CG wrote:
Hello. I'm new to canoeing and would like to train my dog to come
along. Right now I'm going tandem, and mostly in the front of the boat
although I'm beginnning to spend more time in the back. My dog is 8
years old, about 50 pounds, healthy, a good swimmer, and fairly well
trained in general. She'll be wearing a life jacket. Can anyone
provide, or point me to, advice on how to train her to get in and out
of the canoe and to stay low and centered while there? Is there a way
for her to get out in the middle of the water for a swim and back in
without tipping us? And is there anything else I should be thinking
about? We haven't tried yet, and my more experienced partner has a
bias against swimming ;-}. Thanks - Carol

You don't say what breed, but in general...
- to get a dog *back* in the boat depends on the dog. My lab will come
near me, and try to climb in. Use your away hand to do some sort of
flat brace with the paddle, and either put your hand behind her head and
let her do it, or grab the PFD/loose fur and haul. Mine comes right in
that way.
- STAY and SIT are pretty important commands.
- a mat to get your dog out of the water in the bottom of the boat is
essential! Having some way for your pooch to lie down dry makes you a
much better travelling companion for them.

The legendary racer Buzzy Peterson had a dog who would actually shift
hip to hip in the bow when Buzzy called Hut!. A goal to pursue...

Happy paddling

Marsh Jones
Minnesota