T&T: Dogs on board

[Jeffrey Siegel]

> Don't get me wrong, I had a Yorkie for 18 years,
> but is there anything more Joyous than going 
> by dink in the rain, on a stormy day, to 
> take your beloved mixed breed mutt to shore 
> to watch him take a dump? Enlighning.
> 

Now let me ask you.  How is it possible that dogs can be taught to fly
through the air to catch a frisbee, find people in burning buildings, sniff
cocaine and other drugs, guide blind people, etc., etc. etc....and then not
be able to learn how to do their business on the boat itself?

Three dogs have been overnight companions on my boat (2 puppies growing up,
and 1 adult dog) and I've never rowed to shore once.  We've been at anchor
for as much as 5 days without leaving the boat and often do 24 hour
overnight passages (and a 48 hour one here and there).

I believe there's a certain technique needed to train the dog for boat
business.  It involves helping them to understand the difference between
"inside" and "outside" when on the boat.  I think that many dogs get on a
boat and believe that the entire boat is an "inside" area - even when
running around out on the decks.  This gets in the way of their
housetraining and they just won't go.

My wife wrote an article explaining all of this and specific techniques for
training dogs on boats.  It needs some more editing but we've been a little
busy to work on it.  Still, I think it's a worthwhile read if you want some
ideas about training your dog for cruising.

I put it up here:
http://www.activecaptain.com/Canine_Crew.pdf


Dyna and Dylan onboard:
http://www.activemap.com/PilothouseSleeping.jpg


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Jeffrey Siegel
M/V aCappella
DeFever 53PH
W1ACA/WDB4350
Castine, Maine

www.activecaptain.com
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