How Do You Introduce A Dog To Paddle Boarding (The Simple Way)

If you want to bring your dog on your next paddle boarding adventure, you’ll need to figure out how to introduce her to paddle boarding.

Dogs love to be active, and paddle boarding is a great activity. However, dogs need to know how to swim first. If your dog isn’t a good swimmer, she may panic and swim to shore.

Your dog needs to become a proficient swimmer first. But paddle boarding isn’t a sport that you can simply teach your dog after a few minutes. Dogs need to be trained before they’re allowed on paddle boards.

In this article, I’ll explain how to introduce your dog to paddle boarding. I’ll also tell you what you’ll need to do to prepare your dog.

Here’s The Answer To How Do You Introduce A Dog To Paddle Boarding

If you’re a dog owner, you may wonder if you can include your furry friend in your water activities. Paddleboarding with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore new surroundings together.

If you’re considering taking your dog paddle boarding, keep these tips in mind. It’s essential to make sure your dog is comfortable sitting. Your dog should sit on the mat or pad in the middle of the board.

If your dog is small, you may also want to try kneeling on the board next to your dog to help them feel more secure. If your dog is larger, you may want to try standing on the board next to them.

Introduce your dog to the water once they feel secure sitting on the board. If paddle boarding in fresh water, having your dog wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket is a good idea.

This will help them stay afloat if they fall off the board. If you’re paddle boarding in salt water, you may not need a PFD or life jacket for your dog, but it’s always a good idea to have one on hand, just in case.

Start Slow, Don’t Push The Dog Too Hard

When introducing your dog to paddle boarding, it’s important to start slow and not push them too hard. You want to make sure they are at ease and enjoying themselves. Here are a few tips:

• Let them practice using the paddle board on dry land to start. Let them investigate and smell it.
• Use a special command to get your dog’s attention while on the paddle board.
• Choose the right board for your dog. A beginner board with good traction is ideal.
• Make sure the body of water is calm, and there are no waves.
• Practice on dry land first. Before taking your dog out on the lake, get them acquainted with the paddle board.
• Don’t push the dog too hard.
• Don’t push the dog too fast.
• Don’t push the dog too far from the land; it might be safer for everyone involved if you get into trouble.

Let The Dog Smell The Paddle Board

Now let the dog smell the paddle board. You must do this in a safe, quiet place where he will be able to take his time and get used to it. You don’t want him running off with your paddle board while trying to teach him how to find it.

Once your dog is comfortable with the paddle board, it’s time to make the connection. You want to start by rewarding good behavior with a paddle board session. This will help your dog associate paddling with good things.

For example, if you’re trying to get your dog out on the water and they’re being a little bit naughty, put them on a beginner paddle board and give them a treat when they behave nicely (and stay on their board).

Make Sure The Dog Is Comfortable Around Water, And That It Knows How To Swim

The first step to introducing your pooch to paddle boarding is ensuring it’s comfortable around water. If you have a dog not familiar with being near the water, start with a pool and slowly work your way into the ocean.

If you notice any signs of fear or hesitation, take extra care not to push your pup too far too fast. It’s also essential that your dog is comfortable swimming before bringing it out on a board.

Dogs can drown in just a few feet of water if they panic and start splashing around wildly (especially if they’re wearing a life jacket).

Make sure Fido can swim before taking him out onto open waters if you decide to take him on an afternoon paddle boarding expedition.

Introducing The Dog To The Paddle Board In Shallow Water

If your dog is already comfortable with the water, introducing them to paddle boarding can be a little bit easier. Begin by paddling in shallow water next to your dog.

Allow them to get a good feel for the board before moving on to deeper waters. Ensure you always have treats handy to motivate your pup during their paddling sessions.

Remember, it’s important not to push Fido too fast, as they may get scared and swim away from you. If this happens, calmly paddle after him until he’s back on board with a treat.

Put A Leash On The Dog And Hold Onto It While You Paddle

Your next step is to put a leash on the dog and hold onto it while you paddle. The dog should be free to swim around on the leash, but it should be long enough to keep him close to you (you don’t want him swimming out into deeper water).

Make sure both hands are available to control the board and maintain a constant watch on the dog. Some dogs won’t take well to this boarding method, so if yours does not enjoy being near or in water, consider another method for introducing them.

If you are working with a small dog that does not weigh much or is very small, you may be able to carry them onto the board (with their leash still attached) so that they can stand on top of it.

However, this can be dangerous if done incorrectly as it could cause injury or fall off balance as soon as any movement occurs.

In most cases, though, if your dog doesn’t want anything to do with paddle boarding at first, then don’t push them into doing something they don’t want.

Take Off The Leash And Let The Dog Swim Freely Around Your Paddle Board

• Remove the leash and allow the dog to swim around your paddle board.
• Let the dog swim around you and the paddle board, keeping an eye on him at all times to ensure he’s having fun and isn’t getting too tired.

Give The Dog Treats As A Reward For Good Behavior

As you give the dog treats to encourage good behavior, you can also use treats to reward when the dog performs well. When your dog does something you like, let it know with a treat.

Not only will your pup learn what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t, but he’ll also get used to receiving rewards for doing things right.

Treats are a terrific approach to reinforce excellent behavior in your dog because they are substantial enough to satisfy his appetite without filling him up too quickly.

Don’t Let Your Dog Get Distracted By Other Dogs/People/Objects

You don’t want your dog distracted by other dogs, people, or objects while on the board. Here are some ideas to keep them concentrated:

• Don’t let your dog see another dog in the water. If you do, it can cause them to lose focus and potentially try to swim after the other dog. Keep your eyes peeled for dogs that may be nearby, and be prepared if they come snooping around your paddle boarding area.
• If other people are on boats around you, try not to let your dog see them too much. This might make them want to jump into the water after them!

When You’re Done Paddling, Make Sure To Dry Off Your Dog Thoroughly

• Dry your dog off thoroughly. Use a towel to pat them down, or use a hair dryer on low heat if that’s what you have available.
• Don’t let the dog shake off in the water or until it is completely dry. If you have time, keep the dog out of the water until after its full shower (this will take about 15 minutes).
• Don’t let your pet play in the water until at least 30 minutes after removing it from the paddle board.

Practice! Practice! Practice!

You’ll get better at paddle boarding with your dog the more you practice, so it’s best to start on a calm day. Before going on your first paddle with your dog, keep the following in mind:

• Ensure that your dog feels at ease in the water.
• Be mindful of their safety and make sure they don’t get tangled up in lines or hooks
• Remember that most dogs love being on the water, but some might not like it as much as others (you can’t tell until you try).

The best way to introduce a dog to paddle boarding is by incorporating it into an already fun activity, don’t just go out one day and say, “Hey, there’s this new sport I want us both to try!”.

Instead, try swimming or playing fetch before giving them the option of going out on the board with you. If they don’t seem interested at first, then don’t worry.

Just keep doing what you do typically while keeping tabs on whether they enjoy being near the water or not.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Introducing A Dog To A Paddle Board?

Introducing your dog to paddle boarding is one of the best ways to keep them exercised and tired. Paddleboarding gives you both an opportunity to exercise and bond with your dog, two things that are very important in any relationship.

Not only will you be able to get your exercise in while spending time with your pet, but they will also be getting plenty of activity. This makes it a great way to stay healthy and active together.

You may also find that if you introduce paddle boarding at an early age, it helps improve their obedience over time because they become more comfortable working along with you on the water

Enjoyable Excitement For Your Dog

Paddle boarding is a fun, exciting new way to enjoy the outdoors. Your dog will be stimulated, engaged, and interested in everything you see and do on your paddle board.

While paddling down the river, your dog can look up at you with excitement as they anticipate what’s next. It is understandable how they could become engrossed in the excitement.

Mental And Physical Exercise For Your Dog

You’re probably wondering how paddle boarding with your dog will help strengthen their muscles and bones, right? It turns out that paddling is just what they need.

The best way for them to get exercise is by simply being present on the board with you. So when you’re paddling around in the water or just hanging out on land (if there’s enough space), bring along some toys for both of you.

Whether fetching sticks or other objects floating in the water or chasing after various people walking nearby, these distractions keep your pup from getting bored and giving up from exhaustion too quickly (which is inevitable).

If possible, try to vary where and how long each trip lasts so that both humans and canines remain interested. Always remember: It’s important because it provides physical activity and mental stimulation, promoting better overall health among all creatures, great and small.

What Is The Best Age For Introducing Dogs To Paddle Boarding?

The best age to introduce your dog to paddle boarding is when they’re young. Their desire to learn and flexibility will make the process smoother, but even older dogs can eventually master this sport.

Never be scared to experiment with your dog. While some things can be done with a puppy (like training), it’s safe to say that most of these tips won’t work as well with dogs under six months old.

Conclusion

Dogs are often fearful of water, so it is recommended that they be introduced gradually to the water. This includes the paddle board. Therefore, it is essential to introduce the dog slowly.

An excellent way to introduce the dog to paddle boarding is to put the board in a pool or pond first, so the dog gets used to the idea of the water. Then, slowly bring the board near the dog. 

Dogs have an instinct to chase away or attack things when they aren’t familiar with those things. Therefore, focusing the dog’s attention on you is vital instead of the paddle board.

Playing with the dog and keeping it close by will help prevent inadvertent contact between the canine and the paddle board. 

So there, you have everything you need to know about introducing a dog to paddle boarding. Be sure to return to our website to read the latest blog postings. 

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