Taking your dog out on a paddleboard can be a great outdoor adventure for you! In recent years, SUP has become an extremely popular activity, not least for dog owners.
But to make sure the experience is good, it's a good idea to do some training beforehand.
THAT'S WHY we've created a guide on how you can make your paddleboard comfortable.
The 5 tips
1. Keep your board at home so your dog becomes comfortable with it
The point of this is to help your dog get used to the board so that it can get used to it being a fun and safe thing to be around.
Maybe it will even sniff it or step on it.
2. Reward your dog for investigating your board
Once your dog is comfortable with it lying down, you can encourage him to investigate if he hasn't already done so voluntarily. If you have been good at training him to jump on things beforehand, you may be able to train him to do this quickly.
But otherwise, we recommend that you proceed slowly. Let the dog sniff the board. If necessary, lure your pooch with a small treat and reward him for being on the board, which is lying completely still on the floor.
If your dog becomes uncomfortable, take a step back and reward him for showing even the slightest interest in the board. Remember to reward him a lot along the way so we create positive associations.
Also remember to show them the paddle you will use in the water at a later time.
The DogCoach Pro Shirt is perfect to take with you on the trip! It has lots of pockets with space for treats and everything practical.
3. Train a command to jump on and off
It will be beneficial for you to have a command to get on board and a command to get off. You decide your commands completely yourself. We say "board" and "get off".
As with all dog training, learning a new command is a process. We recommend that you start by teaching this command at home in a safe environment and then practice it on the board in different rooms before moving the training outside.
4. Practice standing or sitting on the board
Now that you have mastered getting the wuff on and off, you can practice both sitting and standing still on the board. Here you can practice it while standing or sitting behind the dog on the board. Practice sitting and standing from the position you imagine the wuff will have when you go out on the water. Feel free to tilt the board a little while you are standing there so they get used to the movement.
Some dogs will find it challenging to have you standing behind them while they sit, so make sure to reward them a lot along the way.
5. Try it in the water
Now you're going to the water! Start the training in water, where you can bottom and practice the same things that you have been practicing with the board on the floor. We want Vuffi to feel safe and that the training will be easy to carry out in another environment.
For some dogs it will be really easy, and other dogs may need the owner to be extra attentive and careful. Either way, make sure to support Vuffi all the way.
When it works well without you paddling away, you can try paddling out.
Start by sitting down on the board on your knees until you are both confident in your balance.
This will give you the best start to your new adventure.
Security
We always recommend that both dog and owner wear a life jacket!
Please note that a SUP board is considered a smaller vessel, and it is therefore mandatory by law to always have a life jacket or life jacket (on or with you). The fine if you are caught without one is DKK 1500.
Remember to keep a close eye on wind and weather conditions, especially at sea. A SUP board is light and drifts easily in the wind. Check the weather forecast beforehand and start in rivers or places with no or light current.
Remember the fun
Don't forget that it should be fun. Both for the dog and for the owner. Be patient and remember to respect your dog's pace. Rewards, patience and praise will pave the way for many fun hours together on the water.
5 tips for SUP with your PUP
Taking your dog out on a paddleboard can be a great outdoor adventure for you! In recent years, SUP has become an extremely popular activity, not least for dog owners.
But to make sure the experience is good, it's a good idea to do some training beforehand.
THAT'S WHY we've created a guide on how you can make your paddleboard comfortable.
The 5 tips
1. Keep your board at home so your dog becomes comfortable with it
The point of this is to help your dog get used to the board so that it can get used to it being a fun and safe thing to be around.
Maybe it will even sniff it or step on it.
2. Reward your dog for investigating your board
Once your dog is comfortable with it lying down, you can encourage him to investigate if he hasn't already done so voluntarily. If you have been good at training him to jump on things beforehand, you may be able to train him to do this quickly.
But otherwise, we recommend that you proceed slowly. Let the dog sniff the board. If necessary, lure your pooch with a small treat and reward him for being on the board, which is lying completely still on the floor.
If your dog becomes uncomfortable, take a step back and reward him for showing even the slightest interest in the board. Remember to reward him a lot along the way so we create positive associations.
Also remember to show them the paddle you will use in the water at a later time.
3. Train a command to jump on and off
It will be beneficial for you to have a command to get on board and a command to get off. You decide your commands completely yourself. We say "board" and "get off".
As with all dog training, learning a new command is a process. We recommend that you start by teaching this command at home in a safe environment and then practice it on the board in different rooms before moving the training outside.
4. Practice standing or sitting on the board
Now that you have mastered getting the wuff on and off, you can practice both sitting and standing still on the board. Here you can practice it while standing or sitting behind the dog on the board. Practice sitting and standing from the position you imagine the wuff will have when you go out on the water. Feel free to tilt the board a little while you are standing there so they get used to the movement.
Some dogs will find it challenging to have you standing behind them while they sit, so make sure to reward them a lot along the way.
5. Try it in the water
Now you're going to the water! Start the training in water, where you can bottom and practice the same things that you have been practicing with the board on the floor. We want Vuffi to feel safe and that the training will be easy to carry out in another environment.
For some dogs it will be really easy, and other dogs may need the owner to be extra attentive and careful. Either way, make sure to support Vuffi all the way.
When it works well without you paddling away, you can try paddling out.
Start by sitting down on the board on your knees until you are both confident in your balance.
This will give you the best start to your new adventure.
Security
We always recommend that both dog and owner wear a life jacket!
Please note that a SUP board is considered a smaller vessel, and it is therefore mandatory by law to always have a life jacket or life jacket (on or with you). The fine if you are caught without one is DKK 1500.
Remember to keep a close eye on wind and weather conditions, especially at sea. A SUP board is light and drifts easily in the wind. Check the weather forecast beforehand and start in rivers or places with no or light current.
Remember the fun
Don't forget that it should be fun. Both for the dog and for the owner. Be patient and remember to respect your dog's pace. Rewards, patience and praise will pave the way for many fun hours together on the water.