Pedigree dogs often have characteristics you may not know about, but you can work with them with patience, willingness, and the help of a professional. An adult dog has the intelligence of a three- to four-year-old child, and the parenting process can last a lifetime. Every day it must acquire knowledge, repeat and reinforce it. This is how an understanding between the owner and his pet is established. This is important to know if you want to go with a dog.
Basic tips for sailing with your dog
Here are some tips for yachting with pets that you must take into account when sailing with a dog on board. Do not forget to take the necessary papers for crossing the border with your dog. Different countries have different rules on yachting with pets. Therefore, it is best to contact the relevant authorities before departure.
It’s best to adapt your pet to travel gradually:
- First step: accustom your dog to being in the carrier or cage in which he will be traveling. Keep its favorite toys and treats there – this will give it a sense of security, as the carrier is already associated with comfort.
- The second step: while the dog is in the carrier or cage at home, open the door and play sounds similar to water in the sea or the ocean. This way, it will learn to perceive it as background noise that is not disturbing.
- Step three: start giving a dog special sedative herbal drops a week before the trip to relax the nervous system and have a cumulative effect.
There are a few more practical tips to consider before you take your pet on board if you don’t want to sedate her. If this is your dog’s first swim, it may be very frightened. You should find a quiet place where it can hide and calm down. Also, be sure to remove anything that could hurt your pet in case it panics. Be sure to write all the necessary information (your name, email address, and phone number) on the identification tag.
You should think carefully about how you can ensure the safety of your dog on board. If your dog is not at all used to the water, you should definitely introduce it to large bodies of water first. Walking around large lakes or on the beach can be a good starting point.
Necessities
Animals on a sailing boat, of course, are an additional concern. For example, special attention should be paid to feeding. You should feed an active pet just as you would feed it at home. It is not recommended to change the diet, but you should exclude heavy products for the stomach if the pet is on a natural diet.
If the pet doesn’t accept anything but the food at home, take the same food when you go. Proper nutrition for the pet is the key to good gastrointestinal function and reducing the negative effects of motion sickness. To avoid overheating your pet and aggravating seasickness, set up a walking area for your pet in the shade, providing access to fresh, cool drinking water.
These design features can create problems for those who want to keep a large dog on board and are not ready to regularly lift it in their arms. A simple contraption can help you do just that. A board with crossbars will be an alternative to a ladder for your pet. You can also attach carpeting everywhere to reduce slipping when navigating a steep gangway or slippery deck. Fortunately, modern yachts tend to have fewer steep stairs and also have comfortable swimming platforms in the stern. This is why many dogs enjoy being on a boat and are willing to take a trip at any opportunity.
What do you need to bring on board?
Don’t forget a collar with an ID tag, a leash, a cozy bed, toys and gummies, excrement bags, food, treats, a towel for dirty paws, and definitely a camera to take lots of pictures. Of course, in addition to this, there are other things you need to take with you on a sea voyage. So, when you have everything you need for your dog prepared, don’t forget to pack properly for swimming. Give your dog time to get used to the new surroundings, and don’t leave it alone if it causes anxiety. If your dog seems restless, you can use a familiar-smelling object to help it settle in.
When it comes to choosing safety harnesses and dog life jackets, use products made of high-quality materials. They should have sturdy handles, closed buckles, and clips that don’t cling to objects. Make sure the leashes are not long enough. You may need special leashes, carrying bags, and lights for walks after dark. Standard harnesses or leashes can be used to tie your pet to the boat. Your pet’s clothing should fit snugly around the belly and not interfere with free swimming. Attach identification tags with the boat name and contact information to your pet’s clothing.
Conclusion
Visiting the vet before your first yachting experience is a good idea, even if you’re sure your dog will be interested in the adventure. Make sure your pet is feeling well enough for an extended stay on the water. It is better to trim its claws beforehand so that the dog does not slip on the deck. If you follow all these described tips, your sailing with your dog will be as safe and comfortable as possible.
