Sailing with Greyhounds. Any experiences? - Page 2

cesarid · #11 12-09-2009

My two cents which is probably worth less... These are big dogs on a small boat but the biggest issue is they did not grow up on the boat. They will be unsure of themselves, uncomfortable and won't know what to do when you start healing. I brought my german shepard on my boat years ago and I never did it again. Now if they grew up from puppies on a boat then they usually make do and are not affraid.

funjohnson · #12 12-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by cesarid

My two cents which is probably worth less... These are big dogs on a small boat but the biggest issue is they did not grow up on the boat. They will be unsure of themselves, uncomfortable and won't know what to do when you start healing. I brought my german shepard on my boat years ago and I never did it again. Now if they grew up from puppies on a boat then they usually make do and are not affraid.

I agree, but it's strange how fast she took to the dinghy. I have to hold her back while we load it to go out to our mooring. I think she doesn't like to fact that the gunnel gets in the way of her seeing in the bigger boat.

sealover · #13 12-09-2009

funjohnson, (I'll assume it's your last name, or your outboard brand of choice)
Isn't that a great feeling? You are probably the world's foremost expert on taking a Greyhound out on a little sailboat! And someone really wants to know what you think!

I will definitely be showing the picture of your kiddo to my wife. Our furchildren are Dasher (male, 7, brindle, 80lbs) and Bristol (female, 3, white, 60 lbs - she looks a lot like yours actually)

Makes me think it's at least worth a try. Now I just need to wait until the weather warms up! Probably won't try it until the water is warm enough to swim in - in case one goes over.

Thanks for the picture and input!

daydreamer92 · #14 02-22-2010

Funny to come across this thread; I have four tall, leggy dogs -- a greyhound and three Borzoi-- and I was also wondering if we could ever get one to relax on and enjoy a boat.

I didn't it's all that practical to take the time to get one or more of them used to the whole boat process (getting to the boat, getting on the boat, dealing with the boat, dealing with poopy issues). It's just a lot of dog to deal with and those long legs seem like trouble waiting to happen if they lost their footing. I'm thinking below decks and in the cockpit rather than on the deck too.

Am glad to hear of at least one success story so maybe we'll try it with one of the more adaptable borzoi! Definitely with a life vest.

(Also: Most racing greyhounds are not traumatized and come home with mental issues. They are, generally speaking, happy, friendly dogs, and like people a lot. But like most dogs they are accustomed to routine, be it in a kennel at the track or their new home. They can be weirded out when that routine changes. But so can your cat, and at least the greyhound won't typically poop in your shoe to express it.)

MysticKnotworkJill · #15 02-22-2010

We sail with our two dogs. One is a lab/greyhound mix, the other is a lab/pitbull mix. The greyhound mix just goes below and sleeps. She seems to like it. The pitbull mix LOVES sailing. She is on deck the whole time with her nose in the wind, as happy as could be.

sealover · #16 02-22-2010

Mystick - Would love to see a picture of your lab/greyhound mix. I'd hope both dogs would hang out down below -- I plan on replacing the cabin cushions and V-berth with carpet that goes right up the sides -- for an extra few inches of space and to make it easier to move things around without snagging a cushion. That'd also make it a friendier environment for a pup.

My main reason for wanting the pups with me is selfish -- I can be out on the water longer. There really isn't anyone to take care of them if I'm not around and they don't care for the kennel much. (and it's expensive)

bljones · #17 02-22-2010

I need more info.
How big is your boat? Are you on a mooring or on a dock? Can the dog easily transition onto the boat, AND off? Is your dog a runner who chases after rabbits, squirrels, other dogs, and seagulls?

MysticKnotworkJill · #18 02-22-2010

That is a good idea about the carpet going up the sides. I don't like for my dogs to be in the kennel either. They would be heartbroken if we went somewhere without them. They never complain no matter how long we are out, sometimes as long as 8 or 9 hours.
I can post a picture soon.

MysticKnotworkJill · #19 02-22-2010

Here are my sailing dogs.