Question
| Hi Diana, |  |
Are there age considerations for taking pets cruising? We love our dog,
but he is almost ten years old.
Thank you. | |
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Answer
| Hi Donna, | |
Thank you for writing to me. Age is a major consideration with a pet, but there is no single rule for all situations. In general cats age better and retain mobility longer. Small dogs also tend to age better than big dogs. Large dog breeds or mixes may have mobility problems around ten years and beyond.
Dogs and cats need to exercise and eat properly as they age, just as humans do. If they become overweight, there is increased stress on their systems. Climbing up and down ladders or in and out of dinghies becomes more difficult. You can ease those situations with ramps and lifting gear.
If it is clear that your pet is aging rapidly and would have a hard time
living comfortably on board, consider boarding or a sitter if the cruise
is short. If you are thinking of long term or long distance cruising,
and you doubt your pet's ability to cope, don't take him/her. Ask a friend, or family member to adopt your pet.
There are considerations for puppies and kittens we'll save for a future question.
Happy cruising,
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| Diana Jessie | |
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Question
| Diana Jessie:, | |
| I have a Jack Russell I will be taking on my boat for extended cruises. How does onr potty train a dog on a boat? | |
| Chip | |
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Answer
| Chip, | |
Jack Russells are energetic and intelligent so the training should be fairly easy. I recommend you try the method developed by Dr. Marjorie Smith. Her book, You Can Teach Your Dog to Eliminate on Commaned, explains the process complete with illustrations. What makes her technique unique and successful is that it is predicated on vocal commands, not on location. In fact, the training will not be applicable just on the boat but everywhere. To be successful, you need to leash train your dog, first.
If you are planning extended cruises, I'd like to suggest perusing my book, Cruising with Your Four Footed Friends, the Basics of Boat Travel with Your Cat or Dog, for additional information and suggestions on keeping your dog safe and happy.
Happy cruising, | |
| Diana Jessie: | |
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Question
| Diana Jessie:, | |
| Where can we purchase your book on cruising with four-legged pets? | |
| Charles | |
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Answer
| Charles, | |
Try on-line at Seaworthy.com or contact West Marine. Both of them are your source
for "Cruising with Your Four-footed Friends" that I wrote a couple of years
ago. At present it is the only book on the market.
Thanks for asking. | |
| Diana Jessie: | |
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Question
| Diana Jessie:, | |
| My husband and myself will be sailing from the USA to the Med with our two little dogs in a few years. Where can I get information about quarantine for different countries? Is sailing to other countries with pets a huge issue? Thank you. I look forward to your web site articles. | |
| Dale | |
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Answer
| Dale, | |
It is difficult to give you an answer on this topic that will be
applicable a few years from now. We have seen the quarantine regulations
relax over the last few years, and there is no obvious reason that the
trend will change.
Having said that, the European Community has adopted regulations that are
an attempt to have a uniform code. The last change was to accept pets that
meet rabies requirements and arrive by "commercial" carrier. For many
people, sending pets by air proved to be an easy solution with less stress
all around. Check the European Union website and search "travel with
pets" for the most current information.
In the meantime, keep rabies and other shots up-to-date.Have the pets
"chipped" with the microchip technology as it is virtually universal.
Your life will be easier if the dogs are neutered or spayed. When
domestic pets are in heat, it can create problems with other cruising
yachts and attract local pets and feral animals to your vessel.
We recommend learning about pet first aid and medications. Your veterinarian
is the best source for help in this area. Check out "CRUISING WITH YOUR FOUR-
FOOTED FRIENDS, THE BASICS OF BOAT TRAVEL WITH YOUR CAT OR DOG."
Good luck and happy cruising. | |
| Diana Jessie: | |
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Question
| Diana Jessie:, | |
| how do you toilet train a dog on a boat. | |
| Felix | |
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Answer
| Felix, | |
Many people have tried a variety of ways. I think there is only one really
successful method. It requires you to train your dog based on verbal
commands. Most of us think in terms of location such as going on deck or
the backyard, etc. The method I am suggesting is described in complete
detail in a small booklet entitled "You Can Teach Your Dog to Eliminate on
Command" by Dr. M.L.Smith. It is published by Seaworthy Publications
(Seaworthy.com). We tried it on our dock with several different dogs in
the process of writing "Cruising with Your Four-Footed Friends" and the
results were amazing. The only requirement is that the dog is old enough
to be leash trained. It takes about a week.
Let me know how it goes. | |
| Diana Jessie: | |
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Question
| Diana Jessie, | |
| Has anyone trained a dog to take a line and drop it on a dock cleat for the purposes of tying up a boat? | |
| Richard | |
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Answer
| Richard, | |
Dear Richard,
I haven't seen it but understand that two breeds of dogs are easily trained
to manage this manuever. The Schipperke and the Portuguese Water Dog have
been bred to work on the water on barges. If lines are trailing in the water,
they will retrieve them. Many varieties of dogs are quickly trainable, it
will be up to you to choose the one. There are some safety issues depending
upon the size and type of boat. The dog shouldn't be expected to act as brakes.
Be sure that dropping a loop on a clete is on command. Your dog needs to take
your specific line.
Please let us know who you do.
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| Diana Jessie | |
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Question
| Diana Jessie, | |
Hi Diana,
My wife and I have long had house rabbits (dutch) as pets ashore since my wife is allergic to dogs and cats. Since we started cruising (sailboat), we miss having a pet. Most rabbits don't even like to travel in cars, although some are pretty zen about it. Do you know of anyone who's had experience cruising with boat rabbits?
Bill
s/v Grateful Red | |
| Bill | |
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Answer
| Bill, | |
My only experience with rabbits aboard was a liveaboard situation. In
both cases the the boats were truly liveaboard complete with gardens. I
believe you should check with the Department of Agriculture to determine
whether rabbits are pets or food. If they can be regarded as pets
you will need to deal with quarantine and shots. Other issues would be
access to food and litter box training.If you plan to cruise only within
US waters,I don't see a problem.I would also recommend the rabbits be
micro chipped in the event they get loose.
Sounds like they would be fun! | |
| Diana Jessie | |
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