Adventurous dog owners, this one’s for you.

Have you ever considered taking your dog kayaking?

We took Gus kayaking with us a month or so ago and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s not that I was worried. I just had no idea how Gus would react. Would he jump out? Would we tip over? Dogs are a bit of a wild card. Amiright?

Before John and I met, he kayaked with Gus and assured me that Gus loved it—which kind of surprised me because Gus has a LOT of random fears. Empty Amazon boxes. Watering cans on the deck. The treadmill. New dog beds. New tile flooring. So yeah. He’s an easily spooked, Old English Bulldog. Plus, he hates bath time. Yet, somehow, the idea of kayaking does not fill him with terror.

So, we took him out on our massive tandem kayak, and sure enough, he loved it. The entire time, he sat between us, enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, and people watching. His sweet adventure spirit was a joy to watch, too!

This video shows it all 🤍

Have I sold you on kayaking with your dog yet? If yes, keep reading because I have some tips for you.

But first, let me answer this question:

Is It Safe to Kayak with a Dog?

Yes. Absolutely! With proper preparation, you and your dog can kayak together and have a fun and safe adventure on the water. My tips below will help!

Best Practices for Kayaking with Your Dog

1. Go Kayaking Without Your Dog First

If you’ve never kayaked before, I recommend trying it without your dog first. Make sure you like kayaking. Make sure you know what you’re doing. Make sure you have the right equipment.

And then try it with your dog. You’ll be far more prepared if you feel confident and comfortable with this activity first.

2. Your Dog Needs to Wear a Lifejacket Just Like You

Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, use a doggie life jacket. This way, if your dog does jump or fall in the water, you know they’ll be safe. The waves might be rough. Your dog might feel tired or disoriented. You might not be able to get to them right away. It’s best to be prepared.

If you don’t have a life vest for your dog, Google “life jackets for dogs” or “dog life vest” and you’ll see lots of options. Gus’ life jacket is older, otherwise I’d link it here. The brand is Outward Hound.

Whichever brand you choose, look for a design with at least one handle! Read on to learn why.

3. Bring Water for Your Dog on the Kayak

Don’t expect that your dog will be able to lap water over the side of the kayak. They might try, of course, but that could cause tipping or your dog might slip off.

Our dog, Gus, drinks from a water bottle if we pour the water out like a drinking fountain. (Watch the video below to see how he does it!) Another option would be to bring a small, collapsible bowl you can set on the kayak and fill with water. Either way, don’t forget to keep your dog—and yourself—hydrated.

4. Find the Right Spot for Your Dog to Sit on the Kayak

Make sure your dog has enough room to sit. If he or she is uncomfortable, they will likely shift around more and that will affect your stability—and their chance of jumping or sliding off.

Options:

• Have your dog sit on a flatter surface of the kayak.
• Let your pup sit in the recessed cockpit area with you. A small breed could likely fit on your lap.
• If you have a tandem kayak, put your dog in the second seat.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to know your dog’s tendencies and preferences. It is also important to factor in your own movement to ensure your dog’s position does not limit you from paddling.

John and I have a tandem kayak with flat space between the seats. Gus is a medium sized dog, so that spot worked perfectly for him.

5. Be Prepared to Get Wet When You Kayak with Your Dog

If your furry pal loves water, there is always a chance they will unexpectedly try to swim. And, of course, a kayak can easily flip, even without a dog. Be sure to take precautions and plan for the worst case scenario, just in case.

And even if your kayak stays upright and your pup doesn’t fall or jump into the water, remember that you will get wet while getting in and out of the kayak. Pack some towels for the car ride home.

What to Do If Your Dog Falls in the Water

Are you prepared if your dog does jump or fall in?

Having an action plan is important—again, just in case. I asked John for help with this one since he has far more experience kayaking with Gus than I do. And here’s what he said:

1. If your dog ends up in the water, don’t panic.
2. Encourage your dog to stay close to the kayak.
3. If you’re near the shore, make your way there and coax your dog to follow you or grab onto the life jacket if you can reach it. This is why a life jacket with handles comes in handy!
4. If you’re not near the shore, attempt to get your dog back into the kayak without flipping.
   • Using a tandem kayak? Have one person stabilize by putting an oar in the water. Then, the other person can try to help your dog.
   • Kayaking alone? Do your best to pull your dog back up into the kayak while also stabilizing the kayak in the water.
   • If your dog’s life jacket does have a handle along the back, use that to pull your dog up and help guide your dog to any recessed areas of the kayak for more leverage.
5. Unable to get your dog in the kayak? Head toward the nearest shoreline and have your dog follow you. If you can’t get your dog to follow those orders, or you’re concerned they’re not keeping up, try helping them along by holding onto their life jacket however you can. Take breaks as needed.

If you do get separated from your dog, you may need to jump in the water; however, use this as a last resort option. One way or another, just stay calm, try what you can, and go with the flow.

How to Get Your Dog to Stay in a Kayak

After reading the above tips, you might be thinking, “Okay, so how do I prevent my dog from jumping or falling out of the kayak?”

Valid question. Depending on your dog’s personality, they may naturally be more calm or less inclined to want to swim. If that’s not the case, here’s what I suggest:

• Pay attention to your dog. Pet them. Talk to them. Keep ’em happy and calm.
• Also, pay attention to your dog’s signals. Do they see something in the water? Does it look like they’re ready to launch? This could help you anticipate a potential dog overboard situation.
• Divert their attention back to you if they seem distracted by something else.
• Use any commands you know they usually listen to. Sit. Stay. No. Repeat as necessary.
• Grab onto that life jacket handle so they feel resistance and maybe more stability.
• Bring treats to use as needed.

Every dog and situation is different, which means none of these tips are foolproof or one-size-fits-all. Still, I hope you feel inspired and more prepared to take your dog kayaking if this is something you’ve been curious to try.

And if you do attempt a kayaking adventure, let me know how it goes—or feel free to share your own tips in the comments.