Old Dog Learns New Trick

[Entlie]

Toby, our cruising Entlebucher, has been a hold out on the deck training thing. He has made 36 hour passages and "held it" until he was on terra firma. He has cruised over 10,000 miles with his "I'm not going to go on this boat" policy. The attached photo is his "I want to go ashore" face.

Now at Age Nine, he has chosen to pee and poo on deck! Not every day, but when it's necessary (no way to get to shore that night) and we tell him, he seems to get the message and go. We're early into this cruise, but we are keeping our fingers crossed! His chosen spots are on the gunnel and on the bow, not really great for open passages, so we'll have to see if he will move this activity to the transom, which is accessible by tether.

Hope this adds some encouragement to others with dogs who are holding out.

Entlie
Sailing Catamaran Sunspot Baby

[TexSail]

Toby is a well behaved and handsome dog.

[gonesail]

not going for 24 to 36 hours may eventually cause problems like bladder stones. but congrats to Toby for being able to go on the deck .. a big step for him and you i'm sure

[imagine2frolic]

There was a story in Latitude 38 years ago. The owners had trained their dog to use a astro turf mat. Then drop it over the side to let it wash. One night they came home late, and had left the mat overboard. Coming down the dock was the dog doing it's best to hit the mat as he hung his backside off the boat. They treated him to a big steak for his efforts........i2f

[cabo_sailor]

My English Setter had no problems with doing his business on deck but he was fastidious. Port side was for dumps and starboard for piddles. Lord but I miss him but he kept me company for 17 years.

[Sunspot Baby]

I must endorse Entlie's praise for Toby. His refusal to go on board has meant trips to shore when only fools would launch the dink. Perhaps his bladder and bowel are showing signs of aging and he just can't hold it as long.

Remember when you used to be able to go for hours without a pit stop. Only vaguely.

George