The beach is not a place where you can just lie on the sand or sit on a towel and stare at other people. There are many fun activities to do along the coast, such as swimming and jet skiing.
If you have a kayak that is designed for dogs who love adventures, you can even paddle with your German Shepherd or Chihuahua. I give you both a moment that is different from the ordinary, with different sights and smells from the water.
If you have never done this kind of kayaking before, you might feel intimidated. The proper preparation will make the experience smooth and easy, just like when you’re riding in your SUV.
Things To Consider Before Taking Your Dog For Kayaking
1. Swimming:
You should make sure the dog is comfortable in or around water before taking it out. This could be useful if you accidentally tipped over or if your pet fell into water.
Though it is not very important, it is still a good idea to know how to swim if your dog is wearing a life jacket.
2. Tolerance To PFD [Personal Floatation Device]
A floatation device is a vital piece of equipment for anyone who goes canoeing or kayaking. This is a safety measure that your dog must follow while on the water.
You will need to make sure your dog is comfortable wearing his or her PFD before embarking on the trip. You need to train your dog on how to stay with a lifejacket if you plan on using one.
3. Follow Basic Commands
The following will help ensure that your dog can safely board and disembark from the kayak. All you need to do is teach him some simple commands that he will be able to understand and obey easily. Some commands that you might give your dog while you’re out on a boat would be “get into the boat,” “lay down,” “get in your spot,” and “leave it.”
4. Ignore Exciting Distractions
Dogs can be easily distracted by simple things, just like kids. Things like floating sticks, ducks, seals, jumping dolphins, or other kayaks can easily distract a dog.
This means that you will need to teach him how to deal with these situations without trying to go after them in the water. Although teaching basic commands may not always be the solution, it can help in certain situations.
5. Familiarize With The Kayak
After you have done everything else, you will need to get your dog used to the kayak while you are both on dry land. You can liven up your dog’s day by hiding treats inside her toys, and then letting her use her nose to find them.
Also, you can sit in the kayak and play with your pet fetch. Give your dog treats and praise when she comes back to you.
By doing this repeatedly, your dog will associate you and “kayaking” with the idea of fun. She will always be more likely to come over when she sees you there.
If you want to buy a kayak that is suitable for your dog, read this guide. We will present some of the best kayaks available on the market, providing reviews and comparisons to help you make an informed decision.
You shouldn’t have to worry about finding the right one anymore.
Top-rated Kayaks That Are Good For Dogs
There are a number of tour companies and public kayaking groups that don’t allow pets on their boats, even though it may be exciting for some. They will say they are not against your beagle swimming, but they are “afraid for his safety.”
It is better to have your own equipment so that you can do what you want when you pleased.
Although it may not be as widely known, the water sports industry is very similar to any other business in that there is a wide variety of kayaks available, each with different styles and models. No matter what differences you are looking for in a kayak, there is one to serve your needs.
Below is a list of products to help you choose the best kayak for dogs like yours more quickly and effectively.
1. Our Top Pick: Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Overall, this is our favorite product from the list. I bought the juicer not because of its high rating on Amazon, but because it is highly efficient. This set includes an inflatable boat, two aluminum paddles, and an air pump.
This boat is very durable because it is made of a tough 3-layer vinyl construction that is puncture-resistant. You won’t have to do much maintenance on this boat.
This kayak can hold a maximum of 180kg, which means it can easily accommodate two adults without sinking or rupturing.
It is different from many others on the coast because it has two inflatable seats with backrests to make sure you are comfortable while paddling.
Both are adjustable and removable. That means you can take either one off to make room for your big dog.
Speaking of that, the equipment has an inflammable floor. This means you might need to put a towel or mat down to stop him from puncturing it with his nails.
Key Features:
1. The kayak can be easily deflated to allow portability
2. It has two seats that you can inflate or remove if you want to lie down.
3. Comes with two aluminum rowing oars
4. The boat has a removable skeg that helps keep it running straight in the event of a crosswind.
5. This item can hold up to 400 pounds in total weight.
6. This product includes two grab handles to make it easier to pull yourself out of the water.
7. The kayak is yellow, which could help in an emergency.
What we don’t like about it:
Nevertheless, the vessel boasts an impressive array of amenities, an inflatable bottom, but no extra solid cover. This means that you’ll need to buy a mat for your dog to sit on so that his nails don’t damage the car.
2. Best Value: Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe Inflatable Kayak
We are not talking about the cheapest product when we discuss the best value. We are talking about the product that is worth its cost. This sport kayak is a great value for the price.
This car comes in a beautiful white style, with a spacious, cozy cockpit for you and your dog. The kayak is made up of an inflatable floor, a section for the right side, and a section for the left side. This makes traveling very easy and convenient.
This kayak can carry up to 500 pounds total, which is enough for two people and your dog. The structure also has a small deck attached to it that your dog can use to rest his front limbs or sleep on.
This kayak has removable deluxe seats, so you can take a break from paddling if you get tired. So you can take them off and lay down on the floor to enjoy the sun.
Key Features:
1. This ship features a polykrylar hull material, which is very tough and resistant to wear and tear.
2. and cushions The design is beautiful, with two white seats that can be inflated for comfort, as well as backrests and cushions.
3. This structure can hold up to 500 pounds.
4. This kayak has two SKEGs to ensure that it is stable and fast even in windy or smooth/slight sea conditions.
5. . There are lines at the bow and stern of the vessel to haul or secure the vessel to the buoy.
6. It comes with two aluminum paddles for immediate use
7. of the boat The boat is equipped with a self-bailing drain valve to remove water that enters the interior of the boat.
What We Don’t Like About It:
The seats in the boat are not attached to each other or to anything else. The fabric of the couch causes it to slide sometimes, making it uncomfortable to sit.
4. Pelican Sit-On-Top Kayak
Review:
The Pelican Sentinel 100X EXO kayak is cheap and light, with a flat, cushioned deck. The kayak has a high back seat that can be adjusted, and a waterproof case in the stern that can be retracted.
This kayak is simple and open, making it a great choice for beginners. It also has enough space to comfortably fit small to medium sized dogs.
If you want to go kayaking for fun and want a boat with a lot of storage, the Pelican Sentinel 100X is a good option. It’s a good choice for beginners who want to have fun while improving their balance and style. It’s also a good value.
Pros:
- Open-deck design
- A reasonable pricing range.
Cons:
- Low seat position
5. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Kayak
Review:
This kayak is designed for fishing and can hold two people (or one person and a dog). The bottom of this kayak is made of 1000 denier canvas, while the top is made of 840 denier nylon, making it strong, durable, and cut-resistant.
This raft includes a tension gauge, a two-string Boston valve, comfortable carry handles, and a simple advancement into the water. These attributes enable quick and precise expansion and emptying.
This kayak is both durable and comfortable. It is designed with two adjustable seats to provide a custom fit for paddlers of different sizes. The ability to move the seat closer to you when necessary is great for both your and your dog’s comfort.
This kayak has adjustable oar holders and a capacity.
Pros:
- Very good portability
- There are heavy materials utilized.
Cons:
- Inflation and deflation are challenging processes.
How To Choose The Best Kayaks For Dogs? Buyers Guide
The kayak you buy should be big enough for you, your stuff, your dog, and any other gear your kid might need. Kayaks come in a wide variety of styles. What kind of kayaking do you prefer?
Do you attempt to keep water out of your kayak while kayaking, or do you not mind if you get wet? It depends on what you are looking for in a kayak.
A more stable kayak is going to be better for someone who is just starting out, while a kayak that responds faster is going to be better for someone who is more experienced. There are several factors to consider when choosing a kayak.
Sit-In Kayaks
Sit-in kayaks are the best option for cooler seas because they will keep both you and your dog dry. The downside to these kayaks is that it would be harder for a new dog to get in and out of them.
Sit-On-Top Kayak
Most folks pick a sit-on-top kayak for canine kayaking. Your pet will often have more room to explore and rest on the open deck than in the main cabin.
These kayaks are often more stable and large. It is easy to get in and out of a sit-on-top kayak.
This is simple for dogs to do and they gain a lot from it. Seat-equipped kayaks provide a few advantages. If you dog jumps into the water, it will be easier to bring them back into the kayak.
There are also drain plugs that let water drain from the boat if the dog gets on board with wet fur.
Kayaks That Carry Dog
What kind of kayak you’ll use is just as important as the size. The function of each kayak varies, depending on if it is meant for fishing, recreation, or long-distance travel. While some kayaks are good for dogs, some aren’t.
Tandem Kayak
If you and your dog need more room, tandem kayaks are your best option. If you’re planning on kayaking with your large dog, you might want to consider getting a tandem kayak so there’s more room. Some sit-on-top tandems can be paddled by just one person.
The extra weight in the front will help you keep your balance.
Kayak For Recreational Use
If you’re looking for a kayak your dog can join you on, consider a sporting kayak. They’re durable and sometimes come with a cockpit cover, which will protect your pup from the elements.
However, dogs that are content to sit in an enclosed room are most suited for these kayaks. You can avoid this by investing in two kayaks, one of which has a seat for your dog.
A Kayak That Is Inflatable
Inflatable kayaks are a good choice for kayakers who want a vessel that is both large enough to hold a lot of gear and easy to transport. These kayaks are well-suited for use in warmer conditions.
Since they may be kept inside the home, inflatable kayaks are particularly popular among dog owners. If a dog becomes used to something, they may not feel nervous about it anymore.
Although inflatable kayaks have a long lifetime, they are not good for exploring in choppy or windy conditions.
