Whether you’re casting a line from the shore or out on a boat, fishing with a dog can be a fantastic bonding experience. But before heading out, here are some important training tips, breed recommendations, and emergency measures to keep in mind to make your next fishing trip a blast.

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Is your dog a good fit for fishing?

Generally if your buddy enjoys swimming or splashing around, they may be a great fishing companion. At the same time, fishing does requires patience. An overly energetic dog might struggle to sit still. You also need a dog that listens well and won’t chase after fish, birds, or other wildlife. Or likewise, chew on gear, bark constantly, or knock over tackle boxes.

Next, consider your dog’s age. Puppies can be overly hyper, curious, and prone to getting into trouble. Older dogs, on the other hand, may enjoy the calm atmosphere of fishing. But they could also struggle with long hours in the sun or on rough terrain.

💡A waterproof dog GPS tracker can be a helpful emergency measure if your buddy takes a splash out of nowhere or disappears while on shore. Just switch to LIVE tracking via your Tractive mobile app – and follow their every move in real-time.

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The best fishing dog breeds

Some dog breeds were historically trained to sniff out and fetch prey from water. So you might find it easier fishing with a dog if they’re a:

  • Labrador Retriever
    Which tend to naturally love water, are strong swimmers, and highly trainable, eager to please, and obedient.
  • Golden Retriever
    Friendly, great with families, and love being in the water.
  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever
    Known for their endurance in cold waters and loyalty to their owners.
  • Portuguese Water Dog
    Originally bred to assist fishermen, they’re intelligent and agile swimmers.
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
    Smaller in size but excellent swimmers with high intelligence.
  • American Water Spaniel
    Compact and energetic, they enjoy both water and land activities.
  • Standard Poodle
    Despite (or more likely because of) their fancy coats, Poodles are excellent swimmers with a strong work ethic. They’re also highly intelligent and trainable.

⚠️ Your dog’s breed only goes so far as their training. An excitable puppy or one with a high prey drive might still bolt from your side or not respond to your commands. So here’s…

How to train your dog for fishing

Fishing can bring a lot of new and exciting sights, sounds, and smells. In times like these, you’ll find it helpful training your dog to resist impulsive behaviors. (Like jumping into the water at the sight of fish or chasing after birds.) So start with:

  • Basic obedience training
    Commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it” are crucial when near water. These basic commands ensure your dog listens to you when they’re distracted by the surroundings.
  • Introduce your dog to water gradually
    Let them wade in shallow areas before venturing into deeper waters. Gradually increase the depth and duration of their exposure.
  • Practice boat safety
    If fishing from a boat, reward your dog with treats and praise plenty when they stay calm and seated. Practice getting them in and out of the boat while it’s on dry land first. Get them comfortable with boat noises, movement, and the confined space, so they feel safe and secure on the water.
  • Teach your dog fishing etiquette
    Discourage them from jumping into the water unexpectedly or disturbing the fishing lines, as this could cause tangles or even injuries. Make sure they understand that the fishing rods are off-limits.
  • Reward your dog consistently
    Calm and focused behavior deserves a ton of treats and praise. If they follow commands like “stay” while you’re casting your line, give them a treat immediately afterward.
  • Get your dog used to company while fishing
    If you plan on fishing in areas with other dogs or people, the last thing you want is a dog that becomes territorial or aggressive. These “distractions” are also a good opportunity to train your buddy’s impulse control.
A man fishing with a dog from a small boat

Can my dog ​​go into the water while fishing?

Yes, but safety first! If your dog loves to swim, there’s no harm in letting them cool off and play in the water while you’re fishing.

When can your dog swim?

✔ In quiet moments
When you’re not actively fishing or the rod isn’t out, your dog can easily enter the water.
✔ In safe waters
Make sure there are no strong currents or dangerous underwater obstacles.
✔ In a separate area
Don’t let your dog swim directly where you’re fishing – this could scare the fish away .

When is it better not to?

❌ While casting
A swimming dog could get tangled in the fishing line or injure itself on the hook.
❌ In busy fishing areas
Other anglers might be disturbed if your four-legged friend splashes in the water.
❌ If your dog wildly snaps at fish
Some dogs like to chase fish in the water, which can disturb the peace of the fishing spot. (And get you some complaints from fellow fisher-folk.)

More safety tips when you’re out fishing with a dog

Safety first, always. Use a canine life jacket, no matter how great a swimmer your buddy is. Even strong swimmers can tire or caught in currents.

Likewise, if you’re going to be out fishing with the sun directly overhead, bring along plenty of fresh water and shade. This can help your dog avoid overheating or getting dehydrated. If you’ve got a light-colored or short-haired dog, bring along some dog-friendly sunscreen.

Also keep all sharp hooks, fishing lines, and bait out of your dog’s reach.

Finally, make sure to leash up when necessary. This can prevent your dog from wandering off or getting into danger. (Like if they run into wildlife, including snakes, alligators, or even aggressive fish.)

But in an emergency…

Consider using a waterproof dog GPS tracker

Even the most well-trained dog can get distracted or lost in a new environment. With a waterproof dog GPS tracker strapped to their collar, you can now:

  • Monitor your dog’s location in real-time
    Head to your Tractive mobile app and see exactly where your dog is, whether on land or in the water. GPS tracking ensures you can always stay updated on their whereabouts and act quickly if needed.
  • Get alerted if your dog leaves a “safe zone”
    You can create virtual fences – or “safe zones” or “no go zones” – around your fishing area. If your dog wanders out of the designated area, you’ll get an escape alert to take action and bring them back to safety.
Escape alerts on the Tractive mobile app
  • Track your dog’s activity
    With its built-in motion detector, your Tractive GPS also monitors how much activity your dog is getting. So you can ensure they’re staying within a healthy activity range without overexerting themselves. Plus, monitor how much exercise they’re getting while fishing or swimming.
  • Actually enjoy your fishing trip
    With complete peace of mind, knowing you can track your dog’s location at all times. Whether they get too excited and take off into the woods or jump into the water, you’ll be able to locate them quickly and ensure their safety.

Ready for a stress-free fishing trip with your buddy?

Fishing with a dog can be a complete blast, but you’re best off preparing for it much in advance. With consistent training, following safety precautions, and using tools like a GPS tracker, you’ll set the stage for a successful fishing trip with your four-legged friend.

So grab your tackle box, leash up your pup, and head out for a fun-filled day on the water!

brown dog wearing Tractive GPS dog tracker collar, app screenshot showing live tracking for dogs

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