Do I need lessons to teach my dog to paddle board?
Introducing your furry best friend to the world of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) doesn’t require specialized lessons, but a few basic commands and good recall will go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both of you. Here are some tips to get your dog ready for a SUP adventure, ensuring safety and fun on the water.
Key Highlights:
- Self-Teaching vs. Lessons: Understand when self-teaching is sufficient and when to consider professional lessons for advanced skills or group fun.
- Getting Started with SUP: A step-by-step guide on beginning your paddleboarding journey, from board positioning to mastering the basic strokes.
- Embrace the Learning Process: Learn to enjoy every moment on the water, accepting falls as part of the journey to proficiency.
- Community and Online Resources: Leverage the Glide community and online articles for additional support and guidance in your paddleboarding adventure.
Getting Your Dog SUP-Ready
Start on Dry Land: Begin by familiarizing your dog with the paddleboard in a comfortable, familiar environment like your home or yard. Use treats and positive reinforcement to build a positive association with the board. Engage in normal daily activities with your dog on the board to strengthen this association.
Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement, treats, and praise to encourage your dog. This approach not only makes the training process enjoyable but also strengthens your bond.
Introduce Water Gradually: Before hitting the water, let your dog explore the board at the water's edge. This step reinforces the board as a safe and fun place. With patience and encouragement, invite your dog onto the board in shallow water, steadying it to make them feel secure.
Essential Tips for SUP with Dogs
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Puppy Swim Lessons: If your dog is a puppy or not confident in the water, consider puppy swim lessons. These can boost their confidence and ensure they're comfortable in the water, wearing a life jacket.
Dog Life Jacket: Regardless of your dog's swimming abilities, a life jacket is crucial for safety. Choose one with a handle to help you lift your dog back onto the board if needed. Plus, who doesn’t love a dog in a shark life jacket?
Large Dogs Welcome: Large breeds can make great paddleboarding companions. Just ensure your board has a high weight capacity to accommodate both of you comfortably. Many large dogs, including Great Pyrenees and Newfoundlands, enjoy SUP just as much as their smaller counterparts. Piper loves her Glide Lotus Yoga Sup so much she wants to sleep next to it where she can watch her "flock".
Enjoying SUP Adventures Together
SUP with your dog is about sharing the joy of the outdoors and exploring new horizons together. It's a unique way to strengthen your bond while staying active. Remember, the key to a successful SUP outing with your dog is patience, preparation, and ensuring both of you are equipped with the right gear, including personal flotation devices.
We at Glide encourage you to bring your dog along on your paddleboarding adventures. Share your experiences with us and the SUP community using #glidesup on Instagram. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting, seeing you and your dog enjoying the water together is what it's all about. Safe paddling and don’t forget the dog treats!
If you love paddle boarding and have a dog you should try paddle boarding with your dog. Most dogs find it to be so much fun to be out with their human as dogs prefer to with you. And there is just something about being able to enjoy the outdoors with our favorite friends.
This concludes our article, everything else is just adorable #suppups Be sure to share your sup pup adventures with us on Instagram #glidesup
And who doesn't love to see a dog in a shark life jacket?
Large or small all dogs can be a sup pup.
For a more in-depth look at paddle boarding with your dog check out this article.
