Sailing with Dogs

[ESutton]

We are new to water sailing">Blue Water sailing. I wanted to take my dog, but dont know how they will ..... you know poop? Anyone with answers? thanks Jet

[ldrumond]

Hey Jet; fellow dog lover here,
Dealing with same issue.
So far we're still on the hard finishing the refit and Jack my Golden Retriever can do the usual.
My research on this and other forums points to a number of solutions ranging from a chunk of indoor outdoor carpet on the deck to boxes filled with dirt growing grass. I know the last one works because I've seen such a box with evidence in it. Then there's the other issue of dogs considering the boat their "den" and not wanting to soil it.
Seems there are varying degrees of success on the poop deck issue.
Can't remember where I saw the post describing an owner trying to get his own dog's urine scent on the doo doo carpet with no results, it wasn't until he used another dog's scent that his dog went for it.
There are accounts of dog's holding it for a long long time, with possible health implications while others tell you dogs can't be dogs on boats so don't bring em aboard.
It's a tough issue -- one that I haven't resolved as yet so this is probably of no help, just letting you know I empathize, especially when leaving your best friend ashore doesn't seem like an option.

Lou

[Intentional Drifter]

Been cruising for a year with our 80 lb Labradoodle. Yeah, he's a hassle, but he's family, and worth it. The best book we've seen on the topic, and it was very helpful, is: Doggy On Deck - Penchant Press - Doggie On Deck

ID

[Sandero]

We have two westies and they come sailing with us all the time. Having to walk them (to empty them) does limit our cruising time. Our dogs know that they can empty on the foredeck when they must. The problem is that they can't do this when we are heeled over and sailing. We would probably turn dead down wind so they could take a walk and a dump on the bow and then go back to out course. So far this has not happened as we have not done long sails. Usually they get walked ashore first thing in the AM and immediately when we drop the hook at the end of the day.

Cleaning the foredeck is no different than cleaning up the pavement, except we wash the pee with a bucket of sea water.

[JusDreaming]

another advantage of a catamaran, the trampoline works great!

[sailsamal]

We sailed from Vancouver to NZ with 2 Lhasa Apsos. For a long time they were trained not to do it on deck. When we left, we had a difficult time to get them to do it. For 3 days, they held it in - started shaking. I tried holding one leg up of our male dog to help him balance - didn't work. Eventually, he couldn't hold it anymore and did it inside. What a mess. Anyway, they were fine after that. We have to lead them to the back (during passages) where there is a rubberlike mat (non skid). In anchorages, the female goes to the back while the male does it everywhere (grrr).