Exit and entry from a canoe?

[G note]

I don't want to highjack another post..... How does one train for entry/exit skills for a boat/canoe such that you don't do some late fall swimming? This is a very interesting question to me with what I think has a many methods.

[Mdiddi]

Carefully.

For me I actually learned how to canoe in boy scouts instead of being thrown in a canoe with a paddle. They taught us to make sure the canoe is floating or won't get caught on something to cause you to tip (i failed to do this once with a crowd and everyone laughed but me). Put your paddle across the gunwale with both hands shoulder width apart and use that to step in and support yourself one foot at a time. helps if you are wearing waders or don't mind getting wet and you can step in from a bit of water.

In an ideal setting that's what I do. Same way to get out.

It might sound silly but if you can find lessons through your community or somewhere it makes the experience a lot better.

[krakadawn]

Hey G, I can see from your avatar that you've taught that skill already!

The teaching can be quite informal but needs to be done and hopefully when the weather is warm. My guys are taught the 'kennel' command so whether into a box, up to a chair or into a canoe....they understand to get in. For me with ponds in the back yard it's quite easy starting with a fairly secure 'parked' canoe such that my mistakes or the dogs don't put us both swimming. I have them repeat the in and out process. For some it's quite natural, for some it can be very difficult.

Teach 'kennel' and then 'down' used to establish a dog that is not rockin and rollin. They need to know what 'down' means. I often direct them to move in the canoe as we know that shifting to create room/weight change always happens. Once dog is comfortable doing that then we put the canoe totally in water. Dogs are like people, they need to get comfortable with the feeling of movement. When I come along side of land I always reinforce the 'sit' command until I'm ready to depart.

Boats are a bit easier but the formal process still needs to be taught......Never assume that they will do it without a hitch.

Still time to teach this skill or even review it for an older dog.....water is warm.

[finsfurfeathers]

Carefully.

For me I actually learned how to canoe in boy scouts instead of being thrown in a canoe with a paddle. They taught us to make sure the canoe is floating or won't get caught on something to cause you to tip (i failed to do this once with a crowd and everyone laughed but me). Put your paddle across the gunwale with both hands shoulder width apart and use that to step in and support yourself one foot at a time. helps if you are wearing waders or don't mind getting wet and you can step in from a bit of water.

In an ideal setting that's what I do. Same way to get out.

It might sound silly but if you can find lessons through your community or somewhere it makes the experience a lot better.

I might be wrong but I think he meant for his dog.

[G note]

Yes I meant training for a dog but both post are educational.

[Dythbringer]

Burlygirl can help. She knows not what to do. LOL!!!!!

[soloflyfisher]

I'd exit the canoe and enter a boat :-)

Seriously, I own only a canoe and have thought about hunting from it, but I haven't yet found a waterproof shotgun. My dogs are well behaved and I canoe with them regularly, but I can't imagine not tipping the canoe on retrieves (exit and entry). Does anyone do this with success?

[Dakota Creek]

Do the introduction with the canoe not floating but rather sitting in the yard on the ground. This does not need to take a lot of time, but allows the dog to get comfortable entering, exiting, sitting and laying down without any movement of the canoe under them.

A short session should eliminate any possibility of an unexpected swim! :-)

[M_P]

Burlygirl can help. She knows not what to do. LOL!!!!!

Sounds like there is a very good story here.

[Waftrudnir]

a dog won't tip a canoe; the person in it might.
I started at shore having the dog jump in and out (retrieving from land). same position, sit, etc. all pretty easy only a little bit of rocking.
some additional easy canoe rides and before you know it the dog is comfy in the canoe. I want my dog to dog sit all the time to avoid surprises (especially when somebody else is in the canoe with me and the dog); some might prefer that the dogs lays down to avoid any weight shifts.
the only thing that prevents the dog to get into the water are the gunwales. over time my current dog developed some style to dive into deep water (head first) without touching the gunwales at all. my lab I had before didn't like to get her eyes under water. never had her jump from a canoe, but I imagine that she wouldn't had any problem jumping from the seat.
getting a dog into the canoe; well, I have lifted mine in (boaters neoprene vest, which I don't really like all that much). but for the most part I prefer her to jump in from land or shallow water as you otherwise need some counter weight when you lean over to pick up the dog.