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My dogs are large and the biggest problem is that they seem to sprawl out in the cockpit. I have never had a problem with either of them trying to jump out. My younger hound has jumped off the dingy though... and then panicks to come right back in.

I have a 97 and I made a much bigger step to get into the cabin. It actually serves as a seat as well in the cabin. My old dog has been on two 2-week trips and the only thing is making sure dogs are allowed wherever you go. He loved it when he was younger. He is 13 and pretty arthritic now so he isn't as comfortable on the boat.

My dogs have lifevests... makes it easier to grab them

[img][img]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y38/ay ... AGUSTA.jpg[/img]




This little wonder dog never stays home, now that I think about it she never works either. Or pay rent and eats for free. But she will never ask to borrow the car or ask for a limo on prom night.

aya16 wrote:[img][img]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y38/ay ... AGUSTA.jpg[/img]




This little wonder dog never stays home, now that I think about it she never works either. Or pay rent and eats for free. But she will never ask to borrow the car or ask for a limo on prom night.

... I sometimes wonder if we do more for the PETs than for the KIDs...Our Yippie has a "bed" in 3 rooms of the house, a bed in two of our 3 vehicles, a bed in the Mac, and even a bed in a secure place at Church. And besides that, his toys always go along, with his special zip up carry on "luggage" with leash, bowls, bottled water, treats, collars, etc. Ive noticed that friends have begun bringing him treats, toys, and "howdys" and we get less attention. SIGH.....

You guys still haven't explained about the Gatorade bottle training. Maybe it would be easier to teach them which side is the lee side?

Rich

You have to wonder about why we feel the way we do about these bags of fur. I know for a fact that if we were in shark infested water at 40 deg and bridgette fell in Karen would grab a steak knife put it between her teeth dive in and save her. and karen doesnt swim much.

Hi pet owners,
If you want to try something that is a blast and cramped try sailing on a Mac with two Bernese Mountain Dogs. It puts a new meaning into tight quarters. Ah what the heck, they are part of the family and everyone should take the family sailing. So if you are ever on the Hudson River and you see a Mac leaning way to far to one side it means that the Berners on the Mac are on the same side again! Do them (your pets) a favor if you are sailing with your pets ...train them well and train them it wear a PFD...they are family right!
Happy sailing this season and a safe season to all!

K9piper

Louis maybe if we put our nose in our friends crotch we would get more attention.....

She has learned "no pets on deck" when I holler at her.


Missing the scenery


Navigating


Hanging out
(embarrasing moment)


Best bud

OK, I don't really single-hand all the time. On Sunday afternoons or short cruises, I usually take this puppy ("Elvis", 11 yrs. & 50 lbs.). He has sailed with me since I got my boat in '01. Here, he's listening to sailing stories of a guest Mac owner. He never disputes them no matter how outrageous the tale. . .





He'll sit on the rail, if conditions aren't too rough. (I know it looks like it, but he's not using the head! He's just been around humans too much).



The sailing must have helped in his balance (sealegs?). On a trip to Ocracoke, a few of us decided to rent bicycles and tour the island. I rented a bike with a rear rack. Removed one of the smaller interior hatch boards from the X and grabbed a handfull of bungees. Strapped the board to the rack and loaded him up. We rode probably 5 miles (and created quite a traffic backup from photographers). He adapts well.

Thanks for the replys. Here is an update to my original post.

I bought a motorcycle cargo net - 15" x 15" with six hooks attached and installed six stainless eye straps, three on each vertical side under the aft lift seat. The net stretches enough in the opening to deter the pups from walking thru, and looks great too.

Both dogs just lay on the cockpit seat all day while sailing and seem to be drinking less on the boat than they usually do at home for the same activity level. I've tried encouraging them to pee/poop in the cockpit, but they so far just hold it til we get to shore. I just don't want them to suffer for it. Also was concerned about the heat level this past weekend. Even under the bimini, it was hot, and I had to periodically dunk them off the transom to cool them down. So far neither seems to want to jump ship!

I've found that the cabin door fits nicely under the transom see and effectively blocks anything from sliding out. Just stand it up in the opening and close the seat down on it.