Should I Take My Dog Kayaking?
and How to Introduce Them
San Francisco and Marin counties have some of the best and most varied kayaking spots in the U.S. You can travel down scenic rivers or venture into the open ocean — but can you bring your dog with you?
Like any kind of vacation or outdoor activity with a dog, the answer can be complicated and is greatly influenced by the kind of training your dog has.
Let’s dig in:
Can I take my dog kayaking with me?
It depends; there are a few things to consider first before taking your dog kayaking:
Is it legal to bring your dog where you’re going? Not all parks and nature preserves allow dogs, and most that do require them to be leashed. Check the website for the park you’re planning to visit to see if they allow dogs, and familiarize yourself with the rules dog owners are expected to follow. If you’re booking a kayaking trip through a tour company, make sure to call beforehand to ask about their pet policies.
Have you prepared for a safe trip? There are a lot of safety concerns when bringing a dog on a kayak, but in general, it’s going to be safest when:
You are an experienced kayaker, proficient in self-rescue techniques
Your dog is comfortable in and on the water
Your dog has a well-fitting life jacket
Your dog is around 50lbs or under
Your dog is fully vaccinated and microchipped
Your kayak is roomy and rated for the weight of you and your dog
You only travel with one dog at a time
Your route allows for bathroom breaks at least every 4 hours
Will your dog enjoy a kayaking trip? Some dogs enjoy exploring new places and experiencing new things, and others are fierce defenders of the couch. If you’ve got one of the former breeds, they might really enjoy getting to cruise down a river with you. If you’re not sure, it’s never advised to jump straight into the kayak with a dog. Try the first few steps of the introduction and see how they like it, and go from there.
Have more of a couch hound than a water warrior?
You might need an in-home pet sitter for this kayaking trip instead.
How should I introduce a dog to kayaking?
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that this is a slow process. It’s not something that can be done in a weekend (unless your dog is already a good swimmer). If you rush through the introduction, you could create potentially life-threatening situations for your dog or a lifelong fear of the water.
Step #1: Safety first. | Get your dog a life vest before you even approach the water. Have them wear it on walks and around the house until it becomes part of the normal routine. This is also when you should start learning dog CPR and first aid.
Step #2: Baby steps. | If you have a city dog that’s never been to the beach, you need to start especially slow. Get a kiddie pool and let them explore it dry before adding a few inches of warm water. Encourage them to splash around and play in it. Then gradually add a little more water every day until they’re comfortable walking in knee-deep water.
Step #3: Wading walks. | Find a location (beach, lake, or pool — running water is not recommended yet) where dogs are allowed in the water. Get your dog on a short leash and in their life vest before going for a walk in the shallow water. They should only be up to their chest at first; let them gain confidence before encouraging them to swim.
Step #4: Dog paddling. | If your dog is enjoying the process so far, encourage them to explore deeper water and try swimming. You can use floating toys to help engage them. Remain close to them and stay in water that’s shallow enough for you to stand.
Step #5: Introducing floating. | Once your dog is a confident swimmer, the hard part is mostly over. But making sure they have positive associations with boats and the experience of floating is still important. Depending on the size of your dog, you could start with a large plastic tub and pull them along slowly in the shallow water. Make sure they know they’ll be expected to follow commands (like sit or stop) while on their new fun ride.
Step #6: Introduce the kayak. | Let them get to know the actual vessel they’ll be traveling in first on land; most people start in their backyard or living room. You can pretend to paddle and train them to sit still while you do so. Then try it out in shallow, still water. Check that they have traction to walk; you may need to add textured tape on slick surfaces. You may also want to give them a rug or a waterproof dog bed to sit on for the trip.
Step #7: Boat exposure training. | Once they enjoy being on a kayak, you need to prepare them for unpleasant things that might happen. You wouldn’t want them to get splashed for the first time and panic in the middle of a river. If something goes wrong, they need to have already built up trust that you’ll help them through something scary. Here are some things you might want to prepare them for:
Splashing and running water
Larger boats passing by (and their horns)
The kayak getting swamped
You needing to leave the kayak
Branches hitting the kayak
Encountering other dogs in and around the water
Step #8: Maiden voyage. | Congratulations! You and your dog are prepared to approach kayaking safely. Make sure your first trip is short and has several checkpoints where you could get help if you need it. Start with a lake or river known for still water, so you can guarantee their first experience is a good one.
As with all dog training techniques, shower them with praise and treats throughout the process. And don’t forget to take frequent breaks and watch out for signs of overheating; swimming is hard work.
Other important safety FAQs about kayaking with dogs
What's the best kayak for dogs?
Ultimately, what you’re looking for is a kayak with a large cockpit, open cargo storage, or a second seat. Those designed to be sleek and travel light just won’t have the stability or room for a dog. Kayaks made for fishing or with “sit-in” designs are often good choices.
Some experienced kayakers recommend the Flint Fishing Kayak from NuCanoe and the Vapor 10 Kayak from Old Town for dog co-pilots.
Are inflatable kayaks dog-proof?
Yes, inflatable kayaks are designed to withstand getting poked with branches or rocks. So they can typically hold up to a dog’s nails, and many people even feel they’re more comfortable for dogs than hard-body kayaks. However, it might be a good idea to travel with a patch kit, just in case.
Does a dog need a life jacket on a kayak?
Yes! Your dog needs to wear a life jacket whenever they’re around the water, regardless of whether they are going in open water or just playing on the shoreline. Some of the highest recommended ones are:
Are canoes or kayaks better for dogs?
Canoes are larger and provide greater stability, and this is more important the larger your dog is. If you have a dog that’s over 50lbs, that will present difficulties both in having enough room for them and in maneuvering the kayak by yourself. If you have the choice, a canoe is probably the better option for larger dog breeds or those that are still a little nervous about being on the water.
What should you bring with you on a dog kayaking trip?
The essentials are much the same for a long hiking or camping trip with a dog. Make sure to pack:
PFD (pet flotation device) or life vest
Short leash for the kayak and a longer one for walks
Food, treats, water, and bowls to eat/drink from
Water-safe container or dry bag for dog supplies
Bug spray and sunscreen for their nose
Floating toys
Towels and pet wipes
Dog first aid kit and tick kit
Whistle or flare gun
Dog waste bags
What kind of dogs like kayaking?
Adventurous dogs that love being around the water are typically those that seem to enjoy kayaking with their owners. This temperament could be found in any dog breed, but there are some that were bred to be better swimmers: water dogs, retrievers, poodles, and spaniels.
Dog-friendly kayaking near the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco loves our dogs. And there are lots of great kayaking spots on rivers, bays, and beaches around the Bay Area that welcome dogs, such as:
If you’re showing this much care and attention to your dog’s safety during a day trip with you, you also want the best for them on those trips when you have to leave them at home. So we also know you’d love to get to know the professional, in-home pet sitters at G&G Pets.
Our sitters understand the Bay Area and what the outdoor-loving dogs that live here expect. They take the time to get to know you and your dogs, so you can be sure they’re getting the exact same care they’re used to when you’re away on vacation or a work trip.
Want to learn more about what we offer? You can check out our services here, or use the button below to see available sitters in your area and apply for a meet-and-greet!
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