Does the dog need to know how to swim?
Ideally yes, but with a life jacket even dogs that swim poorly can go out. The jacket stays compulsory regardless of ability.
Water sports
Stand-up Paddle with your dog
The quietest water activity on the list: flat water, a paddleboard and a dog sitting up front. No waves needed, no particular fitness - just patience while learning.
About the discipline
What SUP with your dog means
Stand-up paddle with your dog means exactly what it sounds like: you paddle standing, the dog sits or lies on the board in front of you. It is done on lakes and quiet rivers.
It has no established competition format, although recreational races are appearing more often. For most people it stays a weekend activity.
The part that takes learning is shared balance: the dog has to understand not to move suddenly on the board, and you have to get used to a centre of gravity that moves on its own.
How it works in practice
How it is taught
- getting used to the board on land, with rewards
- a stable position, at the front or in the centre
- first outings on very calm, shallow water
- a life jacket for the dog
- a stay command, practised beforehand
- short outings at first, then longer ones
Which dogs it suits
- calm dogs that tolerate water
- dogs of any size, if the board is big enough
- teams looking for a quiet outdoor activity
What you need
- a paddleboard with a non-slip surface
- a life jacket for the dog
- drinking water and shade on shore
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Stand-up Paddle with your dog
What if it jumps off the board?
You let it swim to shore or help it climb back on, calmly. That is why the first outings are on shallow water, close to the bank.
What is the most common mistake?
Rushing. The board has to become a pleasant place on land, with rewards, before it ever touches water.
From what age can a dog get on the board?
There is no strict limit, because the physical effort is minimal. Balance and the ability to stay still for a few minutes matter more, and a very young puppy lacks both. In practice, you can start once the dog will hold a stay on land.
From the same category
Related sports
Water Agility
A course of hoops and floating obstacles, swum rather than run.
Water Rescue
Aquatic rescue and towing of people or objects.
Water Work
Retrieving, towing and working exercises in water.
Surf Dog
The dog keeps its balance on a surfboard.
We do not run Stand-up Paddle with your dog
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.