Paddleboarding is a rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors and even more so when you can share it with your canine best friend. What would be the best dog breeds for paddleboarding when not all dogs are the same when it comes to watersports?
Some dog breeds do have behavioral and physical characteristics that make them more suited to paddleboarding. Here are some of the best dog breeds for paddleboarding escapades:
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Best Dog Breeds for Paddleboarding
1. Golden Retriever: Golden retrievers have a natural inclination toward water and the outdoors. Their gentle and friendly temperament make them excellent paddleboarding companions.
2. Labrador retriever: Similar to golden retrievers, Labradors have a friendly and outgoing nature that makes them ideal partners for any outdoor adventure. They also have a natural love for water and are strong swimmers – an ideal combination for paddleboarding.
3. Australian Shepherd: If you like a dog that is both agile and intelligent, the Australian shepherd would be an excellent choice. They are easy to teach and their herding instincts make them alert and quick to react, which is good for water safety.
4. Newfoundland: The Newfoundland breed are excellent swimmers and have natural lifesaving instincts. They are large, strong dogs, which can be an asset for stability on the paddleboard.
5. Portuguese Water Dog: As you can tell by their name, Portuguese water dogs have a background of being active in aquatic environments. They are exceptionally good swimmers and their hypoallergenic coats would be an added bonus for paddleboarders who have allergies.
6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever: These retrievers (called “Chessies“) are also strong swimmers. What’s more, they have double-layered, water-repellent coats that act similarly to a duck’s feathers. They even have webbed feet for swimming after downed prey.
7. Irish Water Spaniel: Similarly to chessies, Irish water spaniels have a double, water-repellent coat and they love to swim. This makes them another ideal choice as a paddleboarding companion.
8. American Water Spaniel: American water spaniels are excellent swimmers and love the water. Their compactness makes them easy to manage on a paddleboard.
These are eight of the best dog breeds for paddleboarding.
When thinking of dog breeds that are good swimmers, also consider the individual dog’s size, temperament and complacency with water. Some dog breeds may not have a natural affinity with water or may be nervous about being on a paddleboard. It’s advisable to introduce your dog to water and paddleboarding gradually; this would ensure a positive experience for you and your canine companion.
Preparing Your Dog for Paddleboarding
Although taking your dog paddleboarding with you can be a good bonding experience, an over-excited canine can sometimes end up in cold water. Here are some tips that can help prevent your dog from jumping off the board:
- Do dry land training first. Before hitting the water with your dog, work on some obedience training and teach him some basic commands to help him understand how to behave when he’s on the paddleboard.
- Introduce your dog to the water gradually. Start by playing near the water, then gradually encourage him to get onto the paddleboard while it’s still on the shore.
- Use treats and praise to reward calm behaviour. If your dog quietly obeys orders to sit or stand while he’s on the board, make it clear to him that he’s doing a great job.
- Use consistent commands. Devise a set of commands you’ll use specifically for paddleboarding, such as “stay”, “sit” or “down”. Use these commands consistently to manage your dog’s actions on the board.
- Control his excitement. If your dog becomes overly excited, practise calming exercises. Ask him to lie down or sit, then reward him for that calmer behaviour.
- Avoid excessive stimulation. To prevent your dog becoming over-stimulated by distractions such as aquatic creatures, birds or other dogs, choose more quiet paddling locations.
- Employ safety gear. Ensure that your dog is wearing a well-fitting life jacket. It could reduce the urge for him to jump into the water and make you both feel more secure.
- Stay calm yourself. Dogs often reflect their owner’s emotions. If you stay calm and collected, your dog will be more likely to follow suit.
- Take regular breaks. During your paddleboarding session, take breaks to allow you dog to relax and release any built-up excitement.
- Ignore temperamental behaviour. If your dog becomes skittish, turn away and ignore the behaviour. Once he’s calmed down, give him attention to reinforce the desired behaviour.
Make the effort to prepare your dog for paddleboarding. With time, you’ll find that your patience and consistency have paid off.
When Your Dog Falls Off a Paddleboard
Despite all the precautions you take, your canine paddleboarding partner could still take an unexpected plunge into the water. Being prepared for such an event is part of responsible paddleboarding with pets.
Here’s what you can do if your dog falls off your paddleboard:
1. Remain calm. Your dog will look to you for signs so it’s important that you stay calm. If you stress, your dog may follow suit, making it more difficult to get him back onto the board.
2. Reassure your dog. Speak to your dog in a gentle and reassuring voice. Let him know that he’s OK and that you’re there to help.
3. Use his life jacket handle. Most pet life jackets have a handle on the back. Calmly direct your dog to the side of the paddleboard and use the handle to help him back on board.
4. Train your dog for re-boarding. Training your dog to re-board the paddleboard can facilitate the process if he happens to fall off. You fan practise this in shallow water before you head out to deeper water.
5. Check for injuries. Once your dog is safely back on the board, check him for any injuries. Even if he seems fine, it’s good to make sure that he hasn’t been hurt during the fall.
6. Take a break. Once you’ve rescued your dog and all is well, take a short break to allow both of you to settle down after the excitement.
7. Evaluate what happened. Try to figure out what caused your dog to fall off. Was it a balance issue, excitement or something else? Understanding the cause can help prevent a re-occurrence.
8. End on a positive note. If you can, continue your paddleboarding session for a while longer to end the experience on a positive note. This can help to prevent your dog developing a fear of paddleboarding.
Tips to Ensure Your Dog’s Stability on the Paddleboard
- Board size: Your paddleboard should be stable and wide enough to accommodate both you and your dog comfortably. A board that is at least 32 inches wide and ten feet long is recommended for stability.
- Traction pads: Having traction pads on your paddleboard can give your dog a better grip and prevent him slipping. Consider fitting them if your board doesn’t have any. Find a dog traction pad set here.
- Keep your dog centred. Encourage your dog to stay in the centre of the board where it’s most stable. Avoid having him stand too close to the edges.
Following these tips could help to minimize the chances of your dog falling off the paddleboard. Because every dog is different, tailor your approach to suit your dog’s abilities and personality. With practice and patience, paddleboarding together can become a mutually enjoyable pastime.
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