Updated for 2026 with current kayak recommendations, PFD reviews, training methods, and safety guidelines for kayaking with your dog.

Kayaking With Your Dog: Safety and Gear Guide

Kayaking with a dog is one of those experiences that sounds idyllic in theory but requires genuine preparation to execute safely. When it works, it is magic: gliding across a calm lake with your dog perched in front of you, paddling through a quiet marsh surrounded by wildlife, or floating down a lazy river with your pup enjoying the breeze. When it does not work, it is a wet, chaotic, potentially dangerous mess.

I have been kayaking with my Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Anchor, for four years. The first few outings were rough. There was tipping, there was panic, there was one memorable incident involving a duck decoy and an unexpected swim. But with the right equipment, proper training, and a gradual approach, we have turned kayaking into our favorite shared activity. Anchor now hops into the kayak, settles into her spot, and rides like she has been doing it her whole life.

This guide will help you get there faster than I did.

Choosing the Right Kayak

The kayak you choose makes the difference between a pleasant experience and a frustrating one. Not all kayaks are suitable for dogs.

Kayak Types for Dogs

Type	Best For	Stability	Dog Space	Price Range
Sit-on-top (SOT)	All dogs, beginners	Excellent	Good to excellent	$300-1,200
Tandem sit-on-top	Large dogs, two paddlers	Excellent	Excellent	$500-1,500
Inflatable kayak	Calm water, smaller dogs	Good	Variable	$150-600
Sit-inside recreational	Small dogs, experienced paddlers	Moderate	Limited	$300-900
Fishing kayak (wide body)	Large dogs, stability priority	Excellent	Excellent	$500-2,000

Recommended Kayaks

For most dog owners, a sit-on-top kayak is the best choice. Here is why:

• Self-draining: Water runs off through scupper holes. When your dog inevitably gets the kayak wet, it drains itself.
• Easy entry/exit: Your dog can get on and off without climbing over a cockpit rim.
• Stability: Wider beam and lower center of gravity than sit-inside kayaks.
• Open deck: Your dog has space to sit, stand, or lie down.

Top kayak recommendations:

Ocean Kayak Malibu Two (tandem SOT): Wide, stable, and spacious. The center seat area provides excellent dog space. One of the most popular dog kayaks. Around $700-900.

Perception Tribe 11.5 (solo SOT): Wide, stable, with a large open deck. Good for medium to large dogs. Around $500-700.

Intex Explorer K2 (inflatable tandem): Budget-friendly inflatable that is surprisingly stable. Good for calm water with small to medium dogs. Around $100-150. Note: some dogs’ nails can potentially puncture inflatables, though modern inflatables are quite durable.

Bonafide SS127 (fishing kayak): Ultra-stable platform with a wide, flat deck. Excellent for large dogs. Premium price ($1,500+) but the stability is unmatched.

Pelican Sentinel 100X (solo SOT): Entry-level sit-on-top that is affordable and stable. Good starter kayak. Around $300-400.

Dog PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices)

A PFD for your dog is non-negotiable. Even strong swimmers can get exhausted, injured, or disoriented in the water. A PFD keeps your dog afloat, makes them visible, and provides a handle for lifting them back into the kayak.

What to Look For

• Secure fit: Adjustable straps around the neck, chest, and belly. The PFD should be snug without restricting movement.
• Dorsal handle: A sturdy handle on the back for lifting your dog out of the water and back into the kayak. This is the most important feature.
• Bright color: High-visibility orange, yellow, or red for spotting your dog in the water.
• Buoyancy: Sufficient flotation for your dog’s weight. Most quality PFDs list a weight range.
• Range of motion: Should not restrict swimming or walking.

Top Dog PFDs

Ruffwear Float Coat ($80-100): The industry standard. Excellent buoyancy, strong dorsal handle, reflective trim, and a shape that keeps dogs in a natural swimming position. Available in sizes from XXS to XL.

Outward Hound Granby Splash ($25-40): A budget-friendly option that provides good buoyancy and visibility. The handle is not as robust as the Ruffwear, but it is adequate for recreational use.

Kurgo Surf n’ Turf ($40-60): A combination PFD and coat. Good buoyancy, reflective accents, and a dorsal handle. Mid-range price.

NRS CFD Dog PFD ($60-80): Made by a respected paddling gear company. Excellent buoyancy and durability.

Fitting a PFD

1. Measure your dog’s girth (around the widest part of the ribcage) and weight
2. Select the size based on the manufacturer’s chart
3. Put the PFD on your dog on land first
4. Adjust all straps for a snug fit (you should be able to fit two fingers between the PFD and your dog’s body)
5. Test the handle by lifting your dog slightly. The PFD should not ride up over their head.
6. Let your dog wear the PFD around the house or yard before taking it on the water

Training Your Dog to Kayak

Do not skip this section. Throwing your dog in a kayak and paddling out is a recipe for disaster. Training takes time, and rushing it leads to a dog that is afraid of the kayak.

Phase 1: Kayak Introduction (On Land)

Duration: 3-7 days

1. Place the kayak on flat ground (grass or soft surface)
2. Let your dog sniff and explore the kayak at their own pace
3. Reward any interaction with treats and praise
4. Encourage your dog to step onto the kayak with treats
5. Once on the kayak, reward heavily and let them get off when they want
6. Gradually increase the time your dog spends sitting on the kayak
7. Practice the “settle” or “place” command on the kayak
8. Rock the kayak gently side to side to simulate water movement

Phase 2: Shallow Water Introduction

Duration: 2-5 sessions

1. Move to calm, shallow water (a lake edge or calm river bank)
2. Sit in the kayak with your dog on the bank beside you
3. Encourage them onto the kayak with treats. Do not force them.
4. Paddle a few feet from shore and return
5. Gradually increase distance as your dog shows comfort
6. Always return to shore if your dog shows stress (panting, whining, trying to jump out)

Phase 3: Open Water

Duration: Ongoing

1. Start with short trips (15-30 minutes) on calm, flat water
2. Bring high-value treats for rewards
3. Take water breaks every 20-30 minutes
4. Watch for signs of fatigue or anxiety
5. Gradually increase trip duration and vary conditions

Key Training Tips

• Never force your dog onto the kayak. This creates negative associations that are hard to undo.
• Keep early sessions short and positive. End while your dog is still having fun.
• Use a command. Teach a specific command for getting on (“load up”) and off (“off” or “free”) the kayak.
• Practice the re-entry. Your dog WILL end up in the water at some point. Practice getting them back on the kayak from the water in shallow conditions.

On the Water: Positioning and Technique

Where Your Dog Should Sit

In a solo sit-on-top: Your dog should sit or lie in front of you, between your legs or in the forward area of the kayak. This keeps the weight centered and gives you clear paddling space.

In a tandem: Your dog sits in the center (between the two seats) or in the front seat area. The center position provides the best stability.

In any kayak: Your dog should be below the gunwale (side of the kayak) as much as possible. A dog standing tall shifts the center of gravity up and makes tipping more likely.

Paddling Technique With a Dog

• Stroke evenly on both sides. Dogs shift their weight, so you need to be constantly balancing.
• Paddle slower than normal. Quick, aggressive strokes can startle dogs and cause instability.
• Announce turns. A consistent verbal cue (“turning left”) helps some dogs anticipate movement.
• When your dog moves, stop paddling. Let the kayak stabilize before resuming.

When Your Dog Jumps Out

It will happen. When it does:

1. Stay calm. Do not lean over to grab your dog (you will tip).
2. Paddle to your dog (they should be floating in their PFD).
3. Grab the dorsal handle on their PFD.
4. Lift them back onto the kayak over the side (sit-on-top) or scoop them from the low point of the kayak.
5. For large dogs, you may need to partially exit the kayak into shallow water to assist them.

Practice this in controlled conditions so it is not your first time in a real situation.

Safety Essentials

Your Safety Gear

• PFD for yourself (always)
• Whistle attached to your PFD
• Waterproof phone case
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Paddle leash (so you do not lose your paddle)

Dog Safety Gear

• PFD (always)
• Fresh water and bowl
• Waterproof sunscreen for dogs (for light-skinned/pink-nosed dogs)
• Leash (for shore breaks)
• Towel

Weather and Water Conditions

• Wind: Do not kayak with a dog in winds over 10-15 mph. Dogs shift weight unpredictably, and wind amplifies stability issues.
• Current: Avoid strong river currents until you and your dog are experienced. Start with lakes and calm bays.
• Waves: Open ocean and large lake swells are not suitable for dog kayaking unless you are very experienced.
• Temperature: Water temperature matters. In cold water, a capsize becomes a safety emergency. In warm water, monitor your dog for overheating.
• Thunderstorms: Get off the water immediately. A kayak on open water is a lightning target.

Blue-Green Algae

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce toxins that can be fatal to dogs. Before kayaking on any lake:

• Check local water quality advisories
• Avoid water that appears green, scummy, or has a foul odor
• Do not let your dog drink from the water
• Rinse your dog after any lake swimming

Best Places to Kayak With Your Dog

Lakes

Lakes provide the calmest conditions and are ideal for dogs:

• Lady Bird Lake, Austin TX: Urban kayaking with skyline views
• Lake Tahoe, CA/NV: Crystal-clear water, stunning mountain surroundings
• Boundary Waters, MN: Wilderness paddling (portaging with a dog is an adventure)
• Finger Lakes, NY: Wine country paddling
• Lake Powell, UT/AZ: Canyon paddling in the desert

Coastal

• San Juan Islands, WA: Protected bays with wildlife viewing
• Florida Keys: Mangrove channels with calm, clear water
• Maine Coast: Sheltered bays and island paddling
• Sea of Cortez, Baja Mexico: Warm, calm waters with marine life

Rivers

• Russian River, CA: Gentle float with wine country scenery
• Buffalo National River, AR: Scenic Ozark paddling
• Green River, UT: Desert canyon float
• Shenandoah River, VA: Gentle Appalachian paddling

Rental vs. Owning

Renting With a Dog

Many kayak rental companies allow dogs, but always call ahead. Some restrict dogs to tandem kayaks or require PFDs (which you should have anyway). Rental fees typically range from $30-60 per half day.

Tips for renting:

• Call ahead and confirm dog policy
• Bring your own PFD for your dog (rentals rarely include dog PFDs)
• Ask for a sit-on-top kayak specifically
• Bring a towel to protect the rental kayak’s seat

Owning

If you plan to kayak with your dog regularly, owning makes sense. Entry-level sit-on-top kayaks start around $300. A good tandem for around $700-900 will last for years with proper care.

You will also need a way to transport the kayak: roof rack with kayak mounts ($100-300), or a trailer for larger setups.

Budget Planning

Item	Cost
Sit-on-top kayak (solo)	$300-700
Tandem kayak	$500-1,500
Dog PFD	$25-100
Human PFD	$50-100
Paddle	$50-150
Roof rack/transport	$100-300
Dry bag	$20-40
Kayak rental (per trip)	$30-60
Total to own (basic setup)	$545-1,390

Final Thoughts

Kayaking with your dog is an investment of time and patience, but the reward is a shared experience unlike any other. There is a particular peace that comes from paddling on still water with your dog settled in front of you, both of you watching the world from a perspective that is only accessible on the water.

Anchor and I have paddled hundreds of miles together. She has watched eagles dive for fish, startled sleeping herons, and navigated narrow marsh channels where the only sounds were the drip of water from the paddle and the call of redwing blackbirds. Those are moments I would not trade for anything.

Start slow, invest in safety gear, trust the training process, and you will get there.

---

You Might Also Like

• Boating With Your Dog: Complete Safety Guide
• Dog-Friendly Beaches: Complete Guide
• Pet First Aid Kit for Travel: What to Pack