Canoeing with dogs

[shane_c]

Does anyone have any experience with taking their pooch in the canoe with them? We'd rather get kayaks but don't like leaving the dogs (2 huskies) at home on the weekends since they are home alone all week when we're at work. It would also be cheaper to get a canoe. I'm wondering if it would be possible for 2 people and 2 dogs to go in a canoe. They are about 45 lbs each. I would get some of those things that attach to the side for extra stability.

[FlamesKickAss]

I would think it depends on the dog, I know i tried to take my dogs rafting and they wouldnt stay in the boat because it wasnt very stable.

[FlamesGirl]

I'd recommend getting a life jacket for your dogs, as a "just in case". Some dogs swim better than others and even the best swimmers will eventually tire. I know one guy who takes his dog canoeing/kayaking and he always has a bright orange life jacket on him so he not only gets help swimming, but he's also easier to spot if he goes overboard.

[Delthefunky]

Just let them swim along side... that way they'll get some excercise. Make sure they don't eat a big meal before hand.

Just kidding of course. I would take them out on a "practice run" and see how they act before heading down some class 5's. But they should be fine.

[Clarkey]

I did, I won't do it again. They try to perch up on the side and it puts you at a danger of tipping. I've had one in a raft floating down the bow and that was fine.

[Superfraggle]

depends on the dog. I know some who go and love it. Weight will only be an issue if they unbalance it like Clarkey's dogs. I'd say rent a canoe if you don't already own one first, and take them on a couple small, safe trial runs first.

[AvsJerk]

One of my buddies used to run class 4 rapids with his Saint Bernard in a white-water canoe w/ float bags...would I recommend it? No. Pretty awesome to see though. Be careful with dogs in rivers...a neoprene vest with handles would be helpful...write all contact info on the vest with a Sharpie marker...dog collars and rivers are a bad combination.

edit: Look at hunting vests that have loops built into the vest (more like flaps). Handles are just as dangerous as collars in water. Many of the hunting vests also have re-enforced chest areas to protect against sticks/logs and other river junk.

[moncton golden flames]

i brought my labrador out on a canoe this summer. she constantly tried to get closer to the water...go figure. eventually she settled down and was ok. i wouldn't want to do it for more than a half hour or so.

[DownhillGoat]

For a second there the thread title reminded me of a blind double date I had...

+1 for the life jacket. I've been rafting with a dog before, but never in a canoe. Not sure how that would work.