Dogs on Ribs

[blimp]

Apols if this has been covered before (I did search .... honest).

We've finally settled on what rib we're getting (Cobra 6.65 HD) and will be collecting it in a few weeks. During the coming months we plan to be out on it a LOT. Prob is that we have a mutt here at home that we'd rather take with us when possible. He's a big aul eegit and can get a bit nervous at times (although he loves the sea when he enters it himself from beaches). Naturally we'll get him a lifejacket, but does anyone here have experience of taking their mutts ribbing? What would you suggest?

- take it easy the first few times to get him used to it?
- put him on lead and get a crewmember to hold / comfort?
- other?

... and what about paws/nails on the tubes?

Any advice gratefully received (both by myself and 'Boris')

[Gentiana]

Boris will be OK. Dogs swim well without lifejackets. Paws/claws are no problem to tubes. My two hounds: one lays still on the deck and the other runs all over the place and looks keenly out to sea, front paws on tubes. Both become very excited when dolphins are spotted. Have had to restrain the pointer in this circumstance. Have known them both to lay motionless and look off-colour in turbulent conditions.
Only potential problems that spring to mind are boarding and disembarking. The dogs need a helping hand and this can be hazardous. Would advise you to practise this initially in a safe boarding place.
Finally bear in mind that owners have died trying to 'save' their pets.

P.

[v666]

There is anarticle in this months RIB mag on just this subject.

If I was to take my dog (English Mastif) on a boat I would do a couple of 5 - 10 min trips to see how he gets on, then do some longer ones if he was OK. I would also buy him a lifejacket - dogs can drown too.

I would of thought the only real problem would be if if he gets seasick, guess that could make quite a mess .

Tim

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by v666

I would of thought the only real problem would be if if he gets seasick, guess that could make quite a mess .

Point him over the stern and let him rip

[vince]

You can buy bouency aids for dogs that have a handle on the top, makes lifting them in and out sooo much easier! Could try boating on a lake first to see if he likes it?

[blimp]

Thanks for all the tips so far ... should also point out that he's a bit of a delicate flower and has a fondness for anonymity as can be noted below ....

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by vince

You can buy bouency aids for dogs that have a handle on the top, makes lifting them in and out sooo much easier! Could try boating on a lake first to see if he likes it?

May have a few problems with a Mastiff - would make a great aux though!!!

[whiteminiman]

Whether dogs are good swimmers or not depends on their breed - although all breeds CAN swim, some are better than others.

The problems with dogs swimming is that their back end must float... if that starts to sink they will get pulled under and drown. For this reason, I'd recommend a lifejacket - and also the fact that it makes it easier to lift in a wet dog.

Get him used to the lifejacket before you go boating. Just let him wear it around the house for a short while until he's happy wearing it and doesn't try to get out of it.

The various groups that train Newfoundlands as Water Rescue Dogs recommend a large piece of VetBed - http://www.petlifeonline.co.uk/Store...etbed-Original - be put over the tubes when the dogs are getting in or out. Firstly, it protects your tubes from getting scratched, and secondly it gives the dog some grip to jump. It might also be good for him to lie on - as it'll stop him skidding around on the deck.

If he is as nervous as you make out, perhaps make a few trips out to the boat, get in it, switch the engine on and don't go anywhere. Just to let him get used to the noise and smells before he has to deal with any movement.
Remember how sensitive dogs noses are - that outboard is really going to stink to him.

Perhaps take him for a walk, put his lifejacket on, take him to the boat and start it up - making a really big fuss of him, lots of treats and praise for being chilled out about it, and ignoring him if he gets stressed out by it.

Start off with short trips on calm days and work up from there.

Hope that helps,
WMM

[osprey__viper]

Just take it a bit easy on your first few trips out. Get the dog used to it. Ours would either be up and looking around or fast asleep

[jwalker]

I bet he turns into a seadog in a short space of time.