Mr. N loves peering down at water so I figured he might like being on a boat. I haven’t been able to test that theory until this week when we took him on his first canoeing trip. We decided on a canoe instead of a kayak for his first trip because we figured he would stay dry better that way.
He wore his Ruffwear life jacket and we brought along a towel for him to sit on, a water bowl and snacks. I hoisted him into the canoe and off we went. He was content to sit on the towel and watch all the water fowl (herons, swans, ducks and geese). The ducks came right up to us and trailed behind our canoe, hoping for handouts. The only readily available food we had were Mr. N’s treats and those had duck in them so they missed out.
Mr. N didn’t try to leave the boat at all and settled nicely. He didn’t like it though when we bumped into rocks in the water and there was a horrible grinding noise and the boat shook. He left the towel and came to sit in my lap for a while and then sat at the boyfriend’s feet.
There were also people on tubes floating down the river. One woman had her spaniel on the tube with her and as the ducks drew near, the dog kept trying to jump off and the tube looked like it might capsize while the woman kept yelling “sit! stay! sit!.” This is why obedience skills are important!
Overall though, I think Mr. N had fun and we’ll be trying it again with him. Mr. N stayed dry (except for the tip of his tail) so he considered that a victory. Have you tried taking your dog on a boat? How did it go?
August 14, 2015 10:42 am
We would love to try paddleboarding but not sure if that will ever happen. Mom would love to take us out in a canoe, but she is afraid we may flip it if we decide to go after something. Maybe one day we will. For now motorboats are what we have gone out on. Enjoy, it sure looks like fun.
August 14, 2015 1:01 pm
We've kayaked and Rocco had a blast, especially when he decided to take a little swim off the side of the boat. I'd like to try paddleboarding too. The place near us that rents boards doesn't allow dogs on them though.
August 14, 2015 1:12 pm
Well, Jack isn't a big water fan, so we haven't taken him out. Our Sally loved going on boats though.
August 14, 2015 2:04 pm
He is so stinkin' cute!!!! What an adventuresome pup he is!
August 14, 2015 2:46 pm
We love boating with Honey.
And canoeing was a good first choice. We have never gone kayaking without getting wet. Although those sit-on-top kayaks on still water seem to work pretty well for small dogs.
August 14, 2015 2:59 pm
What fun! I love canoeing, but I've never tried it with a dog!
August 14, 2015 3:09 pm
Love these pictures! I'm not sure Barley could remember her obedience skills as well as Mr. N did if a goose came up to us while in a boat, so we will probably never try it, but it definitely looks like fun. I'm glad Mr. N managed to stay dry the whole time!
August 14, 2015 3:58 pm
We tried to get Laika into a canoe once but she wasn't going to have any of it. I figured since she loves the water so much it might a great match, but no – she looked absolutely terrified so we didn't even try. I think we might try again one day, we'll see. Mr N does look like he had a lot of fun.
August 14, 2015 4:06 pm
Way to go Mr.N! I haven't tried canoeing with Kilo but I would love to. Being on the water is so peaceful.
August 14, 2015 5:54 pm
Although Kilo would definitely want to stay dry too LOL
August 14, 2015 4:11 pm
Jasmine was on a boat once but wasn't thrilled. Partly probably because it was hot too. Our guys are pretty big, canoe wouldn't work well. Considering a pontoon boat, though.
August 14, 2015 7:00 pm
Way to go Mr. N! You look so handsome in your lifejacket!
http://www.DzDogs.com
August 14, 2015 7:24 pm
What a fun thing to do with your dog! Mine would have been the one going after the ducks. Sigh.
August 14, 2015 11:14 pm
Looks like a great time and such a great post! I've always wanted to go canoeing but my dad fishes while he canoes and that gets boring. Have a great weekend! 🙂
August 14, 2015 11:22 pm
This looks like so much fun! It's actually one of the things I have on Keira's bucket list. I'm so nervous she will tip the canoe though and I hate getting in yucky water! Mr L looks like he enjoyed it! So much fun!!!
August 15, 2015 10:12 pm
Mr. N is so cute out on that boat! I am so glad to hear that he had a good time. I think this is something I would try if I had a dog. It isn't something that either of my kitties would be interested in, though.
-Purrs from your friends at http://www.PlayfulKitty.net
August 16, 2015 5:51 am
What a brave boy! Leo is afraid to walk on bridges over water, so I think he wouldn't like a boat. We got a raft several years ago, and when we tried to take Isis on it, she jumped out. Good thing we were close to shore and she was more of a swimmer than either of our dogs now (though not by much!)
August 16, 2015 3:10 pm
Mr N's first boat ride, how exciting! You went about it the right way, unlike the screaming tube woman – I'm thinking taking your dog out on the water in a tube isn't the brightest idea LOL! I am picturing that scene, you must have laughed your heads off! I'd love to take my dogs out on a boat but so far haven't ventured to do so.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
August 16, 2015 4:47 pm
We used to take previous dogs in a bigger fishing boat, but never in a canoe or kayak. I'd love to do it, but would want smaller dogs for that…I wouldn't want to get dumped!
It looks like Mr. N really had fun!
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
August 17, 2015 12:13 am
That looks like SO much fun! I really want to take Wynston on a boat – it's one of the few things I haven't done with him!
August 17, 2015 12:24 am
Sometimes, I wish Truffle and Brulee liked to travel away from the house so I could take them places, but I'm content with them purring by my side at home. Mr. N. looks like he had a great time.,
August 17, 2015 3:32 am
We take our dogs canoeing all the time! They love it! Yes, we take all four dogs, but we also have an 18ft canoe.
We haven't gone canoeing yet this season, and most likely won't. Our seven-month-old son is too small for a life jacket to fit him properly, so we are going to wait until he's a bit bigger and can wear one safely to take him canoeing. That, unfortunately, means the dogs also haven't gone, canoeing, they will just have to settle for lots of swimming!
March 18, 2017 5:45 pm
Mr. N looks like a natural in that canoe! It looks like you really enjoyed yourself. I would love to take the Goldens out on the water but I’m just not that brave! lol