A “big dog” by definition is a dog that will weigh more than 50 pounds (22kg) in adulthood. Some breeds will tip the scales at more than 100 pounds (45kg) when they are full-grown! If you’ve not had the pleasure of coaxing a dog of that size to where you want him (or her) to be when they don’t want to be there, I can tell you from experience it can be a real challenge. But take heart! It can be done. If you love to go boating and your big dog is a landlubber, you’ve landed in the right place! I’m glad you’re here.
In this article, I’m going to provide you with some helpful tips on How to Get your Big Dog on a boat without anxiety. Today you’ll discover:
- Why Some Dogs are Afraid of Boats
- Which Dog Breeds are Naturally Nautical
- Which Dog Breeds are Landlubbers Inherently
- How to Coax Your Big Dog Onto a Boat
- Important Safety Tips for Boating with your Big Dog
- Training Hacks to Help Your Big Dog Love the Water
If boating’s your thing, there is no reason why you can’t train your dog to enjoy it too! I’ll answer the top 5 questions I receive regarding big dogs and boats and throw in some interesting facts you may not have known, as well. We’ve got a lot to go over today, so “all aboard!”
Can I Take my Big Dog on a Boat?
You can ABSOLUTELY take your big dog on a boat! He may or may not take to it right away though, so it’s best you allow for some training time to occur before you set sail…or row into the sunset… or any other pleasurable term you can think of for your time on the water. Before you plan a special day out with family and friends, I would recommend you plan for a special day out to train your big dog to board a boat and see how he does once you’re afloat.
If you’ve already had your first experience regarding coaxing your dog onto a boat and it didn’t go well, take heart! keep reading to discover why some dogs are afraid of boats and some of the things you can do to help build his confidence. With some time and patience, soon your big dog will happily anticipate boating trips with you!
Why is My Big Dog Afraid of my Boat?
Chances are if your big dog’s first experience with boating occurs is in his adulthood, he will display some trepidation in boarding. Since your dog can’t express his concerns in words, we have to use common sense and do a little guesswork regarding what the trepidation stems from. If you know for sure your dog is new to the boating experience, he may be put off because he can see the boat bobbing in the water, and he has a preference for solid and unmoving ground under his feet.
If you haven’t had your dog since he (or she) was a puppy, the dog might have had an unpleasant experience near water or a boat that you are unaware of. Dogs certainly remember the things that have been traumatic for them. Don’t give up after one try! If your dog did have an unpleasant experience in his past that you are not aware of, you can help him to have a new experience that is pleasant. It may take a little time and patience on your part, but if you’re committed to boating with your big dog, it won’t be long until you have him happily anticipating the experience!
How Do I get My Big Dog on a Boat?
The most popular “tool” to get a big dog on a boat is a ramp that was designed for doing just that! There are a plethora of options available and two popular designs. The first design is a straight-forward ramp. One end will be on the ground or dock, and the other end will lean against the boat.
One great thing about this design is that it’s versatile. Not only will the ramp help your big dog board a boat, but it’s also helpful for boarding vehicles, for bypassing the stairs on your front porch, and anyplace else your dog may need sure-footing to climb upwards. I should also note that if stairs are hard for your big dog due to aging, joint problems or injuries, this is the ramp style you’ll likely want.
It’s one downfall, in my opinion, is that it won’t be sufficient should you decide to take a dip in the water from your boat while you’re away from shore. Please never swim with your dog unless you have a device in place for him (or her) to safely re-board the boat unassisted!
The second popular design hooks right over the edge of a boat with no hardware. It’s basically a hanging ladder made of a mesh and aluminum that you can teach your big dog to climb with some time and patience. This design DOES allow your big dog to safely re-enter the boat should the two of you decide to go for a swim while your asea, out on the lake, or enjoying a lazy day on the river.
I found an example of each design on Amazon that would be excellent! I did my homework first, though, to save you valuable time. I made sure they were best sellers and top choices, and read every single review. I want your dog to stay just as safe as my own while boating! The links below will take you directly to the product on Amazon so you can check out the ramps and see which one’s a better fit for your lifestyle.
Do Dogs get Seasick on Boats?
Like their human companions, each dog is unique. Some dogs can easily become seasick, and some will enjoy the whole day out on the water (once you get him onto the boat!) without a single issue. If your big dog is prone to motion sickness in a car, chances are he’ll also get seasick easily. The only way to find out is to try!
I would recommend you keep medication for seasickness in your boat’s first-aid kit. A veterinarian can prescribe a medication called Cerenia for your dog, or you can pick up an over-the-counter alternative like this NausX, available on Amazon.
If your dog begins to exhibit signs of seasickness, administer the medicine. It will begin to work in 20-30 minutes. If your dog gets seasick on every trip out (even though he loves going out with you) give him the medicine before he (or she) boards. The medicine might not be needed for shorter trips out or for smoother waters. I am a proponent of only using medication of any kind when necessary for your dog. It won’t take you long at all to discover how often your dog will need something to ease his stomach when boating, or if he needs anything at all.
What to give your big buddy for motion sickness…from Amazon... CLICK HERE
Do All Dogs Like to be Around Water?
There are dog breeds that were literally bred to be around or in the water. So much so that many breeds have webbed feet! But just because a dog has a genetic trait designed for water does not mean your dog will love it! Of course, the younger your dog is when you begin exposing him to water and boating, the more likely he will be to enjoy it.
Your attitude matters, as well. Make every outing near water pleasant for your dog by being attentive, playful, and patient. There are some dogs who will enjoy boating, but not any other water activities. Because each dog has unique preferences and dispositions, trial and error are how you will find out what he (or she) likes and what he doesn’t.
Often boating includes doing some swimming while you’re on the water. Again, some dogs will love this and some, not so much! Please take note of the safety section near the end of this article, and always be aware that dogs have limits when swimming. Never assume you know how long (or how far) your dog can swim until you’ve been out swimming with him several times.
Dogs Breeds that Don’t Fare Well in Water:
Dogs that are “top-heavy” from having a large chest and small hind-quarters do not generally do well in water. Dogs with a short and wide skull are called brachycephalic. These dogs will have a hard time swimming or even staying afloat! If you have one of the dog breeds listed below, you must be aware that swimming can pose a threat to your dog’s life. You may just want to take him boating and skip the swimming altogether.
- Boxer
- Bull Dog
- Daschund
- Pug
- Chow Chow
- Bull Terrier
The Basic Boat Ramp for Big Dogs:
At 71 inches long and 19.5 inches wide, this sturdy ramp can support a dog that weighs up to 200 pounds! Owners love that the ramp itself is lightweight, folds in half for easy storage and features a built-in handle to make carrying it easy enough for a child to tote. People also love the pressure-activated no-slip padding on the surface. Get the Travel Light Dog Ramp Here
HELPFUL TIP: As I mentioned previously, this ramp style is the most helpful design if your big dog is older or has any problems climbing stairs for any reason. As an added safety measure, you may want to consider getting a dog sling like this one on Amazon. The sturdy design “cradles your dog in a sheep-skin-like covering and lets you help your dog safely up a ramp but taking some of the pressure off his (or her) legs, hips, and back.
The Boat “Ladder” for Dogs:
This ladder features collapsible, adjustable ladder hooks that slip easily over almost all boat walls, easily bridging the gap between land and a body of water. Adjustable standoffs make fitting the ladder to your boat’s hull angle a breeze! The dog-boarding ladder is corrosion-resistant, too.
Mesh netting provides a safe and slip-proof surface for your big dog to climb. Owners say the ladder is excellent for dogs up to 125 pounds, and that the mesh is super sturdy! You Can Grab One Here
Do Dogs Need Life Jackets on Boats?
Your big dog faces every risk you face when boating. For that reason, this answer is simple. yes, your dog should wear a life jacket when boating. Period. Even though many dog breeds have more endurance in the water than most humans, even a big strong dog can drown. Life jackets prevent this. See? I told you it was simple! Do your part and avoid tragedy. Always keep safety first!
According to consumer reviews, this is the highest-rated life jacket for your big dog…
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How Do I Get My Dog Used to a Boat?
Once you big dog masters boarding a boat, he may not be too sure what to do with himself. The unfamiliar sensation of the boat rocking, combined with often tight quarters may make your dog feel uneasy. Here is a handy check-list of things you can do to put him at ease.
- The number one thing that will set your big dog at ease on a boat is…well… you. He values nothing more in this world than your time, attention, and affection! Lavish him with all three every opportunity you get! The more closely your dog associates the two words “boating & pleasure” the more quickly he’ll adapt to boating.
- Designate an area on the boat where the dog will be comfortable and have space. Help him learn where that area is by sitting there with him and showing him affection. When he strays from the spot, gently return him, and when he stays in the designated area, reward him with praise and/or treats. You might even want to lay an old blanket down for bedding, should he decide on a snooze.
- Bring along your big dog’s favorite toy. A favorite toy is comforting and can go a long way in easing your dog’s stress (if he has any). Another option is a fresh and knuckle-y bone from the butcher. A bone will keep your dog occupied for a good length of time!
- Take along some water from home for him (or her) to drink, and enough food if you plan to be out a mealtime.
- Make the adjustment to being on water gradual. A “training only” voyage should be your dog’s first boating experience, if possible. Gradually increase your time on the water until it suits your lifestyle normals.
Where do Dogs Potty on Boats?
I’ll be honest with you. My very first question when I considered taking my four-legged buddy on a boat was, “where the heck will he go pee?!?”. Unless your boating expedition will keep you near enough to shorelines to be able to set anchor every hour or so for a “bathroom” break, you must take into consideration your big dog’s elimination needs. And so I did a little research. Here’s what I found out: An old piece of carpeting or chunk of artificial turf works perfectly well, cut to the size of your dog’s needs. For big dogs, I would recommend the size be at least a 30-inch square.
HELPFUL TIP: It seems the place dogs most like to relieve themselves is the place where it’s happened before, either by them or by another dog. To encourage your dog to use the material you’ve provided, you can dampen it just a bit by placing it up-side-down over a spot your dog has just peed. Once it’s on the boat, the dog will be encouraged via scent to use the astroturf, carpet, or other material you’re using.
If you prefer a more “formal” area for your big dog to relieve himself (or herself) while on a boat, that’s an option, too! Simply purchase one. I found this excellent option on Amazon after much comparison shopping! MTBRO Artificial Grass, Professional Dog Grass Mat
The artificial grass is a very popular option. For boating, you will want to place it in a plastic tray of your size preference (not included with artificial grass). The “grass” is on a rubber backing with holes for drainage. When you dock, simply dump the urine from the tray in a designated area and hose down the grass, or throw the set-up away in a receptacle designated for pet waste.
Don’t forget to grab some poop bags! (And an appropriate container for used bags!)
When Can I Take My Puppy on a Boat?
Your puppy can begin his “sea-faring” life after the following conditions have been met:
- The Puppy has been Weaned from his Mother
- He (or she) is House-Broken
- He is Leash-Trained
- The Puppy has Mastered the Basic Five Commands (Come! Heel! Sit! Down! & Stay!)
Can I Take my Big Dog on a Cruise?
The number of cruise ship lines that are rising to meet the demands of their dog-loving passengers is ever rising! However, it is rising slowly. It is still not a majority scenario. I did some extensive research on traveling with a big dog and assembled the information in a complete travel guide for you right here in the Big Dog Den. It was written with a Rottie I love named Maximus on my mind, but the information definitely applies to any large breed dog.
How Can I Keep My Dog Cool on a Boat?
To keep your big dog cool on a boat, keep cool water for drinking at his disposal, and make sure he has shade for relief. You can spritz him (or her) with cool water, or purchase a cooling vest or mat to utilize. Remember that dogs are at risk for sunburn, too.
I hope this article was helpful and enjoyable for you today. I’m glad you landed in the Big Dog Den!
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
