Paddleboarding with Your Dog: Tips for National Pet Day

There’s something different about getting out on the water with your dog.

No rush. No noise. Just you, your board, and a set of paws taking it all in.

National Pet Day is the perfect excuse to try it. Whether it’s your first time paddling together or something you already do every weekend, taking your dog out on a paddleboard is one of the easiest ways to turn a simple session into something better.

This isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about making it work for both of you.

Paddleboarding is naturally calm. That’s what makes it so good for dogs.

You’re not dealing with loud engines or fast movement. It’s steady, quiet, and close to the water. Most dogs pick up on that quickly.

For you, it’s a different kind of session. You’re more aware of balance, pacing, and where you’re going. It slows things down in a good way.

And once they’re comfortable, most dogs genuinely enjoy it. Sitting up front, watching the water, jumping in for a swim when they feel like it.

It’s a big part of why more people are getting into paddleboarding with your dog as a regular way to spend time outdoors.

This matters more than anything else.

If your board feels unstable or cramped, your dog will feel it straight away. You want something that feels solid underfoot, with enough space for both of you.

A few things that make a big difference:

• Width and stability
  A wider all-round board keeps things predictable, especially when your dog shifts position.
• Deck space
  You need room at the front for your dog to sit or lie down comfortably.
• Grip
  A soft, grippy deck pad helps them feel secure and stops slipping when the board gets wet.
• Weight capacity
  Make sure the board comfortably handles both of you. Not just technically, but in a way that still feels stable on the water.

This is where a true all-rounder comes into its own. Something like a Cruise board gives you that balance of space, stability, and ease without overcomplicating things.

The biggest mistake is rushing straight onto the water. Start on land.

Let them sniff the board. Sit on it. Move around. Make it feel normal before it ever hits the water.

Then move to shallow, calm water. No waves, no distractions.

A few simple tips:

• Keep your first sessions short
• Bring treats for positive reinforcement
• Let them get on and off freely
• Stay calm, even if they’re unsure

Most dogs build confidence quickly once they realise the board isn’t going anywhere.

Once you’re out, it’s all about keeping things steady.

Stand up gradually. Keep your strokes controlled. Avoid sudden movements that might throw them off balance.

Watch how your dog reacts:

• If they’re sitting calmly, you’re doing it right
• If they’re pacing or unsure, slow things down
• If they want to jump in, let them, just be ready to help them back on

You don’t need to go far. A short paddle along the shoreline is more than enough.

Keep it simple. You don’t need much, but a few essentials make a big difference:

• Dog buoyancy aid
  Especially important for longer sessions or deeper water
• Water and a collapsible bowl
  They’ll get thirsty quicker than you think
• Towel
  For obvious reasons
• Leash (used carefully)
  Only when needed and never fixed in a way that could cause issues in the water
• Treats
  For building confidence and rewarding calm behaviour

Not every spot works well.

You’re looking for calm, accessible water where your dog can get on and off easily.

Good options include:

• Sheltered lakes
• Slow-moving rivers
• Quiet coastal bays on flat days

Avoid busy areas with lots of boat traffic or strong currents. The calmer it is, the better the experience for both of you.

Most issues come from trying to do too much too soon.

A few things to watch out for:

• Starting in rough or choppy water
• Using a board that’s too narrow or unstable
• Expecting your dog to stay still straight away
• Staying out too long on the first few sessions

Keep it simple and build from there.

Some of the best sessions are the shortest ones.

A quick paddle, a bit of drifting, your dog jumping in and climbing back on. That’s usually when it clicks.

You’re not chasing distance or speed. You’re just out there together.

Once your dog gets used to it, it becomes second nature.

Quick evening paddles. Weekend sessions. Even just floating for a bit after work.

It’s one of those things that doesn’t need much planning once you’ve done it a few times.

And that’s really the point.

National Pet Day is a good reminder to do something a bit different with your dog.

Paddleboarding just happens to be one of the easiest ways to make that happen.

Start simple. Keep it relaxed. Let them figure it out in their own time.

You’ll both get more out of it that way.