SAILING WITH DOGS—FAQs
Everything You Need to Know About Sailing with Dogs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about sailing with dogs from a sailor who sailed the world in a 43-foot sailboat with her two beagles, Cap'n Jack and Scout, and wrote the book How to Sail with Dogs. She shares lessons learned about potty training, safety at sea, country requirements, first aid at sea, temperature control, and more.
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How to Potty Train a Boat Dog
Where does a dog pee and poo on a boat?
It is important to establish a designated place for your dog to pee and poo while on your boat. Be consistent so your dog knows exactly where to go. We established our spot on an artificial grass mat on the bow of the boat, but when the offshore conditions were heavy, we had an alternate mat to place in the cockpit for safety reasons. The dogs learned to only pee and poo on the artificial grass mat. To learn more, read How to Potty Train a Boat Dog - Top 8 Expert Tips.
What supplies do you need to potty train a boat dog?
The most important supplies you need when potty training a boat dog are an artificial grass mat, poo bags, and lots of treats to reward them when they do it right. Read about the top 24 essential items every boat dog needs.
What are the keys to success when potty training a boat dog?
The three keys to success when potty training a boat dog are consistency, patience, and reward.
How long does it take to potty train a boat dog?
The time it takes to potty train a boat dog depends on many factors, including the age of the dog, the patience of the humans, and the consistency of the training. For more tips, read this article about onboard potty training.
Do the potty habits change for a boat dog when you are at anchorage or in port, compared with being at sea?
While our onboard potty training routine was a bit different on land, at sea, and at anchorage, we did everything in our power to keep things consistent for the dogs. The dogs knew that when we were at port, or at anchorage, they would most likely get many walks and opportunities to go to the potty away from the boat. They began to understand this, and we kept the routines in place. Once they were potty trained onboard, however, sometimes they were lazy and would just go on their mat, which was fine.
Where does a boat dog pee or poo when you are at sea in heavy offshore conditions?
When we are at sea and conditions are not safe for the dogs to go to the bow to potty, we have a spare fake-grass mat that we put in the cockpit. If the conditions are not too bad, you can use a tether or a leash to take them to the bow, being sure to make safety your first priority.
What is the hardest part about potty training a boat dog?
The most difficult part of potty training a boat dog is patience for the humans. Dogs are very adaptable, and will catch on eventually if you just stick with it and be consistent. Read more expert tips about onboard potty training.
How do you train a boat dog to potty on the artificial mat.
If your boat dog doesn't catch on quickly to using the artificial grass mat as his potty spot, try collecting a poo sample and placing it on the mat to transfer the familiar scent to the mat. Read this article for more tips on how to potty train a boat dog.
How do you keep the boat dog's onboard potty area clean?
No matter how hard you try, the boat dog's potty area will get stinky for the humans. When it doesn’t rain for a while, clean the deck around the potty area more often. While at sea, each time the dogs would use the mat, we would dump a bucket of seawater to clean it immediately. After the scent was established on the mat, the dogs knew that was their place even when the stinkiness was washed away. Read more tips about potty training a boat dog.
What are some obstacles when potty training a boat dog?
On the first overnight sailing passage, the boat dogs just held it because they didn't seem to understand that we would not be on land for a walk for a while. Remember that eventually they will go. And accidents will happen, so try to be patient when potty training a boat dog.
How to Sail and Travel with Dogs Internationally
Do sailing dogs need a passport to travel internationally?
Just like humans need correct international paperwork, so do sailing dogs. When sailing through the European Union, all dogs are required to have a European Pet Passport. This documentation also works for dogs outside Europe in some cases. Read this article for more about how to travel internationally with a dog.
What are the entry requirements at various countries when sailing with a dog?
When sailing with a dog to various international countries and sailing ports, be sure to research each individual country's requirements before you arrive. Most countries require the following:
- USDA-stamped health certificate.
- International microchip
- Rabies vaccination AFTER the microchip has been implanted
Some countries also require:
- Rabies titer
- Flea and tick treatment
- Heartworm treatment
- De-worming treatment
For more information on traveling internationally with dogs and individual country requirements, read the book How to Sail with Dogs, which includes 100 tips for a pet-friendly voyage.
What do you do when a country is NOT dog friendly?
Many of the world's most popular sailing destinations are dog friendly, however, sometimes you sail to a destination that has a culture that is not dog friendly. It is important to study the culture of the country and research where it is appropriate to take your dogs. For some tips about what to do when a country is not dog friendly, read this article about our experiences traveling with dogs in Morocco, Africa.
How do I travel by airplane internationally with a dog?
Traveling with a dog by airplane can be stressful and requires planning, preparation, and some must-have supplies like an airline-approved pet carrier. Here are 14 tips for traveling with a dog on an airplane on an international flight
More Common FAQs about Sailing with Dogs
How do you keep a dog safe on a boat?
There are many important safety items that every boat dog needs, but the most critical are a high-quality dog life vest, a safety harness, tether, and a strong sea fence for the perimeter of your boat. For more crucial information to keep your boat dog safe at sea, read the book How to Sail with Dogs.
What are the most essential supplies boat dogs need?
Boat dogs need supplies for potty training onboard, safety at sea, staying warm or cool in extreme temperatures. This article describes the top 24 things every boat dog must have.
How do boat dogs get exercise at sea?
The best ways for dogs to get exercise at sea is by making stops on land at private beaches and in sailing ports around the world so they can run and walk and hike and play. However, if you are at sea on a long passage, bring toys and balls to make sure your dog gets a little exercise onboard. You can also use a knotted line to wrestle with them, create an obstacle course with fenders on the deck or play fetch in the cabin. We sailed with two dogs, so they liked to wrestle and play with each other. Always keep safety in mind.
How do you keep your boat dog warm or cool in extreme temperatures?
Whether you are sailing in extremely hot temperatures or extremely cold temperatures, be prepared with some essential items you boat dog needs. Be sure to read an entire chapter about keeping your boat dog warm or cool in extreme temperatures in my book How to Sail with Dogs.
How do you feed boat dogs on long sailing passages?
If you dog requires special food, be sure to provision appropriately and remember that specific dog food brands may not be available at every international port, and probably won't be available. Study the types of people food that is ok for your dogs and the types of people food that may be toxic for your dog. Also, consider any allergies your dog may have. There is a full chapter about feeling sailing dogs in my book How to Sail with Dogs - 100 Tips for a Pet-Friendly Voyage.
What supplies do you need in a first-aid kit for sailing dogs or boat dogs?
A thorough first aid kit for boat dogs is essential and should include things like heartworm prevention, seasickness medication, antibiotics, burn supplies, wrapping bandages and many other crucial supplies just in case there are issues at sea and a pharmacy or veterination is not within reach. I highly recommend working closely with your hometown veterination to put together the best possible first aid kit for a sailing dog considering the specific health and condition of you pet.
What are the Top 10 Tips for Sailing with Dogs?
- Safety First – Equip Your Ship for Sailing with Dogs
- Plan and Prepare in Advance to Sail with a Dog
- Potty Train Your Pet for Onboard Living
- Establish Routines to Make Sailing with Dogs More Comfortable
- Be Prepared for When a Country is NOT Dog Friendly
- Keep Your Dog Warm
- Keep Your Dog Cool
- Prepare and Provision Food for Your Pet While Living on a Boat
- Be Prepared for First Aid at Sea for Your Pet
- Enjoy the Sailing with Dogs Experience
Read this article for more information about these Top 10 Tips for Sailing with Dogs
READ THESE EXPERT ARTICLES ABOUT SAILING WITH DOGS
Still have questions about sailing with dogs? Send me your question, and I’ll get you the answer!
Watch the video for advice and tips about how to sail with a dog
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