| For many of us, our dogs are members of our | | | | boating setup from your local pet store. It is also a |
| families. When we take the family boating, it is | | | | good idea to make sure that the dog goes to the |
| natural to want to bring the dog as well. The dog | | | | bathroom before you set out. Be sure also to bring |
| likely agrees, and would be offended and upset to be | | | | plastic bags and a trash container so that you can |
| left out of a fun family day. | | | | clean up after the dog. |
| Taking a dog boating is not as difficult as it sounds. | | | | 3. Bring plenty of food and water: It is better to |
| Most dogs do great on boats and enjoy the | | | | have too much food and water than your dog can |
| experience. Having a dog on a boat is a fine choice | | | | use on the trip, rather than not enough. This is |
| so long as you are prepared ahead of time. | | | | especially true of water; on a hot day on the water, |
| 1. Dog-proof the boat: Take a dog's eye view of the | | | | your dog will need to drink quite a bit. Have a bowl |
| boat and gear. If you see anything that would hurt | | | | on hand and enough water to fill it as often as the |
| the dog, it needs to be safely stored. | | | | dog wants to drink. The bowl doesn't have to stay |
| All gear should also be stowed, as should anything | | | | full, but provide drinking water at least every |
| sharp, in the correct container. Fishing hooks are | | | | half-hour. |
| especially dangerous. You also want to protect the | | | | The rules for food are similar. Have more than you |
| boat from the dog. Look around for items the dog | | | | think you will need, and feed the dog as it is hungry. |
| could disturb or break, and put these items away | | | | 4. Get a doggie flotation device: These items are |
| safely. | | | | easy to find. You can buy them at pet stores, in |
| 2. Designate a specific potty area: You can be | | | | boating supply stores, online, etc. Choose a style that |
| low-tech, and use taped- or weighted-down | | | | has a handle on the back, as this makes it easier to |
| newspapers to show the dog where to do its | | | | pull the dog out of the water if it goes overboard. |
| business, or if you prefer you can purchase a special | | | | |