Equipping a boat for a dog

nestorph · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I've decided to start bringing my one-year old Lab aboard for the day sailing I do in my area. I've install a net from the bow (just short of the pulpit) back to the section with the removable lifeline (for boarding) and now am wrestling with that section as I have to figure out how allow for entrance of my jibsheet which comes through there when I'm using genoa. That's question 1.
The second question is what techniques have folks used to "boatbreak" a housebroken dog? I read somewhere else that pet owners provide a litter box in the cabin, but since my dog has never had to use one, how to I teach her to use it?
Thanks for any ideas.

Boasun · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

Ensure that the dog stays away from the mast. For they will think it is a tree or a fire hydrant and piddle all over it.

Put a square of astro-turf where you won't step on it and train your dog to use it. Then to clean it, just drag it behind your boat for a mile or so.

Freesail99 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

There are so many threads on sailing with dogs, please do a search on here.

nestorph · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

All the dogs I've had were/is female and I notice that they don't aim for trees or hydrants but tend to squat. I'll keep a heads up on the mast anyway. As for the astroturf, how do you keep it fixed to the surface while underway?

Boasun · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

Put grommets in the corners of the square and lash it in place.

fullkeel7 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

Then to clean it, just drag it behind your boat for a mile or so.

Wouldn't that technic work on the lower portion of a porta potty?

poopdeckpappy · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

Go to the pet store and buy training pads, they're about 2' square, very absorbent and have a leak proof backing, put it in a place she will see a the time.

If you have a male dog wrap the compression post or mast and table legs, they will use them.

also make it a routine to take dog poop every morning and every evening, they will learn that that's the time

poopdeckpappy · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I reread your post, I don't think you'll have a problem underway, it will be at port and while in the cabin you'll have to worry about.

Get a vest for her, if you haven't already

IslanderGuy · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

As for the Sheets question, I have kids and installed netting from the pulpit all the way to the push-pit, with a cut for the lifeline gate so I can still open it. (For now I just tied a bunch of rope up and down the netting, then run a bungee through it to close the gap, and tie the top and bottom. Soon I will come up with a better solution, but works for now.)

I simply run the sheet through the netting at about the right place, just eyeballing it. the netting has some give so it will pull one way or the other. This seems to work out fine. I had this on my last boat too and used it for a couple of years without to much ware, however I am seeing some unraveling of the netting from the sheets, but the netting still does its job. Netting should be replaced every couple of years I think due to UV breakdown anyway, so I do not see this as a huge issue, and worth the added security. I also have better quality netting this time so it might hold up better. I just installed it a few weeks ago on the new boat, so only time will tell.

Jonesee · #10 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I have a different take. I've had Labs for 20 years. Until they are 2 years old, they are chewing up everything in sight and mine are very well behaved. At 1 year has she quit chewing??

If not, I wouldn't want to foot the bill for what a bored Lab can destroy on a boat!!! Hmmm a bored Lab in the cabin alone for 2 hours...that will put a dent in your wallet.

I love them to death, if they ever perfect cloning there isn't much I wouldn't pay to have one of mine back, but damn do they chew up a lot of stuff.