How To Go Paddleboarding With My Dog

North Wales is fast becoming the hotspot for paddling boarding with both locals and tourists. Families want to make a day of it and get every member involved, including paddleboarding with their dog. 

Getting out on the water is amazing. Especially if you head to some of the local sites of beauty in North Wales. Such as Llyn Peris in Llanberis, this lake offers some beautiful scenery as it links to lake Llyn Padarn. This is the ideal location for paddleboarding with your dog as you soak in the natural surroundings together.  

Llyn Gwynant in Caernarfon is another lake perfectly situated at the base of Snowdon. With some of the most majestic views that can be seen from your paddle board. This serene setting will give you and your dog the perfect opportunity to relax in nature. 

Another lake that beginners may find easy is Llyn Tegid in Bala. Also surrounded by the scenic backdrop that is the Snowdonia mountains. This is a perfect place to take your dog SUP boarding with still waters creating a calm environment. An added bonus when taking part in water sports on Llyn Tegid is the water doesn’t get too deep which is one less thing to worry about.

However, getting yourself and your dog out on the board needs a lot of preparation. 

Paddleboarding With My Dog – Preparation 

Can my dog swim?

The first thing you should be asking yourself is. Does my dog enjoy the water and if so can they swim? Quite often people believe that their dog can swim but just like humans not all dogs can swim. They may very well need to learn. So introducing them to the water and allowing them to get their paws wet is a great way to see how they will react. 

If your dog reacts badly or appears to be a little anxious. Do not force them to get in because this could generate a fear of the water. This won’t go down too well if you are hoping for your dog to get on the paddle board with you.

How do I help get my dog used to water and eventually be able to swim? 

Take your dog to a quiet, safe, and shallow place. Bring some of their favourite toys like the KONG Training Dummy as well as some treats to reward them when they have done well. Creating some fun and making the experience enjoyable is the best way to get them comfortable when in the water. If you would prefer to experiment with the water in your own home. Then a paddling pool is perfect for some small splashes.

When your dog is ready to go on the board. Tiring them out a little with some games beforehand should help them to relax when on the board. This can also prevent an energetic dog from moving up and down the SUP board causing chaos and potential falls. 

When you know your dog does not fear the water and you want to encourage them to go out further. A dog-friendly life jacket is a great investment as this will keep your dogs safe when in deeper waters. Some dogs can tire more easily than others depending on their breed, age, health, and size. Dogs with smaller legs might find swimming for long periods more exhausting than their larger friends. 

Finding the right dog-friendly life jacket or dog-friendly floating device can feel a little overwhelming. After all, the most important thing is to get the right life jacket that will keep your dog safe. We stock the Kurgo Surf n Turf life jacket in our stores and online. The great thing about our stores is that you and your dog can go in and get it fitted. This will also give you the opportunity to speak to our team members who are filled with product knowledge. 

When you have decided on the dog-friendly life vest that works for your dog, allow them to see, smell and play with it so it eventually has their scent on it. Allow your dog to wear the vest around the house for short periods at a time until they appear to be comfortable and confident. 

How do I get my dog onto the SUP board? 

Before you set off on the water, allow your dog to spend some quality time with the board, a similar process to the life jacket.  

Put the paddle board in a place where the dog has easy access, putting treats down on top of the board to encourage your furry friend to get on the board. Eventually, your dog should become comfortable on the paddle board, especially if they think the board means treat time. Practice getting them to sit, again by rewarding them with a treat and lots of praise.

The next stage in this exercise is to get your dog on the board with their dog-friendly life jacket., if you practice enough this will become like second nature to them. Your dog will need to know the commands for getting on and off the board before they are out in nature, including this in your preparation. Don’t forget, each time they get it right reward them. A top tip is to keep your dog off lead when out in the water as this could cause some complications if they were to fall off the board 

When teaching them their sitting and standing commands on the board, a suggestion would be to choose a side of the board for your dog and one for you, if you both position yourselves in these spots this will become familiar and routine each time you ride the board making it easier for you both. Begin to incorporate some movement by slowly rocking the board eventually transitioning into a standing position. Still, have a content pup? Now is the perfect time to introduce your dog to the ores you will be using when on the paddle board. Using a slow-motion move the ores in a similar way to how you will be in the water. Adjust your ores to suit your dog’s stride as they may be a little nervous.  

When you feel your dog is confident and comfortable with the paddle board and their life jacket it is time to move the steps taken above to the waterside and eventually into the water. If your four-legged shows any sign of panic or anxiety the time is not right, therefore you will have to continue with your preparation until your pooch is ready. 

Paddleboarding With My Dog – Checklist

• Four-legged family member 

• Paddle-board and ores 

• Treat bags like the Henry Wag Dog Travel Bag or the Kurgo Go Stuff It Treat Bag.

• Some delicious treats for rewarding good behaviour. 

• A drying coat or towel like the Henry Wag Drying Coat is great for removing dirt and moisture. Available in a variety of sizes to suit a wide range of dog breeds. 

If including your dog in your outdoor activities is something you are wanting to do. But the pressure of teaching them how to swim. As well as getting them safely out on the board is overwhelming. There are so many options available to assist you with this. 

There are local businesses that have created safe spaces where your pooch can learn how to swim. Not only is this a great skill for them to learn to keep them safe when near water. But it will also help to keep them fit and healthy long term. 

As well as swimming lessons for your dog, both you and your four-legged family member can get lessons or do a crash course in SUP adventure with qualified instructors. Which are great for those that may only be visiting for a short period of time and would like to learn. For crash courses make sure your dog has a fondness for water otherwise this wouldn’t be fair to your dog. 

The most important thing is that your dog is safe and happy when out on the water. Whether that be swimming solo, on a paddleboard, or in a canoe. The experience should be a fun and exciting adventure for both you and your dog. Packing the right items, patience, and being prepared is half the battle. 

If you are unsure about what pack ahead of your adventure or want to know more about our flotation devices for your dogs. Then call one of our stores and speak to a member of our team. Alternatively, you can always contact us via any of our social media channels, we are here to help.