Guide: Kayaking with Dogs & Choosing the Best Dog Kayak

Kayaking with your dog can be a great adventure for both of you. Getting your pet ready for paddling will take some prep work, but it’s more than worth it. From training your dog to love being around water, to learning best kayaks for dogs, a little bit of know-how can set you up for years of fun with your dog.

Is Your Dog Capable of, or Suitable for, Kayaking?

Some dogs make better kayaking companions than others. Making sure that your furry friend is well suited for kayaking is just as important as making sure that your kayak is suited for dogs. If your dog doesn’t have the personality for boating right away, the good news is that you can practice with them in safe environments, and build up to kayaking bit by bit.

Temperament

A dog that’s too frantic can easily become a hazard in a kayak. And while you can train your dog, there are also some personality issues to consider. Your dog may give in to distractions like anglers and waterfowl. An excited dog can tip a kayak—or take to the water to try and give chase.

Discipline 

Discipline is also important. Does your dog respond quickly to simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” “go to your place,” and “lay down”? If your dog gets stirred up, training can make the difference between a brief moment of excitement and an overturned kayak.

You should never tie your dog down in a kayak. Being tied down can become a huge problem if the boat overturns. That’s why it’s so important to know that your dog will behave on just your commands.

Comfort on the Water

Is your dog used to water? Will they tolerate a personal floatation device (a PFD, or life jacket)? Can they swim? These questions are all worth thinking about as you decide whether to take them out in a kayak. You don’t want to put your furry friend in a situation that’s going to make them miserable or unsafe.

One good indicator of how your dog might behave in a boat is how they ride in cars. If your dog is relaxed on car trips, it may mean that they’ll be alright in a kayak. If they get antsy on the road, you might need to spend a little extra time working with them before you head for the water.

Getting Your Dog Kayak Ready

Your dog will need to get used to kayaking. You’ll have to introduce them to water, and to your kayak. Even if your dog is used to boats, it’s important to make sure that they’re at ease with the specific kayak you’re going to be using. While it may take some work to get your dog ready for boating, it won’t necessarily take long. And the time that you spend, however long it lasts, will be important in keeping you and your dog safe on the water.

Practice Swimming

If your dog isn’t already comfortable with water, your first step should be to let them paddle around somewhere safe. Have them practice swimming with their personal floatation device (PFD), as well. A PFD can keep your dog safe while you fish them out of the water, so they may not strictly need to swim. But it’s still a good idea to teach them. Everyone will have a much smoother trip if your dog is already used to swimming. They can return to the kayak on their own, and relax while you pick them up and return them to their place.

Introduce Your Dog to the Kayak

Your dog will also need to practice dealing with the boat, itself. Put the boat on dry land somewhere, like the shore, or just your yard. Have your dog sit with you on the boat so that they can get used to it, without the added complication of water.

Try hiding treats in the kayak for your dog to find. Praise them for approaching or sitting in the kayak. You can also sit in the kayak and pet your dog when they come to investigate, and have them sit in the boat with you while you pet, treat, and praise them. The goal is for your dog to develop good associations with the boat. They should think of your kayak as a place where good things happen (even if it’s just a great nap!).

Develop a Boating Routine

Your dogs will have an easier time if they know what’s coming—and so will you. Develop a routine for getting in and out of the kayak. Many people have their dog enter the boat first, and then follow. When you take out, do the reverse. Exit the boat, and then call for your dog to follow.

This provides reliability and ritual, which can help dogs a lot. But it also reinforces that you are in charge of when they get in and out of the boat. If there’s a command for “leave the boat,” your dog will be less likely to engage in that behavior on their own.

Teach Your Dog Commands for Kayaking

Many basic commands become extra important on the water, and there are also specific commands that you may need to teach them just for boating purposes. Kayaking with a dog is much easier if they’re set up for good behavior.

• “Go to your place” is a great way to redirect an anxious or energetic dog. A designated mat or bed serves as the “place.” When your dog barks at a delivery truck, “Go to your place” works a lot better than just telling your dog to be quiet. It’s easier to redirect their energy than it is to get them to do nothing. In a kayak, a dog’s “place” should be soft, and comfortable. Some people use indoor/outdoor carpet. Whatever your use, your dog should know that spot belongs to them. They should enjoy being there, and they should readily return there on command.
• “Leave it” is an incredible tool for intense situations. You can teach your dog to ignore or abandon high-reward distractions by giving them something even more exciting in return. A dog that genuinely learns how to “leave it” comes across like a paragon of self-control. You’ll be grateful to have that self-control on the water.
• Teach your dog to enter the kayak with a command like “Up,” or, “Get in”.  Remember, they shouldn’t enter or exit the boat without an order from you.
• Likewise, give your dog a command for leaving. Some people use a simple “hup!” Others say “Get out,” or, “Time to leave!”
• If your dog is comfortable swimming, and the water you paddle in is safe enough to do so, you may have a command that lets your dog know they can jump out and swim around for a bit. This could be the same command you use to get them to leave the boat, or you may use a special command to make sure that they only hop into the water when you truly want them to.

Practice Putting In and Taking Out

Once your dog is obedient, comfortable with water, and familiar with your kayak, you should practice getting in and out of the water in your kayak. Have your dog enter the boat, then get in with them. Don’t push off until both of you are in the kayak together. Your presence should help reassure your dog as they adjust to the new and unusual motion of being in the water.

Your dog will probably hop out a few times, especially at first. That’s okay! That’s the whole reason that you’re taking this step by step. This is new for them. Work with them on getting in and staying in the kayak until it’s comfortable for both of you.

If your dog truly starts to freak out, it may be a good idea to give it a rest. Comfort them, reassure them, and pack it in. For this to work, your dog should be comfortable. If they associate the water with stress and fear, they’re never going to want to go boating with you. You want their first time in a kayak to be a fun experience.

Every dog is different. It may take a few practice trips before your dog “gets it”. Or, your dog may love kayaking more than anything in the world, from the very first moment. You won’t know until you try. And either way, once you get over that initial round of training, you’ve got a boating buddy for a long time.

Best Kayaks for Dogs

What to Look for in a Kayak for your dog

The best kayaks for dogs have a few things in common. For starters, you want to make sure that your dog has enough room. That means looking at kayaks with a large cockpit, or better yet, sit-on-top kayaks. You also need a stable kayak with plenty of width. That way if your pup does get excitable, your kayak is less likely to tip. Wider boats also tend to handle more weight, which is helpful when bringing along a pet.

You may even want a tandem kayak. If you go out solo, your furry best friend can have their own seat. But many tandem kayaks are roomy enough for two people and a dog, all at once. Having a second person around can make a big difference. You can split the responsibilities of paddling and looking after the dog. And if you’re a couple, tandem kayaks can even be better than separate kayaks. Many dogs like to split time between members of their family. Being in the same boat helps make sure your dog won’t jump ship on one of you to go see their other.

Malibu Two

One great, dog-friendly kayak is the Malibu Two. This tandem, sit-on-top kayak has plenty of room for you and your pet. The 12’ Malibu Two is a favorite among dog lovers for many reasons, but its spacious surface and stable tri-hull construction are chief among them.

The Malibu Two’s design lets you paddle solo from the back seat, while keeping an eye on your dog in the front seat. Your dog has plenty of room to turn around, lay down, and get settled in, so that they’re less likely to rock the kayak—and more likely to have a relaxing, fun time.

Malibu Two XL

Of course, you can also fill that second seat with a person, and still have room for your dog. But if you’d like to make sure that everyone has plenty of wiggle room, the 13’4” Malibu Two XL is large enough to comfortably accommodate everyone. But even at that size, it can still be comfortably paddled solo if you’re setting out with just your pup.

Malibu Pedal

The Malibu Pedal is a beloved fishing kayak for a reason. Built for stability and complimented by plenty of thoughtful fishing features, it has plenty of room for gear and accessories—or a dog. Being able to pedal gives you a smooth, steady ride while your hands stay free to fight fish—or to give your pup some reassuring head pats.

Best Water to Kayak with Dogs

Smooth, calm waters are best for kayaking with a dog—especially for the first time or two. Start out in a quiet lake, pond, or bay where it’s easy for your dog to swim to shore if needed.

Even after your dog is used to boating, you should probably stick to calmer waters like rivers, lakes, and creeks. What you don’t want is to take your dog into rapids or large waves. Anything that presents a higher risk of tipping should be avoided. Not to mention, the small kayaks used to tackle rapids and the narrow kayaks used for touring don’t provide the kind of room and stability that your dog needs.

Kayaking Gear Necessary for Your Dog

Kayaking with dogs requires a little more gear than paddling alone. You’ll want to take along pet supplies to make sure that you and your pooch have a safe, easy trip.

• A life vest. It’s not hard to find special PFDs for pets. These special life jackets are appropriately sized (and shaped) for your pup. Many also have a handle or strap along the back to help you lift your dog out of the water and back into your kayak.
• A leash and harness. You should never tie your dog down in your boat. But, a leash and harness are still important for the parts of your trip on land. You may wind up in a campground or park area with leash requirements. Even if your dog is well-behaved, keeping them leashed and close to you can help you protect them from other dogs that may not be.
• Food and water. Hydration is important for you, and it’s especially important for pets who can’t get up and get a drink themselves. Even if you’re going to be surrounded by water, it may not be healthy for your dog to drink. Be sure to bring plenty for the both of you—and don’t forget a bowl!
• A floor mat. Put something down on the floor to keep your dog comfortable. They’ll be spending a lot of time sitting and laying down, and they don’t like to sit on hard plastic any more than you do. Some people use indoor/outdoor carpet for this.
• Medical supplies. Did you know dogs can get sunburned? On top of other essentials, you and your dog both need sunscreen. Bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and other first aid for  small injuries can be useful if your dog has sensitive feet, or hurts themselves walking along rocky river bottoms.
• Musher’s booties. Any open water swimmer might scrape the riverbed and cut their feet. Dogs are no exception. Musher’s booties can help hold bandages in place if your dog gets cut, as well as offer further foot protection.
• Dog toys. Dogs need stimulation, and your pet won’t be paddling like you are. Something to squeak or chew on can help keep them entertained, and help them work through any bouts of nervousness or energy that they might experience.
• Dog treats. Having dog treats on hand is important. Constantly reinforcing the behavior that you want to see is a cornerstone of training your dog. Positive reinforcement creates trust, and ingrains behaviors better than punishment. Show your dog constantly what you expect from them—even if that’s just “sitting quietly”—by rewarding them for good behaviors. You can treat less and less once your dog learns the ropes. But it’s still nice to be rewarded every now and then.
• A towel. You probably don’t want a wet dog hopping into your car at the end of your trip. A dog-friendly towel (possibly in a dry bag) is a smart addition to any kayak trip with your dog.
• Bags. Eventually, nature will call. You’ll need to clean up after your dog, which will either mean burying it safely or bagging it up to carry it out.

Tips for Kayaking with Your Dog

By now, you know how to get your dog ready for kayaking, what kind of kayaks to look for, where to go, and what to bring. Is there anything else to keep in mind when paddling with your pup?

Be a Strong Paddler

You want your dog to keep the kayak from rocking too much. You owe them the same courtesy. Long, steady strokes and an easy ride will help your dog have a great float.

Pack Well

You wouldn’t like it if your snacks got soggy, and your pooch probably doesn’t enjoy wet kibble. Use watertight containers and dry bags to make sure that things stay fresh and dry.

Know How to Handle Tipping Over

Whether you’re kayaking with dogs or just paddling by yourself, sometimes kayaks tip. But bringing dogs into the mix means that there’s more to deal with than simply re-entering your kayak. Here are some tips for dealing with tipping:

• Find your dog and hold them close
• Swim back towards your kayak. Keep your dog with you, and talk to them reassuringly. You don’t want to panic them by being angry or sounding upset. As far as your pooch is concerned, the two of you are just out for a swim together. There’s no reason for them to think anything else.
• Get your kayak set back up. This may mean flipping it so that it’s right side up again, or putting your paddle back into the boat.
• Get your dog into the kayak. Put their paws up onto the boat and push them in. Keep them calm and reassured. They may not understand why they’re in the kayak and you aren’t.
• Once your dog is secure, you can pull yourself into the kayak. (If your dog is too anxious, or if you find it easier, you can enter the kayak yourself first, and then pull your dog up by the strap on the back of their life vest. But many people like to know that their dog is safe before they tackle re-entering for themselves.)

Know How to Handle Your Dog Jumping Out

How you handle an unauthorized swim will affect what happens in the future. If your dog jumps out (or falls out), be ready to retrieve them.

• Stay calm, but use a firm tone as you paddle to them, telling them to “get in the boat”.
• Keep your paddle out of the way so that you don’t hit them on accident.
• Grab them by the strap of their life jacket and haul them in.
• If they don’t have a life vest, pull their body parallel to the side of your kayak. Then reach around their bag, and place your hand on their chest between their front legs. Scoop them up into the kayak.
• Once they’re in the kayak, they’re probably going to be scared—too scared to remember how they got into the water in the first place. Now is not the time to punish them. Instead, reward them for coming back to you. If it happens again, you need them to remember that good things happen when they come back instead of fearing punishment. That makes it much easier to retrieve them in the future.

Paddle with Your Pooch

Training and safety can take some effort, but it’s well worth it to kayak with your dog. Find a stable, sit-on-top kayak. Make sure they listen when you tell them to sit, stay, and lie down. Deck them out with a life vest, and hit the water. Kayaking with dogs is a great way to bond, and a great chance for them to experience something new and different.