The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Dog Paddle Boarding

What could be better than coaching your canine to accompany you to your paddle board travels if you enjoy SUP and your dog?

You and your canine may additionally paddle board collectively to get some exercise and spend quality time in nature. These suggestions can make teaching your pup to ride on your stand up paddle board easy, secure, and enjoyable for each of you in case you're thinking about bringing your dog out on the water. 

What You Will Need to Paddle Board With Your Dog

1. An Optimal Board

Wider and longer boards are the best paddle boards for dogs since they're more stable. It is really helpful to take a look at a paddle board that is at least 10 feet long and 32 inches broad when choosing one for you and your canine. When you are taking your canine along for the adventure, the most stable boards are those that are longer than 10 feet. 

Make sure to consider both your weight and the weight of your dog when deciding on a board. The board will be more unsteady the bigger the dog is with it. With the proper board, paddle boarding is possible regardless of how massive or how many puppies are. Deciding on a board with a complete deck pad for traction, such may be discovered here, is one manner to make certain that your board is pup-ready.

2. Good Grip

Many paddle boards could not offer your dog's paws tons of traction. Buy a paddle board with a dog-pleasant grip to ensure that your partner doesn't slide off when you hit a wave. Boards with a whole deck pad or at least an extended deck pad are the best SUPs for puppies. Extended deck cushions are frequently included with inflatable boards. There are opportunities if your board's deck pad isn't always big enough. Used yoga mats make fantastic substitutes. 

And do not forget to have a life jacket for you and your pooch. Make certain your dog gets used to having it on at home first before you hit the water!

Getting Your Dog Used To The Sport 

Your dog may find paddle boarding to be overwhelming at first. When something is unfamiliar to him, even basic events like donning a life jacket or standing on the board might make him more fearful. Use these tips to familiarize your dog with the sport before hitting the water to be able to make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Basic Commands

Ensure your dog has mastered essential obedience instructions like "sit" and "stay" before you and him mission out onto the water.

2. Master The Board Yourself

Wait until you feel comfortable using a SUP by yourself before using one with your dog. You must feel at ease standing up, twisting, and paddling. Verify that you can fall and remount from the water. If you are uncomfortable, your dog will reflect that, and bringing a dog along while learning to stand up paddle board will only make things more challenging.

3. Get Your Dog Accustomed To The Board

Introduce your dog to the board on solid ground before stepping into the water. Place the board in a room in your home in which your dog feels at ease. Permit him to study it, scent it, and investigate it at his own pace. If he takes a little while to get used to it, it won't be an issue if he doesn't jump on straight away.

4. Use Treats

Place a treat on the board after it's been inside the home for a while to inspire your dog to walk on it. Give him another goodie after telling him to sit. He should feel somewhat at ease with the board after repeating this. Do not push him and take your time. The dog should like the board. He shouldn't be under any stress or fear.

5. Reward Good Behavior

Educate your dog to jump off the board only when advised, and while he complies, supply him with a treat or some praise. Puppies often emerge as agitated and jump off the board as you approach the beach. You can lose your stability as a result of this and fall into the water, which might be riskier near the coast.

How To Paddle Board With Your Pup

While you are out on the board, make sure your canine stays on land. Show him it's enjoyable and not terrifying through waving, laughing, and smiling. Permit your canine to join you at the board while preserving its stillness within the water. Let him jump off if he wishes whilst you navigate the board through the shallow water. 

Get on the board together with your dog when you're each prepared to do this. For improved balance, start your paddling strokes while kneeling. With your pooch beside you or at your feet, stand up. Get comfortable paddling without bumping against him. Small puppies are permitted to perch on the board's nose. Your dog can ride in front of you on the board if you've mastered avoiding touching him with the paddle. Big dogs can sit down at the rear third of the board for improved weight distribution and stability. 

The first time, keep it short. Reward and commend your dog as you come back to land. The first time may not pass perfectly, however that's all part of the learning process. 

Your dog may jump off at any time, so be prepared. When a big dog jumps off the board, it will move significantly, and you can fall in with them. Only stand on the board if the water is deep enough and you are clear of any potential threats, such as boats or other people. Help your dog get back on the board if he leaps or falls off. By doing this, he may additionally keep away from scratching the board's finish while trying to get back on. The handles on life jackets are often there for you to hold onto. 

Bring water for each of you. Your dog may want to drink the salt water if you are paddling into the ocean. Ingesting an excessive amount of salt water would possibly cause them to become dehydrated (and cause other health troubles). 

Stay patient, puppies were not all bred to be riders. Don't force it to click if it is not doing so. Both of you won't enjoy the experience if you become frustrated.