How to Help Your Dog Take the Next Step on the Water

They don’t call these the “dog days of summer” for nothing…

As we prepare to bid adieu to a summer that’s been filled with endless fun and splashing around, we can’t forget about our four-legged friends!

There’s more than enough time to squeeze in some quality time with your pup on the water—and in fun, exciting new ways, too. Why not take your dog out for some water sport thrills?

Dogs are quick learners (especially when there are treats involved…) so this could be the perfect time to pick up a new skill together. Plus, if your dog already loves the water, making the jump from swimming to boarding or tubing is a natural next step—and today, we’ll show you how to make it. Just read on!

Gear up

Just as you’re used to packing your board, rope and other gear for your water sport adventures, you can help your pup gear up for his own! Pack a life jacket for you and one for your pooch, as well as treats and drinking water (if the spot you’re going to is brackish or salty). To help your dog get in and out of the water with ease, you can even bring along a convenient dog-friendly ladder to affix to your Vortex’s swim platform. He might be content spending the day watching you carve, flip and turn—but when the whole family’s out swimming, or suiting up for sports, he might just want to jump in and get involved, too!

Start simple

Many kids first join the world of water sports by hopping onto a tube, since it’s relatively easy to do without skimping on fun. The same holds true for your pup!

Your dog can ride in a two-person tube with you, enjoying the gentle spray of the water and skip of the float against the surface. (If your dog already loves sticking his head out of the window on car rides, think of this as an amped-up, aquatic version of that—breezy and fun all the while.)

Remember, tubing is one of those sports that feels thrilling even when you aren’t going fast. Your captain can take things at a nice, leisurely pace around the lake or river while you and your pup have a blast riding in tow.

What a dog does…

If your dog is getting a bit more comfortable on the water—truly growing into his “sea legs”—then it might be time to step things up with another fun sport, wakeboarding! For every kind of dog, there’s a way to wakeboard—some will instinctively grab the handle themselves, doing what a dog does best (and putting those tug-of-war skills to new use!). Others are simply content to ride alongside you, leisurely enjoying the rhythm of the wake as you hold on, carve and push on the board for a cooling spray your four-legged friend will enjoy.

To get your dog used to the idea of being on a board, you might find it helpful to practice in a pool, or in shallower water before taking the board out on an actual run. However you decide to do it, be sure to have human friends standing by to help Fido out of the water if he needs a break (another reason a dog-sized life jacket comes in handy!).

When it comes to water sport thrills, is there any better companion than your four-legged friend?

Whether you’re testing Fido’s skills or simply relishing some time on a leisurely, roundabout cruise, make these dog days of summer even more memorable by bringing your pup along for the ride.