Cruising with a dog? Is it really possible? I mean, not just in a marina, but out sailing or motoring?
How about full time cruising in foreign countries? How much of a hassle is it?
Listen in for everything you need to know to cruise with your best friend . . . or decide that it would be better to leave Fido at home.
Link to how-to article on teaching dog to “go” on the boat:
Prefer to read? Check out Dogs on Boats 101.
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Rebecca Guthrie says
Thanks Carolyn for a timely podcast. We are preparing to cruise starting next month with our 4 year old Giant Schnauzer. This may not be the dog of choice for this mission, but she is a member of our family we can’t leave behind. The concern we have is her walking on the deck. Do you have any suggestions on managing a dogs paws correctly so they can gain the best traction and avoid scratch’s on boat surfaces as much as possible? We have discussed booties; interested in your option/observations about this. — Rebecca
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’ve heard of people using the booties with varying success. Some dogs don’t mind them while others will do anything to get them off.