What could be a better summer activity than paddleboarding with your dog? As paddleboarding grows in popularity, it’s no surprise that you’d want your pup to join in on the fun.
If you're new to paddleboarding with your dog, you're in the right place! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hitting the water with your pup, plus all the essentials to bring along so you both can enjoy a thrilling new adventure together.
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Before Going Dog Paddle Boarding: Things to Consider
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10 Essentials for Paddle Boarding with a Dog
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How to Get Your Dog on the Paddle Board
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Enjoy Dog Paddle Boarding with Pawdaw
Before Going Dog Paddle Boarding: Things to Consider
Before you decide to purchase a dog paddle board, there are a few things you need to consider. From whether paddle boarding is for your dog to planning your trip, here are some things to check before you jump into paddle boarding.
Is Paddle Boarding for Your Pup?
You might love paddleboarding, but that doesn’t mean your dog will automatically enjoy it, too. Before investing in a dog paddleboard, take a moment to consider if your pup would feel comfortable on one. Since being in the water is a big part of paddleboarding, it’s important to make sure your dog is a confident swimmer and enjoys being in the water.
Renting vs Buying a Dog Paddle Board
Paddleboards can be quite an investment, so we recommend renting one first to test the waters (pun intended!). This way, you can see if your pup enjoys paddleboarding and give them a chance to get used to the movement of being on the board before committing to buying one.
The Rules
Each location has its own rules when it comes to dogs. While dog paddleboarding may be allowed, some places may require you to keep your pup on a leash when they’re on land. This can be tricky when you're on the water, as you probably don’t want to tie your dog to the paddleboard for safety reasons. As long as you follow the rules for the area, though, you can still enjoy a great day of paddleboarding with your pup!
Check Your Dog’s Tags
Having proper identification on your dog is key to getting reunited with them as quickly as possible if they get lost. By including your phone number and a secondary contact number on their ID tag, anyone who finds your pup can easily reach you, helping you both get back together without delay.
Monitor the Weather
The weather in the UK is always unpredictable, but checking a weather app ahead of time can help you determine if it’s a good day for paddleboarding. It’s best to avoid stormy, rainy, or windy conditions, as these can be unsafe for both you and your pup. The ideal weather for paddleboarding with your dog is a warm, dry day with little to no wind.
Bring a Friend (Other Than Your Dog)
Bringing a friend along can make managing your pup and your gear much easier, plus it gives you peace of mind knowing someone’s there to help if anything goes wrong. It can be a lot to juggle training your pup while keeping an eye on your belongings, so having an extra pair of hands (and eyes) can really take some of the pressure off.
Eventually, you might feel confident enough to go paddleboarding just with you and your pup, but for the first few sessions, having a friend along can help create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
An Absolute Beginner? Why Not Try a Dog Paddle Boarding Class?
If you're new to paddleboarding too, signing up for a dog paddleboarding class could be a great option. These classes will teach you all the basics of paddleboarding, both solo and with your pup, so you can enjoy learning a new hobby together.
Most classes also provide the gear you'll need, like paddleboards and wetsuits, so it's a fantastic way to give it a try without committing to buying all the equipment upfront!
10 Essentials for Paddle Boarding with a Dog
There is more to dog paddle boarding than just a dog paddle board. Here are some essentials you need to bring with you on your paddle boarding adventures.
1. Dog Paddle Board
A dog paddleboard is, of course, the essential piece of equipment you'll need to start paddleboarding with your pup. Dog-friendly paddleboards have specific features that make them perfect for your furry friend. For example, inflatable paddleboards are great because they give your pup better grip. You can also add non-slip mats to the board to ensure your dog has a solid footing while you both enjoy the water.
2. Dog Life Jacket
Even if your pup is an excellent swimmer, it’s still a good idea to put them in a dog life jacket for that extra layer of safety. These life jackets usually come with a handle, making it easy to grab your dog if you need to. And don’t worry—dog life jackets don’t have to be boring! If you want to add a little fun, you can even find life jackets with cool features like fins!
3. Dog Sun Protection
Dog paddleboarding often means spending a lot of time out in the sun, so it’s important to protect both yourself and your pup from harmful UV rays. For your dog, you can use dog-friendly sunscreen on exposed areas like their nose, ears, and belly to keep them safe from the sun.
4. Drinking Water
Paddleboarding with your dog can be physically demanding, and spending hours in the sun can quickly leave you both feeling thirsty. It’s important to stay hydrated, so make sure to bring plenty of fresh water for both you and your pup. Don’t forget to pack a collapsible water bowl for your dog so they can easily drink whenever they need to!
5. Treats Of Course!
Treats are a great way to encourage and reward your pup while they’re learning to paddleboard. Even before hitting the water, you can use treats to help train your dog to get on and off the paddleboard. Once you're in the water, treats are a fantastic way to motivate your dog to listen to your commands and stay focused.
6. Waterproof Dog Toy
Dog paddleboarding can be a bit stressful for your pup at first since it’s a new experience. To help them feel more comfortable, bring along a waterproof dog toy. It gives your pup something to focus on and adds an element of fun to the adventure! Plus, a waterproof toy is perfect because it won’t get soggy, and it’ll float, so you don’t have to worry about it dragging around with you.
7. Waterproof Dry Bag
If you don’t have someone to watch your things on the shore, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof dry bag with you. These bags will keep your belongings safe and dry, so you won’t have to worry about your pup’s treats getting soggy!
8. Sunglasses
Not only do you need to protect your skin from the sun, but your pup’s eyes need some protection too. Believe it or not, dog sunglasses are a thing! These Doggles are a fun way to shield your dog’s eyes from harmful UV rays while also making them look super stylish.
9. Dog Towel
Since dog paddleboarding involves getting wet, especially at the start when your pup is learning to stay on the board, both you and your dog will likely be in and out of the water. To make sure your pup doesn’t end up wet and cold in the back of your car on the way home, be sure to bring a super-absorbent dog towel to dry them off—and maybe even dry yourself too!
10. First Aid Kit
Although dog paddle boarding is a relatively safe activity, you can never be too prepared for an emergency. We recommend you always take a first aid kit with you wherever you go so you are always equipped for an emergency. 
How to Get Your Dog on the Paddle Board
Before you dive in, make sure your pup is comfortable with getting in the water and onto the paddleboard. If your dog isn’t feeling it that day, don’t push it! Just try again another time and see how they’re doing then.
Once your dog seems settled, start by having them hop on and off the paddleboard while it's on dry land. Don’t forget the treats! Getting them familiar with the board and even the oar will help them feel more at ease. Once they’ve got the hang of it on solid ground, you can move to shallow water and practice there.
With some patience and practice, you and your pup will be paddleboarding pros in no time!
Enjoy Dog Paddle Boarding with Pawdaw
After a long day of paddle boarding with your dog, quickly dry them off with one of our luxurious dog towels or dog drying bags. These premium dog towels are made from plush microfibre, which can dry your dogs quickly without dog hairs clinging to them. End your day of adventurous dog paddle boarding with a treat from Pawdaw.
Dog Paddle Boarding FAQs
Can I take my dog paddle boarding?
You can absolutely paddleboard with your dog! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors together. Before you get your pup on the paddleboard, make sure you’ve packed all the essentials—things like a dog life jacket, treats, and plenty of drinking water for both of you!
How do you stand up paddle board with a dog?
Start by practicing getting on and off the paddleboard with your pup on dry land. Help your dog get used to the board and use basic commands to guide them. And, of course, don’t forget the treats as positive reinforcement!
Once your pup is comfortable with this, move to shallow water so they can get used to the feeling of being on the water. As both of you gain confidence, you can gradually venture further from shore and enjoy the full experience together.
Do dogs like to paddle board?
Most dogs love paddleboarding! As long as they’re comfortable in the water, your pup should enjoy it too. Just take it slow and gradually ease them onto the board so they can get used to the process. Be sure to reward and encourage them along the way to help them feel more relaxed and confident.
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