You love paddleboarding, and you love your dog even more, so what better way of spending your day with the two things you love?
Paddleboarding is an excellent way to get some adventure, spend some time with your pup, and get some exercise.
If you’ve been thinking about leaping onto a paddleboard with your dog, then you should follow these top tips:
Practice Paddleboarding Off The Water First
One of the biggest mistakes people make is getting straight on the water with their pup without getting their dog used to the paddleboard first.
Yes, some dogs will be able to jump straight on without any issue, but not all of them. To get your dog used to the paddleboard, keep it in the house for a week so the pup can get adjusted to it.
Leave treats on the board, let the dog sit on it, and run training drills like sitting or lying down on the paddleboard. Just these little tricks will prepare your dog for the water.
Teach Your Dogs Commands For Getting On And Off The Paddleboard
An essential process of the whole is having special commands ready for when you go paddleboarding.
Reward your dog whenever they get off the paddleboard after you use your command. Then reward your dog when it gets back on after you’ve used your command. This will help tremendously when out on the water, and your dog sees something it wants to chase.
Head Out To The Water
Before you jump into the water and start paddling with your dog, let your dog get used to standing, sitting, and laying down on the board next to the water.
You could even try to replicate the feeling of the waves by wobbling the board gently. You get your dog used to the sense of the board moving under their feet by doing this.
When your dog looks comfortable, walk out with your dog on the board close to the shore; don’t go out too far.
You can expect a few tumbles and slips into the water as they adjust to the feeling of water being underneath them. Make sure you re-ensure your dog if they slip in.
Always Make Sure Your Dog Has A Life Jacket While On The Water
It doesn’t matter how well your dog can swim; your dog needs a life jacket. For one, it will keep your dog safe if it freaks out and tries to swim back to shore. But it also makes it easier for you to grab the dog and place it back on the paddleboard (most of them have handles).
Get Out On The Water And Have Some Fun
You’re all practiced, and your dog is ready for the big adventure. Remember, your dog is still learning to become comfortable, so go at their pace.
If you’re going too fast, your dog looks like it’s freaking out, slow things down a bit. Remember, this is an experience for both of you.