I was wondering if there's anyone with any suggestions on how to make my puppy unafraid of boating? We have a 5 month old Malinois puppy, we've taken him out on our 20 ft bow rider a few times. He's "OK" with it when we are stopped and anchored. But when we are underway he hides under my legs and whines the whole time. We always see people with dogs on their boat and they seem to be having fun standing up front with the wind whipping through their hair. We try to give him a lot of treats on the boat thinking he will think of the boat as a place to get treats. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Puppy afraid of boating
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My first dog showed all my new dogs around our house when we got them so They thought he was brave so I took them on the boat and Pickle was okey with it so they thought it would be ok. Maybe if you stay by him or her the whole time (s)he will think it's ok.
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Start with the boat in the driveway, on a trailer. Walk him around, &etc. It's actually best to start off with a smaller boat, on blocks in the yard. That way you don't have to lift him in. Let him get comfortable getting in and out of a boat that doesn't move or rock. When he's okay with that, do the same with a boat that's tied up to a dock. It's best if it is a calm day with no harbor traffic making wakes. When he's comfortable with that, idle the engine(s) without untying the boat. And keep going like that, adding elements of real boating, as tolerated, until the mad dog is riding a wakeboard.
I am just wondering if you only know full-throttle, ever try going at a relaxed speed and smell the flowers so to speak. Your dog is fearful of a number of things, speed, excessive vibration, loud noise, all this can be corected by going at a slower speed. Try it once! Eventually your pup will adjust to the higher speeds but take it easy until then.
If I sound a little arrogant, I cannot stand these speed idiots, they only know full throttle and flying by where people have dropped anchor or are trolling at a slow speed. If your fishing at trolling speed watch the difference with your pup, Also have your top up for shade for your dog. bring a bully stick for your dog when you are fishing! My dogs go bongos when I catch a fish they want to play with it, lol. They like to eat fish as well. Not bones!
If I sound a little arrogant, I cannot stand these speed idiots, they only know full throttle and flying by where people have dropped anchor or are trolling at a slow speed. If your fishing at trolling speed watch the difference with your pup, Also have your top up for shade for your dog. bring a bully stick for your dog when you are fishing! My dogs go bongos when I catch a fish they want to play with it, lol. They like to eat fish as well. Not bones!
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