K-9 Common Scents

Canoe Camping and your dog

By Cathy Brown & Wanda Purton

PICTURE YOURSELF gliding silently across a lake, your favourite canine poised nobly at the bow of your canoe, enjoying the scenery with you. Sunshine warms your faces; you smell the fresh, clean air, and lose your thoughts in quiet sounds of your paddle’s rhythmic strokes. You are one with nature and your dog.

You watch in awe as Canada’s national animal, the beaver, swims towards your canoe. Unfortunately, Rover sees the beaver too and now thinks he’s at the drive-through. Before you know it, he’s in the water and the same serene lake now sounds like the Grand Canyon, echoing with your screams. You stare in disbelief as your obedience champion ignores your calls and follows the beaver into swampy marshland. As you paddle frantically after him, you realize you are going to have a hard time holding onto his nowslimy, soaking wet coat to lift him back into the canoe.

Minutes later, trying to heave him into the canoe without tipping, you remember the vet’s advice: “You know, Rover could lose a pound or two.” Just then, Rover indulges an endearing habit and, with a vigorous shake, sends green slimy stuff all over you and your gear. Now everyone in the canoe smells the same.

Ah, the ever-romantic notion of canoe camping with your dog. But the notion doesn’t have to die this way. A little common sense, mixed with planning, training and the right gear can make your trip everything you hoped for. We’ve compiled hints to help you and Rover remain safe, enjoying nature rather than interfering with it.

Canine Canoe Camping Pointers • If you plan to use a lifejacket for Rover, buy one that fits properly and has a handle. (Excellent for grabbing Rover and lifting him back into the canoe.) • Remember: dogs feel the heat far more than you do. On hot days, try to schedule your paddling time in the early morning or early evening. • If you must travel during the heat of the day, stop periodically to let your dog cool off in the water. Remember that Rover needs clean drinking water too. If you use a pump to purify your water, we suggest you pump his as well, to avoid canine intestinal problems. • If black flies and mosquitoes can drive moose out of the woods, your city pooch is likely “bugged” as well. Avon’s Skin so Soft has mild insect repellent properties; it won’t harm your dog’s coat or skin. Try rubbing some under his belly, around his snout and on his ears. • Toilet your dog before you leave. Absolutely nothing will settle a dog in need. Your trip will be miserable as he looks for the right spot. • Remember to bring a leash as well as a tie-out (a longer rope to secure your dog). If Rover is prone to running after wildlife, a stout rope securing him to a tree can save his life. Also, if an emergency occurs, you can keep him out of harm while you deal with the situation. • Never tie your dog in the boat! By doing so you’d endanger the lives of dog and human passengers if the canoe tipped or if Rover jumped ship. • Keep in mind how sore your knees or bottom can be after a first day in the canoe. Consider letting Rover use your ThermaRest™ as a mat. • If the dog does jump and you cannot safely catch him, let him go and follow him into shore. Don’t stay in one place talking to him, or he may not want to leave and will remain by the boat doing circles. If necessary, paddle the canoe ahead, leading him to shore. • If your dog likes playing fetch, he may think the fishing lure you are casting is for him to retrieve. • As you plan your trip, consider Rover’s age, size, fitness level and breed. A St. Bernard will not likely enjoy a day in a canoe. Sometimes, no matter how romantic something sounds, the practicalities are simply not fun for dog or owner. Consider these factors honestly, and plan a trip you can both enjoy.

Now, picture yourself sitting on a point overlooking a beautiful lake, gazing at a sky filled with more stars than you have ever seen. Imagine listening to the chorus of frogs, interrupted by an occasional howl from a distant wolf pack. Smell the night air and feel its misty dampness on your cheeks. Warmth emanates from your dog, curled up next to you, exhausted from the day’s adventure. It doesn’t get better than this. —Cathy Brown and Wanda Purton are professional dog trainers and the owners of K-9 Common Scents, a division of S.L.R. (Search, Locate, Recover).