Re: Puppy
We have a yellow lab "daughter" that was the absolute first priority when deciding what type of boat to get (easy boarding, carpeted rear deck for her to lounge, etc). She's 10 now, and can hold it, but I still don't push it. We're never out more than 5-6 hours with out running in quick to let her do her business. With a puppy, unless he/she is in a crate, don't push it more than a couple of hours. It's an inconvienience, but worth training them to wait. Another piece of advice, swimming almost always "works things down". We always let Bailey swim prior to boarding the boat. Even just a couple of retrieves is all it takes for her to need to find a place to dump. Once that's done, she's good to go for the rest of the day.
OK, one more piece of advice (can you tell I'm a dog lover - OK, at least a Lab lover). Introduce the dog to the boat in the driveway a few times. A puppy is going to see that water and only think one thing - what's the shortest line to it! Get him/her used to sitting in the boat in the driveway, it will be worth it. I did the same for the canoe. My father said you will never get a lab to sit still in a canoe. After half a dozen times in the yard, she does great and doesn't flinch in the canoe.
Any other questions, ask away. Be safe and have fun with the dog!
