Teach dog to get off dock
My problem is about going on the boat with my family. It’s not that I don’t love the water, but there’s so MUCH of it! I get scared of the noises and boats coming and going. Can you tell me how to get rid of my scared-y-cat behavior?
Tater
Dear Tater,
I have not personally gone boating - yet! I do know of a cat who rode around on a speed boat on a giant lake in Northern Minnesota. He loved it! It isn’t uncommon for some dogs and cats to go on boats. On the other hand, it is common that some cats and dogs fear going on boats - so do not get too hard on yourself. I think that just going over some rules and precautions will set your heart rate at ease. The same would go for humans, too. Knowledge can go a long way in easing fear.
Dogs are better boaters if the adventure is shorter, like a day trip. They adapt quickly to their new surroundings. Cats, on the other hand, may take a little longer to adapt to the boat, but once there and settled in, they could go forever. I highly recommend Diana B. Jessie’s book, Cruising with Your Four-Footed Friends. Her book is full of great advice for both you and your owners. It addresses both cat and dog issues, and I think once you read it, your fears will be replaced with excitement.
Jessie has some great recommendations, like:
- • Do a trial run before planning that “ultimate” adventure. Your humans should start out introducing you to your new quarters and pathways - slowly - without leaving dock.
• Take a short romp around the deck to get used to the feel of being on the water.
• Add motor noises and activities as you are feeling more comfortable to best to ensure a happy sail.
• Go ahead and sniff around - when you are ready for the next step, stop for a nap. That will let everyone know you are calm and confident - so far anyway.
Everyone on the boat should have a PDF - except the cat. What is a PDF? A PDF is a Personal Floatation Device. You must learn to put in on quickly in case of an emergency.
And, “Why?” you might ask does the cat get excused from wearing a PDF. According to Jessie, even the smallest “dog” PDF’s do not fit a cat well and if in trouble, would limit their movement. Instead of a PDF, the author trains her cats for self rescue by hanging a towel off the boat and teaching the cats to climb it. If they were to fall off, they can swim to the towel and get themselves back on board. Brilliant! (And don’t you know it would be done with style!)
These are just a few of the many great ideas for “four-footed boaters”. Visit
Boat U.S.
for more about Diana Jessie and more of her great tips. Happy sails!
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt Tampa Bay Out There weekend edition
1 Comment
1. Angel replies at 16th May 2008, 5:55 am :
Hi dear! I like your site so much! Incredible photo )))
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