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Neeltje · 05-09-2015, 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by seadance

Hi all,
We are new to the world of sailing and looking forward to the learning and adventures that lie ahead.
We would like to take our border collie on our voyages but concerned about access up and down steep steps into living area. Has anyone any experience of this . Is it better to purchase a multihull as not such steep steps

Thanks

Sorry Seadance, when I first read your post, I missed the "border" part of the collie. Since the border collie is reputed to be the ultimate agility dog, I don't think he/she will have any problem with the stairs.

Seasickness, however, could still be an issue...

Independence05 · 05-09-2015, 07:35

We have a 10 yr old cocker spaniel on our catamaran. He does great with getting around most of the boat (climbing onto the dining table to lick it, etc) but simply can't or won't negotiate the stairs into the hulls. Since he only weighs 30 pounds and only goes into the hull at night, we simply carry him. Hastings really loves boat life!

foothillsailor · 05-09-2015, 08:24

Your dog shouldn't have a problem getting up and down the companionway stairs (unless he is old) ---suggest you just place a rubber-backed carpet or rug at the base of the stairs so he has some traction to jump up and a non-skid landing pad when he jumps down and you should have no problem

Additional suggestion to make life easier - put a chest harness on him tied to a short lead that you can clip onto your jack lines with a carabiner---that way your pooch can roam forward at his leisure (for a better view, to catch the wind or to do his business or whatever) without you worrying--netting on the lifelines are also required (saves you from having to lift him back on board) because dogs can slide off without the netting. Thedoggie life-jackets are a pain in the butt, uncomfortable and hot and really are only necessary if you are going in the dink in rough weather.

Just remember to keep your dog hydrated (use a non-spill "Water-Hole" watering dish)

Dogs are really adaptable... I wouldn't worry too much about it ...just take your 'best friend' on board and enjoy

laika · 05-09-2015, 08:47

Leo's solution sounds awesome.

Could you take the dog onto a friend's boat and do some testing? I've got a 6yo 80lb siberian laika dog that does fine on the steep narrow steps here.