Teach Your Dog to Paddleboard: A Fun Guide to SUP with Your Pup
Keen to hit the water with your four-legged pal? Paddle boarding with your dog is a mean way to soak up that epic New Zealand scenery while bonding with your furry friend. Whether you're exploring a calm bay or cruising on a peaceful lake, it’s all about keeping things chill, fun, and safe. Before you stick your dog on the board and paddle off into the sunset, let’s go over a few tips to make sure your day out is sweet as.
Get Confident First
Let’s be real – if you’re still wobbling around on your paddle board, it’s probably not the best idea to bring your dog just yet. Make sure you’re confident on the board before adding your pup into the mix. You’ll also want a solid board that’s stable enough for the two of you. Look for one that’s over 10 feet long and at least 32 inches wide – this gives your pooch plenty of room to get comfy without tipping you both over like a couple of muppets! And make sure it can handle the combined weight of you and your dog.
Get Your Dog Stoked on Dry Land
Before you hit the water, get your dog used to the paddle board on solid ground. Set it up at home or down at the beach, and let your dog check it out. Chuck some treats on the board and give them a scratch behind the ears to make them feel like it's the best place ever. Your dog will soon be thinking, "This board's the business!" Once your dog is happy jumping on and off, you can start teaching them some commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, or ‘lie down’. It’ll make things heaps easier once you’re out on the water.
Safety First – Don’t Forget the Doggo Lifejacket
Even if your dog’s a top-notch swimmer, a lifejacket (or Personal Flotation Device, if you wanna sound flash) is a non-negotiable. You’ve got yours, so your dog should too. Not only will it keep your furry mate safe, but most doggy lifejackets come with a handle on top, so you can easily haul them back on board if they go for an unexpected dip. Plus, the bright colours make them easy to spot, which is ace in case your dog’s a bit of a wanderer. Let them wear it around the house a bit beforehand so it’s not such a big deal when they’re on the water.
Dog Pad – The VIP Spot for Your Dog
Wanna make your board extra comfy for your dog? Slap a dog pad at the front – they’re soft, grippy, and give your doggo a primo spot to stand while you paddle. Plus, it’ll help you balance the weight on the board, making the whole experience way more cruisy.
Clip Those Claws, Mate!
Got a dog with talons for claws? Give those bad boys a trim before you hit the water! You don’t want your pup scratching up your board or accidentally clawing you when they’re splashing around. It’s a win-win for everyone – your board stays intact, and you avoid any unwanted doggy ‘high fives’ to your legs!
No Leashes on Board
Leave your dog’s leash in the car or at home. You don’t want it getting tangled up in your paddle or gear – or worse, wrapped around something in the water. We’re all about staying safe out there, so it’s best to keep the leash off your doggy SUP adventures.
Pro Tip:
Got a dog with the zoomies? Give them a runaround before you go. A dog that’s already had a bit of exercise is way more likely to chill on the board and soak up the vibes.
Slip, Slop, Slap (for You and Your Dog!)
We all know how strong the New Zealand sun can be, especially with all that water reflecting the rays. Make sure you’ve got a good sunscreen for yourself, and don’t forget your pup! Dog-safe sunscreen is a must for their sensitive spots like their ears, nose, and tummy. And while you’re at it, pack some fresh water for both of you – gotta stay hydrated while you’re out there!
Pick the Perfect Day
If it’s your dog’s first time, you’ll want to make sure the conditions are mint. Look for a calm, sunny day with no wind, flat water, and as little boat traffic as possible. Your dog’s gonna be way more chilled out if the water’s not too busy or choppy. Start off small, keep things relaxed, and soon enough, your dog will be a paddleboarding pro.
Bring the Bikkies!
Treats are your best mate when it comes to paddleboarding with your dog. Use them to reward your dog for hopping on the board, staying still, or following commands. Plus, treats help turn paddleboarding into a fun experience for your pup. Before long, your dog will be stoked to join you every time you grab the board!
Keep Calm and Paddle On
Dogs are clever critters – they’ll pick up on your energy real quick. So, if you’re chilled out and enjoying the ride, they’ll follow suit. But if you’re stressing out, don’t be surprised if your dog starts to get a bit anxious. Keep things fun, go with the flow, and remember – it’s all about enjoying the day with your best mate. If your dog’s not into it, no worries. Give it another crack later on, and if it’s still not working, maybe they’re just more of a land lover.
Time for Some Kiwi SUP Adventures!
Paddle boarding with your dog is a blast, and there’s no better way to enjoy New Zealand’s stunning scenery. Follow these tips, and you and your pup will be ready for some epic adventures. Just remember – not every dog is going to love paddleboarding straight away, and that’s cool. Let them take their time, and before you know it, you’ll have a water-loving, paddle-hopping adventure buddy.
Now go on, get out there and show us what you and your dog can do! And don’t forget to let us know how much fun you’re having – we love hearing about all the SUP-dog adventures! Tag us on social with your favourite SUP pup pics to be featured on our page!
