Dog Paddle Boarding Essentials and Safety Tips

Before you take your furry friend on a paddle boarding adventure, it's essential to choose a calm and flat water spot. This will help prevent accidents and ensure a fun experience for both you and your dog.

The American Kennel Club recommends that dogs be at least 12 months old and in good physical condition before attempting paddle boarding. This allows them to build up their strength and endurance.

A well-fitting life jacket is a must-have for your dog, as it will provide them with the necessary support and buoyancy in the water. According to the US Coast Guard, a dog life jacket should be Coast Guard-approved and fit snugly around your dog's body.

As you prepare for your paddle boarding trip, make sure to bring plenty of fresh water, snacks, and a towel for your dog to dry off with.

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To get started with dog paddle boarding, place the board in a familiar and safe environment, like the backyard or living room, for your dog to investigate. This allows your dog to become comfortable with the board's presence and smell.

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Start by luring your dog onto the deck of the board with a treat, then mark the good behavior with verbal praise and reward with a tasty treat. This process should be done when your dog is relaxed and not feeling anxious.

Next, work on sit and down stays on the board, gradually increasing the duration of the stay. This will help your dog develop the necessary skills to stay calm and focused on the board.

Practice the release command, like "Okay!" to give your dog permission to exit the board. This is an essential step in teaching your dog to respect personal space and boundaries.

It's essential to introduce the life jacket, and repeat practicing sit and down stays while wearing the life jacket. This will help your dog get accustomed to the extra weight and bulk of the life jacket.

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Choosing the right equipment for dog paddle boarding is crucial for a fun and safe experience. A wider and longer board, ideally smaller than 10’ long by 32 inches wide, is best for stability.

You'll also need a life jacket for your dog, even if they're a strong swimmer, as well as eye protection like Rexspecs Dog Goggles to prevent sun damage and eye diseases. Inflatable paddle boards are a great choice for dog paddle boarding due to their durability and good grip for your dog's paws.

Inflatable boards are also super stable, with some being 6” thick, which makes them perfect for paddling with your furry friend.

Choosing a paddle board that's right for you and your dog is crucial for a fun and safe experience. Look for a board that's at least 10’ long and 32” wide.

Stability is key, so consider a wider and longer board that offers more stability. A board that's smaller than 10’ long by 32 inches wide should be sufficient.

Surface grip is also important, as it helps your dog (and you!) feel more stable during the ride. Consider getting a paddle board with a grip that covers most, if not all, of the surface.

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The weight of your dog will require some or no adjustment to the tips for choosing the right board. You'll want to choose a board that can accommodate the combined weight of you, your dog, and all your gear.

A general rule of thumb is to choose a paddle board that has a weight capacity of 350 lbs. This will ensure that you both have a fun and safe experience without worrying about the weight capacity.

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Inflatable paddle boards are a great option for paddling with your dog because they're super durable and have a full deck pad that provides a good grip for your dog's paws.

Inflatable boards tend to be 6” thick, which adds to their stability. This thickness also helps to prevent them from becoming damaged if your dog accidentally scratches the surface.

Solid boards, on the other hand, can be slick when wet, which can cause your dog to go sliding off into the water. This makes them less ideal for paddling with your furry friend.

Maddle boards are a type of solid board that are wide, stable, and scratch resistant, making them a great option for paddling with your dog.

A life jacket for your dog is always essential when you're on the water. Some dog breeds tire out quickly, get overheated in the sun, or simply can't swim very well. So, in case your dog jumps or falls into the water, a life jacket will give them some extra buoyancy till you can bring them back on board.

Life jackets come in different sizes, so you should choose one that fits your dog. Look for a life jacket with a handle on top so that it becomes easier for you to pick your dog up and place them back on the board.

You should also consider wearing a life jacket yourself while on the water, as it increases visibility and keeps you afloat if you get tired. Most dog life jackets have a handy suitcase-style handle on the back to aid in heaving your dog back on the board if they fall off.

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Life jackets are a must-have when paddleboarding with your dog. They'll give your furry friend extra buoyancy in case they jump or fall into the water.

Choose a life jacket that fits your dog perfectly. Since they come in different sizes, make sure to pick one that's tailored to your pup's body.

A life jacket with a handle on top makes it much easier to pick up your dog and place them back on the board. This feature is a game-changer when you're trying to rescue your furry friend.

Most dog life jackets have a suitcase-style handle on the back, which helps you heave your dog back on the board if they fall off. This feature increases visibility and keeps your pup afloat.

A short, four-foot leash attached to your dog's life jacket can be a good idea, especially if your pup isn't reliable. This way, you can keep them safe while still enjoying your paddleboarding trip.

Releasing tension is crucial before getting on the board, especially for energetic pups. A play session with the Lunker Toy can help calm them down.

Sitting still on a board can be a challenge for some dogs, so a fun play session beforehand is a great idea. It was a key part of Julie & Beau's first SUP session, as seen in the video.

A short playtime can work wonders in making the whole experience enjoyable for your furry friend.

Practice on dry land first to get your dog comfortable with the SUP before hitting the water. This can make a world of difference in their experience.

Letting your dog get used to the SUP on dry land can help them understand what to expect when you're in the water.

A dry run is a great way to practice with your dog before getting in the water. Take your SUP, dog, and gear to the beach and go through the motions without actually getting in the water.

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To do a dry run, put on your life jackets, prepare yourself for paddling, and get on the board with your dog, but don't actually go out in the water. Practice doing this a couple of times so it feels more natural and comfortable for your dog.

Practice commands with your dog during the dry run and reward them when they follow them perfectly. This will help them understand what to do when paddle boarding.

Teach your dog the place command before introducing them to the paddle board. This will help them stay calm and relaxed on the board.

To teach the place command, start by having your dog watch you prepare the paddle board, then ask them to sit and place them on the board. Repeat this process several times until they understand the command.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your dog away from the nose of the paddle board to maintain balance. This is especially important for larger dogs who can make the board move more than smaller dogs.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

By following these tips and practicing with your dog, you can create a fun and enjoyable paddle boarding experience for both of you.

Paddle boarding with your dog is an incredibly fun activity that offers a range of benefits.

Exercise is a key advantage of paddle boarding with your dog. You and your pup will both get a great workout, engaging your core and leg muscles to balance on the stand-up paddle board. For an added physical benefit, you can even hop off and go for a short swim.

Paddle boarding allows you to spend quality time with your dog without any distractions. This is something your pup will love, and it's a great way to bond with your furry friend.

Being out on the water gives your dog new places to explore and smell, providing mental stimulation. They'll also get to see new wildlife, giving them something to focus on.

The tranquility of the water can help your dog relax, reducing stress and anxiety.

To start your dog paddle boarding journey, introduce your dog to the SUP on land. Place the paddle board in a comfortable environment, like your home, and let your dog sniff and explore it on their own terms.

Placing your dog's favorite toys or treats on top of the board will encourage them to climb on and get familiar with the paddle board. This will help them associate the board with a positive experience.

Before heading out into the water, get your dog to jump on and off the board using the commands you practiced. This will help them feel comfortable and secure on the board.

To ensure a happy paddling experience with your dog, choose the right paddle board size and pack all the essential gear you'll need.

You'll need a life jacket for your dog, even if they're a strong swimmer, to ensure their safety.

I personally use and love Rexspecs dog goggles for sunny conditions, as they protect your dog's eyes from the sun's reflection on the water.

A dry bag is a must-have for longer trips on the water with your dog, to keep their gear dry and clean.

You'll also need poop bags to clean up after your dog, and spare towels to dry them off.

Dog toys are a great addition to your paddle boarding adventure, keeping your dog entertained and engaged while on the water.

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Start by practicing on dry land first, it can make a huge difference in your dog's comfort and success on the water. Let your dog get used to the stand-up paddleboard (SUP) in a familiar setting, like your living room or backyard.

Inviting your dog to get on the board with you on dry land can help them feel more at ease. Give them a treat once all four paws are on the board to associate it with a positive experience.

Practicing the paddle motion with your dog on the board can help you learn their preferences and needs. For example, one dog might prefer to stand in front of you, while another might like to stand behind you.

It's essential to tailor your approach to your dog's individual personality and preferences. If you don't, you might end up getting dumped in the water before figuring it out.

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