Best Canoe for Dogs : Choosing the best for them

Stability

Any time a dog is in a canoe, the canoe is instantly at more of a risk of tipping over than without the animal. This is because even the best trained dog can still sometimes get too excited and accidentally jump or lunge across the canoe, causing it to tip.

A great canoe will be able to withstand not only normal rocking from the passengers, but also a dog that is moving back and forth inside the canoe while they get their bearings and smell the air.

While accidents can happen in any canoe, it’s a good idea to look for one that will offer the most stability possible when canoeing with a dog. The width of a canoe plays a huge role in how stable the canoe will be with a canine inside of it.

Wider boats are, generally speaking, going to be much more stable than narrower canoes are. This means that an excited dog will be much less likely to cause the canoe to tip when they are jumping around inside.

Storage

Not all canoes have as much room in them for bringing along gear, coolers, and other items, but it’s important to look for one that has plenty of room for these items, as well as for a dog.

Larger dogs will obviously be more comfortable in a roomier canoe, as they will be able to stretch out and relax while on the water.

Dog owners also need to make sure that they can easily bring along with them any of the supplies that their dog may need when away from home.

Additional water, food, and even a first aid kit for the dog is important so that they can be cared for in the event of an injury or accident.

Length

Some dogs are perfectly happy relaxing and stretching out in a canoe for the entire ride, while others will try to run back and forth when on the water. This isn’t just distracting, but it is also dangerous.

A shorter canoe can limit the amount of space that a dog has to move around in when canoeing.

Of course, shorter canoes are much slower when in the water, which some users can find frustrating. They are easier to control in tight spaces, which is a good tradeoff to consider when shopping.

Construction

The durability of a canoe plays a huge role in how long it will last when on the water, especially when transporting a dog. Heavy-duty canoes, such as ones made out of aluminum are more difficult to transport, but aren’t nearly as likely as lighter canoes to be damaged by an overzealous dog.

While fiberglass canoes look and feel great and are easier to lift, they can easily be scratched by dogs with longer claws.

Excitable dogs who have the tendency to paw at the ground and scratch when they are nervous are much more likely to accidentally damage a fiberglass canoe than they are an aluminum one.

If a dog is willing to sit quietly during the ride, then the material that the canoe is made out of is not as big of a deal.

Inflatable canoes, while a lightweight option that is easy to control, can too easily be damaged by a dog.

Generally speaking, they are not a great option to use with a dog, although there are some dogs that are the exception and can remain calm when on the water.