Best Kayaks for Dogs 2020: Top-10 Dog-Friendly Yaks

What is a Kayak for Dogs and How It is Used

Everyone knows what a kayak is. But what on earth is a dog kayak? Of course, no kayaks are made specially for dogs: all of them are designed for people. That said, some of them are better suited for traveling with dogs than others. To choose the best kayak or canoe for dogs one needs to know what types of these watercraft exist and what their strong and weak points are.

Sit-on-Top Kayaks

These are relatively wide-open kayaks – stable and comfortable. Their large open surface is spacious enough for dogs of various sizes. If your dog loves swimming, with a sit-on-top kayak, it will jump to the water without hassle.

Sit-in Kayaks

As the name suggests, these kayaks have a closed construction with a seat for one person (a single kayak) or two seats (a tandem kayak.) They are smaller, narrower, and less stable than the sit-on-top options. That said, it is not impossible to use them for traveling with a dog, especially if the pup is small or very timid.

Fishing Kayaks

These are, probably, the best kayaks for big dogs, as they are wide and stable. They are quite slow and not too manoeuvring, but they are perfect for lazy, quiet walks in the calm water. If speed is not your priority, you’ll appreciate the benefits of fishing kayaks for traveling with a dog by water.

Sea Kayaks

Sea kayaks are designed for water sports, such as paddling. They are fast, lightweight, and manoeuvring while been too narrow and small to kayak with dogs. Also, they tend to be less stable than other types of kayaks, which can be a problem for the owners of active dogs.

Whitewater Kayaks

They are great for adventurers but not for dog owners. Whitewater kayaks are the smallest and the narrowest option around. They are intended for white-water rafting and other extreme water sports. Your pup will definitely feel uncomfortable with such a watercraft.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Kayak for Dogs

So, kayaks are not made equal. But how to select the best kayak for people with dogs? In fact, it is quite easy if you know what features to look for and what features to avoid. Here are some important things to consider.

Tandem or Single

This is simple: tandem kayaks are designed for two people while single kayaks are made for one person. If you travel with a large dog, a tandem kayak has a benefit in the form of an extra separate seat where your pup can rest. Keep in mind, however, that tandem options are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive, so think twice whether you really need it.

Inflatable vs Hard Plastic

Conventionally, beginners tend to believe that plastic kayaks are sturdier and more reliable. However, the best inflatable kayaks for dogs today are extremely durable. They are made of strong PVC or rubber and have a multi-layered structure, which makers them tear-resistant. On top of this, inflatable boats are more stable and can carry a larger load. The only thing you need to make sure of is that your pup doesn’t have too sharp claws.

Weight Capacity

Try to calculate the total load on a kayak in advance and choose the watercraft that can carry a little more than that. To calculate the load you need to summarize your body weight, your dog’s body weight, and the weight of all the gear and personals you are going to carry. Logically, larger kayaks commonly have a larger weight capacity and vice versa.

Sit-on-Top or Sit-in Kayaks

We’ve already touched upon the pros and cons of both options. The choice here will depend on the size and temper of your pup. As a general rule of thumb, sit-on-top watercraft are beneficial for larger and more active dogs, while sit-in kayaks are more comfortable for small or very calm pets.

Width

It goes without saying that wider kayaks are more comfortable and stable. If you are looking for some extra storage space and stability choose a wide watercraft. That said, they can be bulky and quite heavy, so the best approach is to find the happy medium.

How We Selected the Best Kayaks for Dogs

Our guide was born as a result of a comprehensive research conducted by passionate dog fanciers. We thoroughly studied the specifications of popular kayak models and estimated them from the point of view of dog-friendliness. Of course, we analyzed tons of kayak for dogs reviews and compared our conclusions with real customers’ opinions. Finally, at least, two of us have a practical experience of kayaking with dogs, so you may be sure that we know what we are speaking about.

The Best Products in the Category of Kayaks for Dogs: Our Choice

Our ranking of top watercrafts for kayaking with dogs includes ten options. We tried to cover various types of kayaks that meet the needs of different dog owners. Each review consists of a brief general description, our thoughts about the kayak, and the list of pros and cons.

Safety Tips for Kayaking with Your Dog

Kayaking with a dog is fun. However, you always need to keep in mind that open water should be treated as high-risk environment. To provide a due safety level for your pup and you follow some basic safety rules.

1. Start with training. You never know how your pet will behave finding itself on a small boat surrounded by water. Some dogs get scared; others try to jump in the water and escape. Anyway, be ready for the fact that the pup can behave inadequately. If a canine is poorly trained or non-trained, chances are you won’t be able to control it. Make sure your dog understands and properly responds to some basic commands and start with a short distance first.
2. A life vest is a must. Don’t forget about these important kayak accessories for dogs. Even if your dog falls in the water, trying to escape, a life vest will help it to preserve the energy. Also, remember that not all the dogs are good swimmers (though many of them are), and some breeds can suffer from heart problems when fatigued. A dog life west can be bought in a specialized pet shop.
3. Never try to tie your dog to the boat! This is, probably, the most important safety rule, as the mistake can become fatal. Just imagine that the pup turns over the kayak: being tied to it, the pet simply won’t be able to get out. Chances are you won’t be able to save it too: a large dog in panic under the water can unwillingly kill both itself and you.
4. Using SPF is a good idea not only for you but also for your dog. Did you know that there is a special sun-block cream for dogs? Check your local pet shop or consult a vet to choose the one to protect your pup from sunburns. Use SPF on its nose, the inner sides of ears, and other delicate spots.
5. Begin with short journeys and calm waters. Let your pup get used to slight rolling and pitching before you go rafting together. Make sure that the dog feels good when kayaking; that it is not scared or frustrated. Gradually, you’ll be able to increase the distance and the time on water.

In this section, we’ve collected answers to the popular questions about kayaking with dogs. If you are informed, chances are you won’t make a mistake. We hope you’ll find some useful information for yourself here.

Verdict and Recommendations

If you can’t choose between a canoe vs kayak with dogs on board, you need to know that kayaks are much more versatile, lightweight, and affordable. But it’s important to select the right kayak model in order to get the most of the purchase.
In our review, we touch upon ten great kayak options. Each of them has certain advantages and disadvantages. Our top pick is Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130, which offers an exceptional build quality and a plethora of premium details.
If you need a cheaper option, consider another popular Sea Trek kayak dogs’ owners often rent: Ocean Kayak Malibu sit-on-top kayak. While being surprisingly cheap, it offers a rich feature set, stable performance, and bright design.

Attention!

Robert Herrera

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