Dog Safety

[mikekomm]

We just purchased a Carver 4207 to cruise and live aboard. We have a couple of dogs and want to protect them by installing netting around the deck to keep them from going "swimming". Are there different levels of quality of netting available and where is the best place to purchase it?

[brazenarticle]

Can't suggest netting, don't have it on my boat. I keep the dog pilot in the cockpit while underway and she always has a pfd on other than when below.

Wanted to mention what I think is an important dog pfd note - use a dog vest which has some flotation in the collar on the dogs chest, under her head.
The first couple we tried only held up the dogs body which forced the head down. Seemed to tire Goldie out quickly.
After a few models we settled on a Ruffware which has worked out well.
We use a red/orange vest with a handle on the back, with the buckles underneath it is sturdy enough to lift her. Early on she got treats and praise whenever it went on, now it is just part of our routine.

[rjdives]

Here is the place we ordered our netting. http://www.seamarnets.com/. We have 2 small dogs and that was the admiral's biggest concern that they would slide off the deck.

[Sailmonkey]

We ordered black netting cut on the diamond from http://www.gourock.com it's been on now for 3 years and is still hanging in there.

[Pete7]

We have the netting too, doesn't add much to the looks but very practical. Stopped a few other objects going over the side during the last 2 years. Wish we had the option of black, the white shows dirt very easily. The netting stops the dogs jumping down on to the jetty without your permission.

At sea we always clip the dogs on. Tried lifejackets but they are too warm, remember dogs can't sweat so pant instead. Adding several inches of foam over a black dog would cook them. A good bimini is also essential and carpets on the wooden saloon floor to stop the claws marking the holly and teak.

In harbour we are cautious but allow them up on deck. Both have been overboard on separate occasions. Our labradoodle chased a seagull off the end of the pontoon and kept going with a predicable disney cartoon results. The Pug fell down the open forehatch on to the duvee below.

Before the netting

Angus Our Labradoodle - Angus guarding the yacht from the French fishermen who have kidnapped us Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery

[DoubleWhisky]

Hello !
If You have a choice of colour the dark grey (anthracite) does least harm to boat's look. Not showing dirt and kind of "vanishing" when You look at it from any distance. Please remember, that the netting is definitely not a barier for any dog larger than Chihuahua or Yorkshire terier if one really WANT to jump over it, especially if You do have a teak deck (fiberglass, even with non slip, is not convenient ground for dog to jump from, claws slip anyway).
Better to keep claws well trimmed, it will be easier and safer for dog to move around - carpeting all the surfaces is not practicable
Sooner or later the dog will learn to negotiate the companionway. My feeling is it is important decision, how to prepare the companionway for the dog to be safe. You can cover the steps by the pieces of carpet for example, but this will allow the dog to move swiftly up and down. If You prefer to have better control, You can just cover the floor under the companionway by carpet on the foam base. Even if the dog will go down "cartoon way" it will be not so dangerous, and dog will be very careful on slippery (for him/her) companionway steps.
Of course - the dog should have not an access to the companionway while the boat is under way.
Anyway - I do believe that the proper training is on order. Any move towards the rail should be treated the same way, as any move towards the cake on the master's plate
Some work with dog is necessary, but it is the charm of dog's company, isn't it?
We have three dogs - one of really big breed (140 lb) and two of miniature breed (4-5 lb each). We do not have a netting (big one would be able to jump over at any moment, small would be able to sneak through any opening You will leave for operating the anchor or warps) but we spent enough time on training with them to feel they are rather safe on board.

All the best

Tomasz