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Originally Posted by kai
I'm looking to buy a canoe in the san antonio area- any ideas? my immediate knee jerk reaction is to head up to austin to REI for my purchase, but I am open to ideas. I'd be interested in a used canoe as well, if anyone has any leads on one.
also... any recommendations on how to get a dog used to riding in a canoe without everyone involved ending up in the drink?
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I can't help on the canoe purchase but I might be able to on the dog training.
The most important thing is to get the dog used to the idea of the canoe long before you get near the water. Let the dog be around the canoe for a while first. Then get into the canoe and have the dog sit where he'll be expected to sit and praise him for doing as he is asked, even provide a treat for doing so. By the time you get onto the river, the only thing that should be new to your pooch is the water.
Most dogs are smart enough to know that's a big body of water and will stay in the boat when asked (if they're well-behaved to begin with). However, certain breeds were created specifically to be in the water and its hard-wired into them. Labs, Newfies & Weimers are especially fond of the water. Keeping them out of the water is like asking an Australian Shepherd not to "herd" everything they see, or a Bloodhound not to follow a scent. Not impossible, but much more challenging.
Incidentally, although dogs swim and swim fairly well, life vests are available for K9's. Just a thought...