When is it too early to bring my pup in the boat with me?
I wanted to bring her with me fishing this weekend, but the wife is concerned it might scare her which is bad for a young dog.
My thought is I would rather have her with me on the water than in the kennel whining for my return.
She is only 8 weeks.
Any thoughts?
Sully
Well I would say if she can ride in a car she can ride in a boat, just make sure you take a blanket with you so she has something soft to lay on.
Jason, maybe introduce her to the boat when it is on land. Bring her in and make it fun. Pups are curious and I’m a firm beleiver in introducing my dogs to everything I can. 
The only warning maybe the bathroom training thing. Maybe keep her stints in the boat short at first until she can get trained.
Good Luck and I love having my dog fish with me.
You guys have great advice.
Little G, you bring up a great point. She is still freaked out with car rides. I never thought why she would be more comfortable in a boat than a car.
I better give her at least another month. The last thing I want from her is to associate my boat with fear. My hope is that we will be sharing hundreds of hours together in the boat.
Lip, I love your tip. I will play with her in the boat and maybe give her some treats. Boat time is fun time!
Thanks so much for the help. 
Sully
Quote:
Boat time is fun time!
That is key. Make her realize that once she is in the boat, good things happen. I started my pup on land in a boat and had treats and his dummy.
Rob has a good point, do it on land first and let her get the feeling of the boat first.
Don’t push her you got plenty of time for her to get use to the boat.
Jason, my advice would be not to wait. From now up to 12 weeks old, it is important to expose the pup to as many new adventures as possible. if she is seems fearful now, it is all new to her. It will soon turn to boldness, which is what you want.
Lets take the car rides for example. You are entering into a training scenario that will make an impression on your pup and will help you out in training as she gets older. You can start off by picking her up and holding her. When she struggles, just hold a little tighter until she stops. After a few seconds of remaining still, you can then put her down. If your using treats, you can give her a treat or have a little playtime. Now do the same thing when getting her into the truck. Do this a few times, getting in and out of the truck. Then take her with you in the truck whenever you can. My dogs and the ones I have worked with soon learned that truck rides ended up with funtime. Either chasing birds or going for walks, ect.
Same with the boat, she will soon learn that being in the boat is fun time and most importantly, it means she gets to be with you.
Use the tips the guys gave you but put a little pressure on by holding her and she will soon learn that compliance is the answer. Like I said this will carry over into future training.
Jason, lets see some pics.
Quote:
Quote:
Boat time is fun time!
That is key. Make her realize that once she is in the boat, good things happen. I started my pup on land in a boat and had treats and his dummy.
too easy dummy 
Survivor at 11 weeks old. More later, gotta get to the house to let them out from work.
Mark
Great pics ! 
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