I am planning to teach my GSD to be my kayak companion this summer. The currents can be strong so I believe a life jacket is in order. I sure would appreciate your input on this subject. At this point I would not be comfortable taking my babies on the river without a floatation devise strapped to there back. I have searched the archives and came up with nothing any suggestions will be very much appreciated. I am having a difficult time finding any worthwhile info regarding this subject anywhere online.
Thanks, Tim

This may be a stupid question but have you actually taught the dog to swim? Just because it stays above water doesn't mean it can actually swim....

This may be a stupid question but have you actually taught the dog to swim? Just because it stays above water doesn't mean it can actually swim....

Gotta agree with Jamie, start off in a pool or something and get the dog to actually learn how to swim. Once it's got that figured out and can swim well with the jacket on then remove it until it gets the hang of swimming without the jacket so it won't rely purely on the jacket in the river, that's how I taught my lot how to swim about 2-5 goes depending on the dog and then jackets off.

I start them all off playing on the shore of a lake and don't use a life jacket to begin with. Some have quite a natural ability and catch on pretty quick. Others I've walked out and supported their belly as they get the motions figured out. I also want them to get a good idea of what the ground feels like underwater. It's there, then it disappears as they head out and need to kick in their swimming legs.

Once they're out there paddling on their own and actually enjoying it I start to toss a toy in the water. They get the feel of their head going under and start building up some stamina with the movements.

As for the kayak, depending on the size of your pup, you want them as calm as possible. We boat with all three of our dogs, sometimes a fourth. Our boat is not that big but we've modified the seating a bit, purely for the dogs.

But they're all great on boats and have been on quite on few. Here’s a pic of them just getting loaded. Haven't jacketed the husky yet but he does not swim and always wears one. The other three are strong swimmers and don’t wear one but we also don’t go out when the currents are dangerous.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/101_0042.jpg

I do a lot of shore work with each of them, before they ever head out for a ride. In and out, sit, down. Simply giving them the new venue to learn how to behave in.

As well, I can stretch our boat launch walk into about 20 minutes. Bob heads down with the truck and trailer and I walk them down, letting them get out some excess energy and ensuring they've done their business before we load up.

Like learning anything new, we often need a little direction and so do they. Mark every positive action around the kayak, including a curious touch. Take it slow, make it a great training experience and you'll have a partner for life.

These guys have been swimming in the river for two summers now two or three times a week so there pretty comfortable in the water. We will start slow for a couple of weekends just messing around in some back water making some short runs close to shore. I have working with them around the kayak in my back yard using a mark. I am concerned about them over heating with a jacket on. Also do you have any specific recomendations about type of jacket or maybe one that fits GSDs better than most.

The jackets are pretty simple. They're super light and just run down their backs with some flap down the top portion of their sides. Their legs, belly, head, tail, etc...all exposed. For a darker backed dog they even add some heat reflection.

I wouldn't be worried about them overheating in one while sitting in a kayak. I get more worried about their heads getting the direct heat.

The odd shore visit to let them out and wander around in the water, just getting their feet and bellies wet keeps them running pretty cool.

Size would completely depend on the shape of your dog. You may want to get some measurements or take your pup to the store with you. They have adjustable girth and chest areas so you can set them to your dog's specs.

If you've got them swimming then the next step is to teach them how to get back on the kayak if they fall off, and do do so without damaging the Kayak, you, or rolling you.


My father kayaks frequently with his Portugese Water Dog....the first time out he thought it was all set, she took a flying leap off the kayak to swim then nearly rolled him and scratched up his kayak trying to get back in. And this is a 30lb dog.....we taught her to swim up along side of the boat, then to be lifted in carefully...he also put a no-slip pad on the front of the boat in case she wants to climb on there and ride (which she actually has a much better time doing then riding in with him)

Thanks for easing my mind about the heat issue these black dogs get really hot out there. I don't have a shop around here so I'll just have order one and see how it goes. I had not considered trying to get them back in the boat just figure on making my way to shore. At 75lbs and 95lbs I am thinking I will be getting a jacket with a handle or maybe mounting some sort of crane on the bow or get back into the weight room for a while or both. I am actually looking foreward to figuring this maneuver out. Plenty of fun for one and all. As usual you guys have given me sound advise and plenty to think about.


Thanks Tim

My more encompassing Rough Wear jacket for my husky, that can't swim, is in the still tarped boat. And Bob has the shepherd out, running an errand. So I got you a couple of pictures but my only model was Echo and this life jacket, a spare we have in case one of the big boys aren't quite up to snuff or if one happens to be out on more choppier water.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/LifeJacket001.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/LifeJacket003.jpg

It's an X-Large and strapped out to the max. So you can see how the different styles would vary depending on the dog. This one would probably run the full back of my husky 83 lbs and it goes about 3/4's down my shepherd's (109 lbs) back. But fitting this boy is like fitting a Clydesdale.

This isn't the best brand but the boys that use it are also good swimmers. So you can see how depending on need, size of dog, brand you want to go with, money you want to spend, etc., will all be part of the equation.

And love the crane idea. Haven't had any overboard yet but we've got a bit of step to get back on the boat and jet ski. Kayaking would be a whole other ball game.

Sounds like a good time to me. Have fun with it!!