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From: Ken Tischler (no email)
Date: Mon Nov 13 2006 - 18:29:40 EST
David,
We have a 3-year old black lab and he is a joy to have aboard. We keep two
Astroturf welcome mats on the bow, and he has been trained to do his
"business" there. We accomplished this by walking him on a leash ashore and
training him to "go" on command. Once that was done it was a simple matter
to walk him to the bow, point at the mat, and give the command. In short
order he had it down pat. Now he just whines at the door, we let him out and
he heads straight for the bow.
If we are at a dock, and he can see/smell grass, he will hold it for a while
in the hopes of getting to go on the real thing. We accommodate him when
possible. If we are at anchor we will take him ashore if we have the dinghy
launched. If not, then the welcome mats get used.
When we are cruising we rarely stay at a marina. We tend to prefer anchoring
out, especially in remote, secluded anchorages. My wife feels much more
comfortable with our big black watchdog aboard. He has already thwarted a
thief in the process of trying to steal our dinghy, which was tied behind
the boat that night.
We have little problem with dog hair or smell. He gets a bath every couple
of weeks, or goes for a swim. Fleas and ticks are a problem of the past with
the monthly treatments that are available now. We have had three labs over
the last ten years, and I have not seen a single flea or tick in all that
time. We use Advantage on him every 30 days.
We keep plenty of toys aboard for him and that is the only thing he chews
on.
I think you will have a blast with him aboard. Just spend a little time on
training he can be a perfect boat dog. Labs are very intelligent dogs and
quick learners. You should have no problems.
Ken & Paula Tischler
MV Microship
Defever 49 Pilothouse
On 11/13/06, David Pelly <> wrote:
>
> I'm ashore at the moment, but have lived on board in the past while
> cruising on my 42' C&C. Having recently adopted a 4-year-old lab, I'm now
> wondering how to prepare him for life on board, as I plan to launch again in
> May, and resume the pleasures of the live-aboard sailor. In particular,
> what is the recommended training so he'll manage his toilet requirements at
> sea? And where does one get any special equipment/materials needed?
>
>
>
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