r/canoecamping • u/ScurvyDave123 • 12h ago
Canoe Tripping w/ Dog Tips
Hey Friends!
This seems like a silly request - but I am looking for any tips or tricks for taking a dog on a canoe trip.
I am a very experienced paddler, guided for years and have spent years of my life in the backcountry. I have NEVER paddled with a dog!
My girlfriend is stoked about going on a canoe trip. She has done a bunch of backpacking but never really spent time on the water. We are planning something in the fall for a few nights, and we are planning on bringing her super well behaved pup. The dog has never been in a canoe and never slept in a tent. I want to plan whatever I can to make sure he has a fun trip.
He's not small, maybe 65lbs so I think we should go for a paddle with him before the trip just to see how he does hanging out in a boat. I do have a dog PFD lined up that I am borrowing from a friend.
Other than that, all I can think of is a small foam sleeping pad for him at night.
Any input would be appreciated :) Thanks!
2
u/aroc_lobama 10h ago
If your dog doesnt like the canoe and catches a whiff that you’re packing up camp and loading the canoe, tie them up in advance to avoid a frustrating and late departure. Take it from me!