, just in case. - Choose calm waters for beginners
If it’s your dog’s first time, opt for lakes or slow-moving rivers before tackling rougher waters. - Secure any loose gear
Dogs can be curious, and sudden movements can tip gear overboard. Keep items secured to avoid distractions. - Keep an eye on your dog throughout
Watch for signs of stress or discomfort. If your dog seems anxious, take breaks and provide reassurance. - Plan ahead for a surprise splash
Know how and where you’ll bring your dog back on board if they fall in. Having a practiced routine can make reboarding much easier.
Where a waterproof dog GPS tracker can help
A waterproof GPS tracker like Tractive can be an important emergency measure when you’re both out in the water. With real-time location tracking, you can quickly and easily find your dog if they unexpectedly jump off the boat or wander off during a shore break – with just a glance at your phone.
Plus, with its 100% waterproof build, your trusty Tractive device can handle your dog’s wildest adventures, no matter if they get wet, jump in for a swim, or get splashed. Knowing you can locate your dog at any time lets you focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about them getting lost.
“Tractive is the tracker that works! It lasts several days thanks to the at-home energy saving. It’s accurate and works predictably. The body is very robust and waterproof (like “swimming waterproof.”) We’ve been using it for 3 years without any issues. They provide international coverage with a built-in SIM card, so we can rely on it when traveling across Europe.”
– Petr Palas, CZ (Source: Trustpilot)
Ready to hit the water in style?
Canoeing and kayaking with a dog can be an amazing bonding experience. Just be sure to go for a canoe if you’ve got a large dog or want a more stable experience. But an agile, more solo-friendly option could be a kayak, especially if you have a smaller dog.
Either way, with proper training and the right safety gear — including a Tractive GPS tracker — you and your dog can enjoy unforgettable adventures on the water. So, grab your paddle, secure your pup, and set off on your next adventure!
Keep track of your dog’s daily adventures
Follow every step with unlimited range Live Tracking. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Activity & Sleep Monitoring. Get Health Alerts if something seems off.
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
