Welcome to The Labrador Club

Dogs and Boats

The Lab Club zone of influence is also a zone of influence for the great kiwi past time of boating – messing around in boats started here!

Labradors are water dogs and are the dog of choice for many boating families. Just as there are rules for people around boats, there are, or should be, rules for dogs as well. Obviously, a dog that is well socialized and used to being around people is going to have a head start.


Boats come in all shapes and sizes, but basic common sense holds good for all. Anyone who takes their dog to sea will, in all probability, have thought things out well ahead. For those who are still at the dreaming stage, below are just a few ideas that might make heading out on the briny pleasurable for all. Not all dogs head out to sea in boats. With the shooting

season approaching many dogs will be in small craft on lakes and rivers.


There is no order for the hints below – these just came as they are, from old sea dogs.

  1. Have your dog on a lead around loading ramps. Loading ramps are busy places and the last thing anyone loading a boat will be looking for, is a dog.
  2. Have your dog trained to go to one place on command. On the mat that works at home, can work on a boat too, and is good in a situation when things are getting a bit busy on board, particularly when approaching shore or docking.
  3. Train your dog from babyhood to relieve itself on command before you head out. This is very useful if you are in a small boat and there will be no stopping place for a while. Similarly, your pup could be trained to go on a particular type of fabric – e.g. synthetic grass. This can be rinsed out overboard and dried for the next time. Newspaper is OK but tends to get soggy.
  4. Introduce your dog to a boat carefully and in such a way that he is not frightened by the motion of the boat, or the slipperiness underfoot.
  5. Seasickness is usually not a problem but if it is, contact your veterinarian for something to give your dog on your next trip in a boat.
  6. If you are sailing offshore, check which islands you are permitted to land your dogs on.
  7. Take plenty of dog towels.
  8. If you are proud of your boat deck, keep your dogs nails trimmed.
  9. Pull a dog back into a dinghy over the back (stern). Pulling a dog – or anyone in over the side in an unstable boat can have everyone in the water.
  10. There are excellent dog life jackets available and in rough weather they may be advisable.
  11. Make sure your dog is microchipped.


Although Labrador are good swimmers there are situations on the water in which dogs and people should wear lifejackets.

Make sure that you invest in a good quality lifejacket.

  • Good floatation that goes right down the sides with support to keep his head out of the water.
  • Good visibility - bright colour and some reflective strips.
  • Handle to help lift your dog out of the water.
  • Snug comfortable fit.
  • Loop to attach a small beacon.