Dogs Aboard

[Liam English]

We are beginning to look for a canine crew member for our 24' displacement hull motor cruiser. We've always had rescue dogs of generally undetermined ancestry but are thinking that perhaps a real "breed" dog might be a way to go. Jack Russell maybe? or one of those sausage like critters?

Our plans would be to do some extensive cruising in the northeast, down to FL, and maybe to Alaska if time holds out (we're medicare enabled).

Any ideas? Thanks.

[BETTY-B]

Augustus:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/Bridgedeck/BETTY-B/Interior/oldpics021.jpg

[BETTY-B]

ULA:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/Bridgedeck/DANandULA/wayward079.jpg

[snow(Alan H)]

Bella

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp165/Alanh22/IMG_0214.jpg

[BETTY-B]

Cody:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/Bridgedeck/DANandULA/wayward127-1.jpg

[snow(Alan H)]

Bella again - enjoys flying almost as much.

http://i408.photobucket.com/albums/pp165/Alanh22/CIMG6619.jpg

[BETTY-B]

ULA loves flying too.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/Bridgedeck/DANandULA/kenmoreair003.jpg

[James McMullen]

My dogs are maybe a little interested in the water. . .

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/41922/2307389690088484686S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2307389690088484686TbnIqf)

[Liam English]

What great pics!!!! Takes all kinds is the message I'm getting.

[martin schulz]

Well, even Sissi, the late Austria-Ungary Queen had her dog aboard.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii188/sionnachan/Willow%20Wren/sisi-4.jpg

I took this pic during filming of a documentary on board the WILLOW WREN last year.

[paladin]

I circumnavigated with a couple of cocker spaniels...one at a time, one's buried near the Sharks tooth, she passed away at age 18 while sitting in Cook's Bay, Tahiti......and at various times had a couple of Ocelots, and a couple of Persian Cats, and for a shorter period an English Sheepdog, but he was too big and a little apprehensive at times.

[JimConlin]

My English Cocker spaniel has done well. He's small enough that I can lift him with one hand if the need arises, sensible enough not to get into trouble, and calm enough not to be a pest when we're not alone.

[meuritt]

We've got three dachshunds, 9# being the smallest and 14 the largest, They have done OK getting used to the boat, one trip they seemd rather green about the gills, but no sea sick issues.

The breed has a very big bark and are usualy fearless protectors. They've all gone with me kayaking and rowing in my whitehall, as long as they can see us, life is good.

Now we are starting the boat training issue. we are planning on some overnight anchor outs and it would be nice to have that problem sorted out.

[RFNK]

Get one with a handle. Rick

http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr69/rfnk/Woodysailing.jpg

[RFNK]

Sort of. We ordered it from a local ships chandler. It's great but it cost about $40! which is about three times what our own PFDs cost. Woody says it's really comfortable and, yes, we cart him around like a six pack, especially when things get a bit hectic on board. Rick

[J P]

We use canine PFD's (aka CFD's). One's a Ruff Wear and the others are from NRS (Northwest River Supply). Both are fine.

A couple other related threads:
http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85537&highlight=canine+PFD

http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85644&highlight=canine+PFD

I thought there was one on CFD's but couldn't find it.

[Bob Cleek]

Uh... AKC registered dog breeder and exhibitor here...

Much as I hate to say it, I have doubts as to whether a dog belongs on a 24' boat that is going to be cruising for long periods. There's nothing wrong with taking the family pet along for the weekend if you and the dog can handle it, but as a day in and day out thing, you really have to limit yourself to a small dog in order to afford it the room it needs for enough exercise to maintain its health. Then also, the layout of the boat has to be suitable. Carrying a dog up and down a companionway ladder gets old, not to mention dangerous in a sea way. "One hand for yourself and one for the boat" doesn't leave "two for the dog."

Assuming your boat affords the dog a place to relieve itself and is sufficiently secure to prevent accidental "dog overboards," do keep in mind that every dog, even less active breeds, need to get regular exercise. Just countering the movement of a boat at sea will provide a lot of isometric exercise, as anybody who's sailed any amount of time in a small boat will attest, but dogs need aerobic exercise more than anything else. There isn't any place for a pooch to get a good run on a 24' boat, is there?

People have cruised with dogs, to be sure, but I'm not so sure how much their dogs enjoyed it. Paladin seems to be the exception that proves the rule!

[Captain Intrepid]

I notice none of the dogs wear PFD's.
The Couta boat men here all have dogs , but they all wear PFDs , so if they go in to the drink they can be hooked out.
Does anyone else use PFDs on their dogs ?.
Rob J.

I figures a good boat dog should be a water dog. Some breeds like the Newfoundlands were even used as life savers in case a person fell overboard.

[JimConlin]

Bailey's CFD is by Outward Hound. He doesn't seem to mind it.

[C. Ross]

Bermondsey

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2243644534_4a98dae8d3_o.jpg

Mutts like him are less stylish, but calmer.

One more vote in favor of the PFD with a handle.

[Chip-skiff]

Most of our trips these days are on rivers, but Ruby (Keeshond/Collie) loves being on any water whether white or blue. Our whitewater cats have dog decks and I'm rebuilding a skiff with a dog-pocket before the mast.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3227523792_7c988a2675.jpg?v=0

This is from Desolation Canyon, Utah, last fall, an eight-day run. She has a PFD that we put on for rapids, but she's never fallen off a boat. She tried to jump off, once, as we floated by a shooting club. She's also terrified by thunder. (A frightened dog will do strange things.)

A good drill is to take the dog ashore at least twice a day for a walk (and a ****). A cruising friend selected a nice, compact pooch pellet and dried it out, then kept it in a zip-loc bag. When he'd take his dog ashore, he'd put it on the ground and let his dog sniff it: bingo. Then he'd bag it up for the next time. That trick might also work on offshore passages, so the dog can **** onboard, which many dogs will be reluctant to do.

While we love Ruby, she has long, fine hair and gets stinky after days in and out of water. A fast-drying (i.e. shorthaired) dog would be a more pleasant companion at close quarters.

[Bob Smalser]

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/9745605/355939392.jpg

English Cocker, Newf, Standard Poodle. Water dogs all.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/7711190/101696816.jpg

In this cold, only the Newf can get by without a PFD in big water, however.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2999461/355940368.jpg

Regardless of breed or boat, by all means take them if you can. To them it's a much bigger crime to be left home.

[Yeadon]

As a kid, my family had poodles. One felt the urge to destroy every gull on earth. The other would crawl under a seat and sleep for hours. Both seemed happy.

[S.V. Airlie]

well, I'm not into Jack Russells myself. Too yappy ( at least the ones I know.
Things to think about.. shedding. Of course I own a wooden boat and don't want to clog up the bilge with umm, dog fur.

Size: midsize. Some of the above are a bit too large..

Smarts...???
Well example:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/tancook/ladderdog.jpg

and finally gotta like the water.
Portie.. Portie...Portie!!!!

[Mike H]

I just got Cruising World in the mail yesterday, in it they had a book review for Doggy on Deck, Absolutely Everything You Need to Know Before Cruising with Fido.

[Chip-skiff]

Our dog in NZ, a dear old Golden Labrador/Ridgeback named Simba, had the unfortunate habit of drinking seawater. When he got thirsty, he could lap up quite a lot before we could stop him (or he had his fill).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/3307094327_dd12611da8.jpg?v=0

The outcome was predictable: a noisy, extravagant fit of vomiting. Couldn't stop him doing it. But after he chucked up on the shoes and pantlegs of the yacht club commodore on opening day, we stopped taking him along.

Not sure why he never learned— I'd think seawater would smell different to a dog. But it's not a habit you'd want in a cruising companion.

[RFNK]

On the other hand, chucking up on the yacht club commodore is surely a highly commendable act - especially on opening day! I hope he was justly rewarded? Rick

[rbgarr]

We are beginning to look for a canine crew member for our 24' displacement hull motor cruiser.

Liam,

Have your current dogs passed away :( or are you just planning ahead :)?

D

[Lew Barrett]

We would love to take our dog cruising with us, big and hairy as he is, he is a terrific companion. But for whatever reason, this is one lab-boxer mix that is not happy aboard. He seems to get very antsy and sea sick on any real voyage. Oh, he's OK for a short trip on the lake, but he just doesn't seem to like the motion of the boat in bigger water.

He is OK in a dingy where he's out in the open, but our main boat is enclosed, and no matter what we do, including dramamine, he is uncomfortable. It's a shame, as he's a terrific animal, gentle, polite and sweet, and is a delight when we finally get to a dock, but just can't cut it underway. He was a rescue as well, and didn't get any boating experience until he was well past one year old. Perhaps introducing him as a puppy might have helped, but we didn't have the opportunity to do that. It seems that through either makeup or training, some dogs are happier aboard than others. It's not for lack of trying, but we have learned to leave him at home with the girls in his own best interests. It's odd, because he looks 90% lab, and you'd expect him to like the water, but he doesn't.

[Brian Palmer]

Based on our experience in a canoe, Basset Hounds are not good boat dogs.

Friends of ours have a 50 foot sailboat and a pair of Yorkies.

I cannot imagine our two collies on a boat of any size. They really need to get out and stretch their legs once a day, at least.

Brian

[Bob Cleek]

Yep... basset hounds have the heaviest bone of any dog their size. They don't float and thus can't swim. Most have the good instinctual sense to stay out of the water.

[Stu Fyfe]

Fiona is just about the right size for a 22ft boat.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SHBgt6toQvQ/R6JSX3_FN5I/AAAAAAAAAMA/hgrNs7zXz_s/is_00060.jpg

[Rapelapente]

Captain Intrepid , if your Newfoundland hits the water , how do you get him out ?.
With a smaller dog in a CFD with a hook on the back , you can hook him with a gaff hook easily enough.
Or toss him out of the road , if things get "interesting".
I'm not sure how I'd get a Newfoundland back on board , can you enlighten me please ?.
Regards Rob J.

How right you are Bob! I previously had a newfoundland. The REAL thing: 80 kg male... Fortunately he never jumped from the boat. But... one day I've been about to lose him... in the harbor !!! He suddenly decided to "save" a bouoy, and dive, and ... had to swim for about 3/4 hour till I found a place to take him out ! Exhausted... As I was too...
Fantastic dog though...:rolleyes:

[BarnacleGrim]

I'm not sure when I'll be able to get a dog myself, but I've certainly been thinking about it.

Spaniels are nice, a Cavalier King Charles' small size would be very handy on my Folkboat, but I'm a bit worried about their health. Increased awareness of hereditary diseases in dog breeds has led to advances in the breeding program, though. Another breed that I like is the Keeshond, a well known barge dog.

[Captain Intrepid]

Captain Intrepid , if your Newfoundland hits the water , how do you get him out ?.
With a smaller dog in a CFD with a hook on the back , you can hook him with a gaff hook easily enough.
Or toss him out of the road , if things get "interesting".
I'm not sure how I'd get a Newfoundland back on board , can you enlighten me please ?.
Regards Rob J.

I don't exactly know, possibly with a dory?

[Bob Smalser]

Captain Intrepid , if your Newfoundland hits the water , how do you get him out ?.



http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2999461/356190042.jpg

Handles. And they don't eat much or require a lot of either attention or exercise. One of the best dogs ever bred, but besides being being heavy, they shed, drool and generally don't like to be indoors in central heating. They also are short-lived.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2999461/356190056.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2597650/82686117.jpg

For those who really want one, I recommend seeking out a small one for the best of all worlds. Our black female was well-bred, weighed only 90 lbs, lived to be 15 years without any major joint or health problems, and was the perfect working dog.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2999461/204075972.jpg

Our current Landseer is 134lbs, has a number of problems inherent in dogs rescued from puppy mills, and will probably only make 8 years.

[George.]

Dalmatians love water, swim well, do not stink when wet, do not get seasick, and enjoy leftover seafood, including fish bones, with impunity. We used to take ours sailing offshore, canoeing, extended cruising, and the enjoyment was always mutual. They even knew when we were starting a tack and would get up off the windward jib sheets and head for the other side...

[S.V. Airlie]

Dalmatians love water, swim well, do not stink when wet, do not get seasick, and enjoy leftover seafood, including fish bones, with impunity. We used to take ours sailing offshore, canoeing, extended cruising, and the enjoyment was always mutual. They even knew when we were starting a tack and would get up off the windward jib sheets and head for the other side...

But so many of them are deaf.. Can't have a deaf dog on board. It is sometimes bad enough having deaf crewmembers.:eek:

[George.]

You have to pick a puppy that is not deaf. Clap your hands behind it, etc.

Estrela died at 13 1/2 years with perfect hearing - could recognize our little outboard engine coming home when it was almost a mile away. Lua is going on 14 and can still hear fairly well, although she has learned to pretend not to hear when it suits her. :D

[George.]

You have to pick a puppy that is not deaf. Clap your hands behind it, etc.

Estrela died at 13 1/2 years with perfect hearing - could recognize our little outboard engine coming home when it was almost a mile away. Lua is going on 14 and can still hear fairly well, although she has learned to pretend not to hear when it suits her. :D

[BarnacleGrim]

If the breeder hasn't already tested the puppies for unilateral and bilateral deafness you should turn around at the door. The breeder is either completely ignorant of their breed, or they are just after your money, with no regard for the dog's well-being.

[Rigadog]

http://www.kennels.co.uk/images/G.ChesapeakeBay%20Retriever.jpg

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m320/fosterhere/Tidbit/IMG_0296.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m320/fosterhere/Tidbit/IMG_0304.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m320/fosterhere/Tidbit/IMG_0738.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m320/fosterhere/Tidbit/IMG_0772.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m320/fosterhere/Tidbit/IMG_0806.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m320/fosterhere/Tidbit/IMG_0801.jpg

[RFNK]

You have to pick a puppy that is not deaf. Clap your hands behind it, etc.


Is that to spot the deaf dalmation? Breeder says it's unnecessary as they're already spotted ...:rolleyes:

[S.V. Airlie]

You have to pick a puppy that is not deaf. Clap your hands behind it, etc.

Estrela died at 13 1/2 years with perfect hearing - could recognize our little outboard engine coming home when it was almost a mile away. Lua is going on 14 and can still hear fairly well, although she has learned to pretend not to hear when it suits her. :D

Norman, on another pot mentioned a Portie which had a
" screw loose ". All I'm saying here, in part, is that certain breeds have issues. And even if a breed doesn't there can be a "screw up " genetically.

Dalmatians should be on fire trucks. Porties belong on boats.

[Liam English]

What a wonderful collection of thoughts, photos, and people, all very helpful! For RB Garr, I want to hasten to add that we are planing ahead, though I don't like how that sounds.
Dogs do bring out the responses, don't they?

Thanks for everyone's input!

[George.]

Fire trucks! My Dalmatians were traditionalists, sir! They might have enjoyed following horse-drawn fire engines, but they have always abhorred the infernal combustion engine. :D