Starting Late

[Black_Fly]

My wife's October pup is only now learning about canoe riding. She's got jumping in down, and loves water, so I don't anticipate any issues, but I thought you guys might be able to give some pointers. Her brother was an April pup and was bedding in a canoe before he was big enough to get in and out himself. My biggest problem with him is leaving him on shore when I want to fish alone. He's in the cockpit before me. Little sister is a little more careful, but she is easily coaxed with treats. Taking her paddling alone this week if it doesn't rain too much. It will be her maiden voyage. I think she'll be alright, but let me know if you've got a trick to keep pups calm and attentive. A cow's kneecap is my emergency backup.

 

[Alan Gage]

but let me know if you've got a trick to keep pups calm

I'm not aware that calm is an option with herding dogs.

Alan

 

[yellowcanoe]

o my that will be interesting in moose country...

 

[Black_Fly]

I'm not aware that calm is an option with herding dogs.

Alan

I hear you. They do OK once they understand, and they learn quicker than most breeds. It's just getting over that excitement hurdle, the puppy scatterbrains, and the fidget factor. I plan on wearing quick dry clothing and staying close to shore during the maiden voyage.

 

[gumpus]

My last pup and the current one were both calmer in a canoe than anywhere else when they were young. I think it was partly because they had fewer options like could not follow scents. Secure footing is essential so rubber backed bathroom rug or big kneeling pads. I think I kept them both on a short leash in the very beginning so I was always in control. The leash was not taut but just ready for a quick correction if needed (but they know when they are on a leash versus being totally free). I taught them both "settle down"...if they got too fidgety I'd basically hold them by the collar and hold them still. They seemed to quickly accept this one new command since they definitely want to go along. It's a command that will be useful throughout their lives. I use mini-milkbones as rewards since they are only 2 or 3 calories each. Although it's more work for you I'd also suggest that you keep your first paddle short...just a few minutes, so you have a successful experience and they get praise and everyone is happy and you stay out a bit longer next time. Those are fine looking dogs and they sure look smart and attentive. You make the rules.

 

[yellowcanoe]

Our dog has finished dry land training in a canoe and even is comfortable going over a thwart. But this is on ground.. We will test Saturday off our home beach in about two feet of water to see how he responds to being in a floating boat. And with the current loons squabbling and mergansers around there may be a distraction test.
This is why we will be in drysuits. Our dog is a lab cattle dog shepherd mix... Has the attention span of a flea. But he is smart.. One shock and he knows what the white flags on invisible fence mean.

Keep us up to date BF if you learn any new things about how to keep a dog calm in a boat. It took me several years to learn my Golden wanted to lean against my back.. ( this did not make paddling easier!) Otherwise she would Stand in the bow and yes go after waterfowl.. from the boat.

 

[Black_Fly]

o my that will be interesting in moose country...

I guess your moose country must be something scary, cause I'd work this dog (or any trained heeler) in moose country any day. I had him sitting by a field of domestic bison last year, perfectly calm, watching. This is with a 14.5' river boat and he's watching a great dane walking on a leash. Same dog sits the same way watching a bear on the beach, or a caribou crossing in front. Maybe you just don't know your dogs, which is possible. I can see that.

If I live through this pup's training, I'll post a photo of her in this same posture.

 

[yellowcanoe]

I suspect you don't co exist with moose. Any animal with a brain the size of three olives is not rational. They will attack dogs, humans or camp chairs. I find the rest of your comment insulting as I have had many dogs since 1965. When moose get aggressive the dog reacts to protect you or me.

 

[Black_Fly]

I lived with moose. Used to chase 'em off my hay many a winter morning (with my truck), pass 'em on a trail with a string and dogs. Had 'em in camp many a time. No casualties, k9 or otherwise. I guess I'll keep taking dogs in moose country til they scatter my ashes. You really got to get better dogs.