Dogs onboard....does it work?

[hns1934]

We don't presently have a dog...but would like to. I just can't figure how it works. I see folks taking their dog in the dinghy to poop but that will not work for me. Is there any proven method of training the doing to perform onboard. Any literature available on this subject?

[sailingdog]

Depends on how good a dog trainer you are.

[Minnewaska]

Dog's onboard are one of the best way to maximize the loose ends in your life.

[remetau]

I've seen people with small dogs use a sheet of artificial grass on their boats, and after the dog goes on that, they spray it off into the water. I wouldn't do that on my boat, but it works for others.

[SVlagniappe]

good stuff here...

ActiveCaptain - Dogs on Boats - Canine Crew

[Allanbc]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Depends on how good a dog trainer you are.

This is hands down (or paws down) the best answer.

[merc2dogs]

Agree, it depends on how well you train him/her.

Smaller dogs can be trained to use a litter box, for larger dogs an automotive drip pan, (big aluminum cookie sheets) with a few sheets of newspaper works well.
Key is not to have separate 'rules' for land and boat. When on land let him go out, but also have the pan available. Dogs are smart, but develop habits and you want good habits for their bio functions.
I have two dogs, one would be great on the boat, he's pan trained but he's almost as big as I am, the other has good habits, but the people I got her from always gave her rope toys, so now she believes any bit of line is fair game. (and she climbs as well as a cat)

[jrd22]

Sooner or later they will "take care of business", but not necessarily where you want them to Small dogs are MUCH easier to deal with, especially when they get older and need help getting on and off the boat/dinghy.

[CaptainForce]

Pans! Cookie sheets? Astro-turf? Newspaper? Dogs don't need any special props to leave their product, but they can be trained to associate a location with leaving a deposit or "marking" this location and it's more easily done with a puppy. We have a clear section of deck at our transom that is easily cleared with a bucket of sea water. As a puppy we clapped our hands, called out "Zorro, Zorro", our dog name and led him to the spot. Puppies pee frequently and when Zorro peed in the spot, he received praise and treats. Eventually, Zorro would run to the spot when we clapped our hands and called his name and receive his reward and praise after performing. Of course, I'm well trained to folow with the saltwater rinse bucket, but it far better than rowing ashore. This conditioned behavior on the boat does not prevent him from behaving as a typical dog ashore. One reason why Zorro was so easily trained is because he had no shoretime from 6 weeks old until he was fully conditioned.


Salty dogs don't need shore leave, dinghy rides, aluminum pans or Astro-turf! Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[RobCross]

That brings a whole new meaning to a poop deck