If you love kayaking and want to go with your dog, then consider choosing a dog-friendly kayak. We usually go with our dogs almost everywhere. You can take your dog to your hiking trip, to the beach and much more. There is nothing stopping you from taking your dog to kayaking. All that you need is a good dog’s kayak to accommodate you and your dog safely.
The biggest worry for most people is usually their safety and that of their dog. However, that should not be the case with a dog-friendly kayak. With a suitable kayak, you and your Fido can explore new sights in the waters safely. Before teaching your dog to swim and acclimatize to water conditions, you need to find a quality kayak. This is the most important step at safe kayaking with your dog.
The market is filled with a wide range of dog kayaks. While you can use just any kayak in the waters, you need to consider your dog. The dog needs to feel comfortable and ease on the kayak to avoid any accidents. In this post, they are going to help you choose the best kayak for dogs. Here are some of the major things to consider when choosing a dog kayak:
Features to consider When Choosing a Dog Kayak
Size
This is by far the most crucial consideration as dogs take a lot of space in the kayak. The kayak must be large enough to fit you and your dog. Dogs love to stretch out, so make sure you give it ample space. Most dogs will change positions as you paddle around. This is only possible if they have enough space to turn. A small kayak will keep your dog positioned on the same place, making them feel stiff and unease.
The ideal choice kayak is usually a tandem kayak to comfortably accommodate your dog. With a big kayak, you can spend more time in the waters without getting tired easily. You can only use a solo kayak if you have a very small breed of dog. When considering the size of the kayak, make sure you consider space for gears and accessories. If you’re going swimming with your kayak, then make sure you consider space for the captured fish.
Stability
The kayak selected needs to be relatively stable to keep you and your dog safe. The last thing you want is seeing your dog wobble all over the kayak trying to find balance. A stable kayak gives you peace of mind. You can paddle without any worries and enjoy your time in the waters. When the kayak is unstable, chances are your dog will get scared and jump off. There are also chances of overturning and falling in the waters. This is dangerous for you and your kayak, especially if you don’t know how to swim.
It is advised that you and your kayak train how to swim on calm waters before heading into the kayak. Once you’re sure your dog can safely swim off-shore, you can get it on the kayak. Never assume that everything will run smoothly. Always prepare for the worst but hope for the best.
High sides
While you cannot enclose your dog on the kayak, you can still keep it contained. Make sure you choose a kayak with high sides to keep your dog safe and prevent it from falling. Dogs are easily excited when they see something funny. They can easily jump or fall over at the excitement without knowing they are in danger. Having your dog sit or stand on a kayak with high sides enhances their safety in the waters. Getting a sit-on kayak is highly recommended as it comes with high ends on both sides. These types of kayaks usually feature an open cockpit allowing your dog to be safe.
However, be prepared to get wet as you will be at the top with legs probably dangling in the waters. This should not be a big deal as long as your dog is safe.
Durability
This is another important feature to consider when buying any type of kayak. The kayak needs to be durable to withstand the extreme elements in the waters. Kayaks are usually made of different materials and choosing one that will serve you for long is recommended. You need to consider scratch-proof materials, especially if your dog has claws.
Easy to paddle
Well, your dog is not going to help you paddle but enjoy the ride and the breeze of the waters. This, coupled with the dog’s added weight, can make paddling a little difficult. This is why it is recommended that you get a dog’s kayak that is pretty easy to paddle.
Other considerations
Apart from looking at the kayak, you also need to consider your breed size. You cannot choose a suitable kayak for your dog without taking into considerations your dog size. If you have a small breed, then choose a solo kayak. However, you’re going to need a bigger tandem kayak for large dog breeds. Your comfort and that one of your dog are quite important for enjoyable moments in the waters. If the kayak feels uncomfortable, then you’re going not going to spend over an hour in the waters before coming out.
The most suitable dog kayak needs to have features that allow you to keep your paddles safely. Look for kayaks with rod and paddle holders for hands-free use when you’re not paddling. The kayak needs to be easy to get on and off without straining. This also ensures you and your dog can get in and out without any help.
Conclusion
Choosing a kayak that accommodates you and your dog is never difficult if you know features to consider. The first day in the waters is usually the difficult one, but once the dog gets used to being on the kayak, things will move on smoothly. You will never leave your dog behind when going kayaking once you have the right choice kayak. Make sure you follow our simple tips and guidelines above to select a kayak carefully.