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There’s no denying that kayaking with a dog makes the experience that much more enjoyable. It is so much fun to glide through the water and look back at your dog to see them enjoying the fresh breeze between their fur!
While you can fit your dog on some kayaks, the best kayaks for dogs have lots of space for them to lie down and enjoy the ride on. If you know you want your kayaking adventures to include 4 paws, then the below guide is for you.
I researched the best dog friendly kayaks on the market so you and your pup can paddle off into the sunset on a warm summer’s evening in comfort and style.
Brief Overview
If you want a quick rundown of the best kayak for your dog, here’s my top picks:
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Two – Best hard shell kayak
- BOTE Zeppelin Aero – Best inflatable dog kayak
- Ocean Kayak Venus 11 – Best kayak for women
Top 3 Best Kayaks for Dogs
1. Best hard shell kayak – Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Features
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is a lightweight, tandem, sit on top kayak. The removable seats make it a great option for dog owners as they can paddle the kayak on their own with their dogs and don’t require a second person to help them paddle.
This 12-foot kayak is incredibly spacious which provides lots of room for your dog to leisurely lie-down and for you to bring all the essentials that you may need for the trip. It’s even big enough for tandem paddling with a small dog which is great for couples looking to get out on the water with their fur baby.
This dog friendly kayak is made from single-layer polyethylene so you don’t need to worry about your dog’s paws making holes in your brand new kayak.
The large beam makes it very stable and beginner friendly and overall a great choice for dog owners who want to get out on the water with their dogs but are new to the hobby.
2. Best kayak for women – Ocean Kayak Venus 11
Ocean Kayak Venus 11 Features
Yes, you read that correctly, this is the kayak for dog moms. Ocean Kayak listened to their female customers and designed kayak seats specifically for women and put them in the Ocean Kayak Venus 11. The seat sits lower in the deck with a wider back to accommodate a woman’s frame and lower center of gravity.
This is a single person kayak and as it was designed with women in mind it’s lightweight with a car topping handle system. This means you can load the kayak onto your car by yourself.
The hatch at the back is the perfect spot for your furry friend to sit in, you’ll just need to remove the bungee cords beforehand. As this is a solo kayak there is less room compared to a tandem but there is additional storage at the front of the kayak with a 6 inch Cam Lock hatch with a storage bucket.
3. Best inflatable kayak – BOTE Zeppelin Aero
BOTE Zeppelin Aero Features
The best inflatable kayak for dogs is the BOTE Zeppelin Aero. This kayak is made from military-grade PVC making it one of the most durable, inflatable kayaks on the market. No need to worry about your dog’s claws.
The Zeppelin Aero is a tandem kayak with removable kayak seats and has a maximum weight capacity of 600 lb making it the best choice for large dog owners.
This two-person inflatable kayak packs down small and comes with its own bag that can be easily stored away making it a great choice if you have limited storage space. It can also be transported in a small car which is great if your don’t have a truck to strap a hardshell kayak to.
This high-end recreational kayak is on the more expensive end but you can see why. It is incredibly durable with high-quality materials and comfortable with cushioned seats. It even comes with a magnetic cup holder for your drink!
What to look out for when picking the best kayaks for dogs
1. Paw friendly material
Plastic kayaks made from high-density polyethylene are tough enough to withstand your dog’s claws and make a good option. Avoid fiberglass kayaks as they are often expensive and prone to scratches, making them a poor choice for those with dogs.
Inflatable kayaks can also be dog friendly as long as they are made from durable, puncture-resistant material.
2. Weight capacity
Another thing to consider when picking the best dog kayak is its weight capacity. This ensures that your kayak can safely hold both you, your dog and all your gear without the risk of tipping over or being overloaded.
If you have a large dog this consideration is especially important. You should already roughly know how much your dog weighs but if you don’t, step on a scale, once whilst holding your dog and again without and calculate the difference in the two numbers. That is the weight of your dog and what to consider when looking at the weight capacity of your kayak.
3. Type of kayak
There are lots of different types of kayaks you can buy from fishing kayaks to inflatable kayaks so choosing one which best meets your needs is important. I cover the best type of kayak for dogs below.
But in general, you’ll want a kayak with enough space for your dog to safely sit and lie down without the risk of the kayak toppling over.
4. Storage
You will also want to consider the storage of the kayak before purchasing one. If you live in a studio apartment then a 12 foot, hard shell kayak is probably not going to work for you. There are inflatable kayaks on the market which pack up small and can be stored in a cupboard.
If you live on a property with lots of space then how you will store your new kayak won’t be as much of a concern.
5. Stability
Buying a stable kayak is also something to consider. Recreational kayaks with wider cockpits are more stable and are a better choice for a dog. It’s important your dog feels comfortable and stable on the kayak because if they don’t then you run the risk of your dog jumping out.
What type of kayak is best for dogs?
Recreational kayaks
Recreational kayaks are very beginner friendly and tend to be more stable than other types of kayaks, making them some of the best kayaks for dogs. They are usually wider with larger cock-pits and are designed for calmer waters. They are called recreational to distinguish them from the high-end, professional kayaks which cost a lot more money.
Solo vs. tandem kayaks
Picking a solo (1-person) or a tandem (2-person) kayak will depend on your dog’s size. Large dogs that take up a lot of space will do better with a tandem kayak. They will have their own place to sit and enough room to not feel cooped up.
Smaller dogs can get away with being in a solo kayak as they don’t require the extra room.
If you do go for a tandem kayak, look for one that you can paddle solo with removable seats.
Is a sit in or sit-on kayak better for dogs?
When it comes to the choice between sit-in kayaks versus sit-on-top kayaks, the best option for a dog owner is a sit-on-top kayak. The large cockpit opening makes them easier to get in and out of and your dog likely won’t enjoy being confined to a sit-in kayak.
Dog kayaks to avoid
Sea kayaks
Sea kayaks tend to be longer and narrower meaning less room for your dog. They also come with more bells and whistles such as bulkheads which are useful for longer, multi-day travels. They are designed for choppy, rough water which you likely won’t be taking your dog on.
Whitewater kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are short and stumpy and are designed for sticking in one place on rapids or waves and not for leisurely paddling along a river one summer’s day with your dog. Therefore, these kayaks are not the best kayaks for dogs and should be avoided.
How to prepare for kayaking with your dog
So you’ve picked the best dog-friendly kayak for you and your dog and now you’re ready to begin the adventure!
1. Introduce your dog to the kayak
Put your kayak in an open area such as your drive or the yard and let your dog naturally enquire about the new object. Give lots of dog treats when they interact with the kayak such as sniffing or walking close to it. This will build up their positive association with the kayak.
When your dog is comfortable, have your dog sit on the kayak and reward them with lots of praise and treats.
2. Decide where your dog’s place is
As your dog familiarises themselves with the kayak you can decide where their place will be on the kayak.
For tandem kayaks, this will be obvious as their place will be where one of the seats was but for solo kayaks, this could either be in the cubby hole at the front or back of the kayak or between your legs in the cock pit.
It’s a good idea to pick which place your dog will sit and stick to it. This is because you will likely have one cubby hole covered with cords to attach your dry bag to and the other cubby hole will have the cords removed for your dog to lie down in.
Another good reason for a designated spot is so your dog knows exactly where they have to be when they are on the kayak. This will reduce the likelihood of them moving around the kayak which could make it unbalanced and tip over.
3. Practice getting in and out of the kayak
It’s a good idea to practice getting in and out of the kayak with your dog on dry land. This will also familiarise your dog with the sounds and movements of kayaking so they don’t get scared when you are on the water prompting them to jump out!
4. Practice the basic commands
There are a couple of basic commands your dog should know before getting out onto the water. These are:
- Lie down: When leaving and entering the shore its best to have your dog in a lying position so they are more balanced and less likely to jump out of the kayak if they feel wobbly.
- Place/get into your spot: This command is to tell your dog that it’s time to get onto the kayak and prompt them to get into their designated place.
- Break/OK: This is the command to allow your dog to jump off of the kayak onto the land when you finish your kayaking trip. If your dog knows they can’t leave the kayak before they are given their cue, they are less likely to jump off the kayak when you are close to the shore and potentially hurt themselves on any rocks or debris underneath the water.
5. Get a dog life jacket
I also recommend getting a dog life jacket and trying it on them before you go on your kayaking adventure so you have the option to exchange it for another size if it doesn’t fit properly.
Dog life jackets usually come with a handle on the top of them so if your dog does jump into the water you can quickly grab them and pull them back into the kayak.
It’s important to note that not all dogs are strong swimmers so a dog life jacket is great for those dogs.
Tips for kayaking with your dog
How to get in the water with a dog on the kayak
Step 1
Pull the kayak up to the shoreline and place half of the kayak into the water. The back half should still be on the land which will make the kayak more stable when getting in and out of it.
Step 2
Get into your seat first and then give your dog the “place” command so they get into their place. I find my dog is much less hesitant about getting on the kayak when I am already inside. With the “place” command he knows where I want him to go.
Step 3
Ask your dog to lie down so they are more balanced and gently push off of the shore into the water with your paddle. Because your kayak was already partially in the water, this shouldn’t be too difficult to do.
How to get out of the water with a dog on the kayak
Step 1
When you are returning to the shore, ask your dog to lie down again
Step 2
Paddle up to the shoreline and let the front of your kayak hit the land and slide up slightly so half of the kayak is on land and the other half is in the water still.
Step 3
Once the kayak is stable and partially on land, give your dog the “break” command which will prompt them to jump off of the kayak and onto the land. Then you can get out of the kayak and pull it all the way onto the land.
Remember potty breaks
Before you start your kayaking journey, don’t forget to give your dog the opportunity to go to the bathroom. This will ensure they can relax on the kayak and not be looking to jump off to find a place to relieve themselves.
If you plan to go kayaking for a few hours then it might be worth planning potty breaks into your route beforehand so you are prepared.
Tire your dog out with games before the trip
Before heading out on your kayaking trip, play with them in the water with some dog water toys. You can throw the toys into the water and encourage your dog to swim after them.
Playing with water toys not only tires your dog out physically, but it also provides mental stimulation as they engage in a fun and interactive activity. This can burn off any excess energy which will help prevent your dog from jumping into the water during your trip.
Final thoughts
Kayaking with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore the outdoors together. Picking the best kayaks for dogs doesn’t need to be an arduous task. Consider factors such as weight capacity, type, storage space and stability when picking the perfect kayak for you and your pup. Happy Paddling!
FAQs
What type of kayak is best for dogs?
Overall, a recreational, sit-on-top kayak with a large cockpit opening and ample space for your dog to lie down is often the best choice for a dog-friendly kayak. They are usually more stable and can carry more weight making it a great option for dog parents.
Can you take a dog on a kayak?
Yes, you can absolutely take a dog on a kayak! Many dogs love being out on the water with their owners and enjoy gliding through the air. Just remember to take potty breaks and give your dog a break in between so they can relax their muscles and take a break.
