How to Sail With Large Dogs on a Boat?


We have a 3 year old Labradoodle named Layla. I was wondering what it would be like to sail with a large dog so I did some research and learned a lot of excellent pointers and considerations some of which are for short trips while others pertain to longer or liveaboard sailing.

So how do you sail with large dogs on your boat? Sailing with large dogs on a boat requires careful planning, some training and in many ways is different than sailing with small dogs. What I learned is that as long as you have adequately planned and prepared, it is not only doable, but bringing a large dog on a sailing trip will make a great trip even more memorable.

Potty Training a Big Dog on Your Boat

Potty training is very important and should be done ahead of time and before spending any considerable time on the boat. If your dog doesn’t adapt to going in the designated area on the boat, it can develop a bladder infection by not going to the bathroom (holding it too long).

How to Potty Train Your Dog for Being on the Boat?

Potty training your dog for being on the boat takes patience and determination. Some doges will take to it right away and others may take some time. One such method for extended stays involves bringing a mat that the dog learns to use for bathroom activities. Most dogs do not like to go to the bathroom in or around their living areas, so this can be a challenge, especially on smaller boats. Potty training takes lots of patience for both the trainer and the pooch, but with time and repetition, most dogs can and will learn to go on the boat.

Dogs are Great Conversation Starters

Having a large dog on a sailing trip can be an ice breaker when meeting others on land. So many people are attracted to large dogs, you will most likely get some attention and have an instant conversation starter. Who knows, bringing the dog on a sailing trip may even lead to new friendships.

Big Dog Boat Safety

Big dogs require special safety consideration. Depending on your sailboat, you may need to line the railings with netting to keep Fido in the boat especially when keeling and in heavy seas. The last thing you want to do is have to do a doggy overboard retrieval of your retriever. It is also recommended to fit your pet with a life jacket so that in the case of an overboard event or a dinghy boarding gone bad, they are able to float while you figure out how to get them back in the boat. If your dog loves the water (and even if it doesn’t) you should have them practice swimming and boarding the boat while wearing the life jacket. Getting on/off some boats will be much easier than others. Make sure you have a plan (and keep reading).

How to Get a Large Dog On and Off the Boat or Dinghy?

This is a very important consideration, with a big dog as you will be making regular land visits for exercise and bathroom runs. When docked in a marina, the gangway may be just fine. When anchoring or on a mooring and with choppy seas, your challenge just increased. One cruiser’s large Labrador retriever wears a harness and gets raised and lowered in and out of the dinghy using the dinghy block and tackle. Another I read about uses the boom with block and tackle.

Skid Proof Your Dog

Even though the boat may be skid proof for humans, dog feet are different. First, keep their nails clipped. If you can hear the nails when they walk on the boat, then they may be too long. Long nails work great on land, but may increase the risk of slipping on the boat. You may want to consider putting booties for your dog when on the boat. This is something that you really need to think through ahead of time. Have a retrieval plan, just in case.

A Large Dog Can be a Great Watch Dog

Even if your dog is super friendly, having a big dog on board your boat can be a deterrent to would-be thieves. If your dog barks when people come to the door at your home, they most likely will bark when strangers approach your boat. I know our dog sounds vicious, but only barks to get attention and will be your best friends as soon as you pet her.

Big Dogs Eat a Lot of Food

If you are planning an extended sailing trip, then you will need to bring an adequate amount of food. Even if your sailing destination has grocery stores which may sell dog food, changing food on a sailing trip may not be advisable. I recommend sticking with the food your pet is already used to. Food storage also needs to be thought about. Storage is typically a premium on most boats, think about breaking the food down into smaller quantities (like in gallon zip lock bags or in resealable containers) which may be easier than packing a giant 50 LB bag of dogfood.

Is Your Destination Pet Friendly?

A destination that is pet friendly may be an important consideration when planning your trip. Some locations may have better areas to walk or run your dog than others. Once again, a little bit of research before you go can help make your trip more enjoyable for you and your dog.

How Much Exercise Does Your Large Dog Need?

You will need to plan exercise stops for your pooch. Small dogs can run around the deck of the boat, but large breeds need more time on land. Know your dog. If he or she is used to running a few miles a day, then know they are going to need plenty of exercise (long walks or runs). If yours is lazy or older, then your salty dog may not need as many stops. On the boat, you may be able to wrestle with a large dog for exercise while out sailing. One cruiser plays a game where they hide treats and the dog needs to find them. Running back and forth, sniffing out the treats provides a little exercise and entertainment for the pet.

Consider Your Dogs Personality

Every dog is different. What works for one boater and their large dog may not work for you. Know your dogs personality and adapt your plan accordingly.

Most Large Dogs Shed

Even though our labradoodle and many types of poodles and doodles do not shed, most breeds of dogs small and large will shed. You need to think about your dog and your boat and have a hair plan. How much does it shed? How do you clean your boat? How can you keep the dog hair in check. Routine grooming and brushing may certainly help, but there will be hair management that will need to be done. Of course, you can certainly do this with a broom and dust pan or perhaps you will carry a small hand held vacuum cleaner. One excellent point given is to not sweep or dispose of the hair while sailing (or motoring). The wind may blow the hair back into the boat and into your face (not pleasant).

Checking in to a New Country

If you are planning to cross international boarders make sure to do your research on what is required to bring your dog into that country. You will most likely need a letter from your veterinarian that says your pet is healthy and is up to date on all of its shots and vaccines. Some countries may even require your pet to be put in quarantine for 24 or 48 hours. In any event, you will need to plan for extra time, red tape and challenges when checking in a pet in a foreign country.

Vetinary Considerations

If your pet takes any special medications and you are planning a long sailing trip, make sure that you can get prescriptions filled where you are going. Some medications may not be available everywhere. Once again, do your homework and know ahead of time what is required.

Other Considerations, Gear and Gadgets for Salty Sailing Dogs

1. Dog bed. Think about where your dog is going to sleep on the boat. You want them to be comfortable. A blanket or towels may be sufficient, but a portable dog bed in another option. Consider having the sleep on it at home prior to sailing so they are used to it. Dogs like familiarity.
2. Sunscreen for your dog. Yes, even dogs can get sunburned. And yes, there are special sunscreens made for dogs that are lick proof. Pay special attention to ears, nose and belly.
3. Spill-proof water bowl. It may be a challenge to keep water in your pets bowl while sailing and it is important for your pet to stay hydrated. Fortunately there are spill proof travel bowls available on-line and at most pet supply stores.
4. Boat ramps and ladders for dogs. Having the right ramp and ladder for your pet will make boarding the boat much easier. There are special ramps and ladders made for boarding and climbing out of the water.
5. Portable pet potty. This was covered in the article above, but pet potty products are available. Make sure the one you purchase is a good fit for your pet and your boat. Look for traveling ones that may work better than those made for apartments or homes. Consider one with a skid-proof bottom.

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