Pets And Dogs On Boats

Taking a dog on a boat requires some forethought. A dog that adapts to a marine environment is a wonderful companion and an extra playmate for the kids, adding to the fun of going out on the boat. If your dog has never been out on a boat, don't assume the dog and the boat will be a good mix.

Not all dogs will be comfortable on a boat.

Dogs, and animals in general, prefer stable surfaces and many are fearful of water. If your pet trembles at the sight of water, don't force or stress it. Before taking your dog boating, allow it to get acquainted with the boat while it's on the trailer or at dock.

Get your dog accustomed to wearing its own PFD.

People aren't the only beings who should wear a PFD (personal flotation device or life jacket) while boating. Make sure the PFD fits your dog securely; if possible, allow your dog to practice swimming while wearing it. If your pet has never worn a PFD, it may resist at first.

A sudden dunk in the water may frighten and panic your pet.

Don't assume all dogs can swim, because they can't, or may not be great swimmers. Any dog or cat on a boat can tumble overboard when you're not looking. Most dogs can naturally "doggie paddle" but not indefinitely! Hypothermia or a blow to the head can make their "swim" life-threatening. Dogs with short legs such as toy breeds will struggle more to stay afloat, and large dogs will be harder to pull out of the water. A harness or flotation vest with a lifting strap is recommended.

The next step is to start the engine. The noise of the engine may be unfamiliar to your dog and may make it crazy. Your dog's hearing is much more sensitive to engine noises than your own.

The dog's first trip on the boat should be short, to introduce it to the boat's motion when underway. Dogs can get seasick, as people can. While your canine is onboard, look for any signs of fatigue, clumsiness or disorientation.

Some dogs take naturally to boats and water.

Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Newfoundlands and web-footed Portuguese Water Dogs seem to thrive around water and often make good dogs with boats, evident from centuries of breeding to retrieve waterfowl, pull fish nets, tow dinghies and even rescue the drowning.

People and dogs on a boat face risks not encountered on land, so precaution is recommended.

Pets and dogs need fresh drinking water at least three times a day, more if the weather is hot. Bouncing boats may not be the most practical place for a dog bowl. An alternative is a dog sports bottle, which is less messy and you can squirt water right into the dog's mouth. Don't be afraid to force your dog to drink water. A boat for a dog can become sweltering. Watercraft surfaces, such as fiberglass, can get extremely hot in the sun. Dogs absorb heat through the pads on their feet so be sure to protect them. Dogs and cats do not sweat, and panting is the primary means to rid excess heat for dogs.

Providing a shaded area on the boat for your pet is a good idea.

Heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are real dangers for dogs on boats, especially for overweight animals. Again, a dog on the boat needs plenty of water. Excessive panting, drooling, and abnormally rapid pulse are danger signals that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke. You could save your pet's life by immediately immersing it in water, allowing it to cool down.

A dog ladder/ramp is designed to provide a ramp approach to your watercraft, attaching securely to the ladder of most any boat, boat platform, dock, or swimming pool. It allows dogs of any size and weight to safely and easily climb out of the water. The dog ladder/ramp can support the biggest and heaviest breeds of dogs.

Some breeds can get sunburned, especially those with light colored noses or muzzles. Eyelids can sunburn, and dogs can suffer eye damage from too much sun exposure. Keep on board some topical antibiotic ointments for cuts and scrapes, and regular "people" eye wash.

Make sure your canine's nails are trimmed so not to get caught in deck hardware. Your pet should be walked ashore at least twice a day. Some dogs can be trained to "poop" on the deck in a certain area, so have a washdown bucket on hand. With a little common sense, you and your furry companion can have a great time boating.

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The Working Dogs

These dogs were developed to perform certain tasks to help us in our work and activities. Being brave and strong they can be dominant and protect their territory. because of this they need a good, strong and robust owner. There are types: Rescue dogs, personal protection dogs, estate guarding dogs, and sled dogs.

Rescue dogs are large dogs with power and strength. They can maintain function in cold water and they make very good family pets. They protect and love children. Breeds in this group include Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Portuguese Water Dog.

Personal protection dogs have the job of guarding. They are strong, intelligent, and devoted. They are less happy with strangers but love their families. You must be confident and firm with these sorts of dogs. If not, they can become aggressive and over-powerful themselves. This breed includes Doberman Pinschers, Standard Schnauzers, Giant Schnauzers and Boxers.

Estate guarding dogs have strong, muscular and powerful bodies. They will protect your family and your territory. They are loyal, devoted. They are extremely territorial but can become overly aggressive and dominant. They need the right sort of owner who can match the will of these dogs. Examples include the Mastiff, Rottweiller, Komondor, Great Dane, Bullmastiff, Kuvasz, Akita, Anatolian Shepherd, and Great Pyrenees.

Sled dogs were first bred to pull sleds. They have a thick, insulated coat which protects them from the cold. They don't like the warmth. The moult all year round! Examples of this breed are the Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions at the worlds best homepage or submit or use content at free content resource.

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Buying a Dog - Choosing a Breeder

There are several choices as to where to buy a dog from. You can go to breeders, rescue shelters or pet stores. In this article I will be explaining how to find the right breeder for you.

Buying from a breeder is usually the best way of getting a dog for various reasons. However although the majority of breeders care for their dogs a great deal, some aren't as high standard as you would want. For that reason it is important to only buy from breeders that perform health checks on the parents of the puppies before you buy from them. Dogs that had a great start with a responsible breeder have a much greater chance of going on to live a happy life, so this first decision is important.

There are so many breeders that you will nearly always find a choice for the breed you have chosen very easily. However, finding a breeder that cares about the dogs and isn't just in it for the money is a little harder, so do some research on the breeder to try and find out what they have behaved like in the past.

Like with most things, asking around amongst friends and family who have dogs can often point you in the right direction for finding a breeder. These are sources you can trust to give you unbiased information so use them to your advantage. If you have any doubts about the dogs health, it is often a good idea to go with gut instinct.

Once you have bought your dog, it is vitally important to start training straight away. To find out how to train your dog like a pro, click here [http://www.dogsandyou.co.uk/ebook].

Richard Cross is owner of the Pets Clinic website [http://www.petsclinic.org]. Pets clinic provides health information and advice about all kinds of pets, with new articles added daily.

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