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BobH260 · 28-08-2009, 15:43

I have a 26 ft. trailer sailor and plan a cruise down the ICW in Florida this winter. I'm concerned about finding "public land" along the way for my dog to use each day. I have an inflatable dinghy with a 4 hp motor. I will be starting about 1/2 way down the state and hope to spend some time in the Keys. Anyone that has done this with a dog and has any suggestions, solutions or tips they would be appreciated.
thanks, Bob

teejayevans · 28-08-2009, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobH260

I have a 26 ft. trailer sailor and plan a cruise down the ICW in Florida this winter. I'm concerned about finding "public land" along the way for my dog to use each day. I have an inflatable dinghy with a 4 hp motor. I will be starting about 1/2 way down the state and hope to spend some time in the Keys. Anyone that has done this with a dog and has any suggestions, solutions or tips they would be appreciated.
thanks, Bob

Pick up Skipper Bob's ICW pubs, they are must have if going down
the ICW:
Skipper Bob

The anchorage's book has places where you can land dogs. You probably
will have to use marina's some because there are sections where you can
not land dogs.
Tom

JackHinks · 07-09-2009, 21:14

I came down the ICW on a delivery in 07 and the Captain (I was crew) had a small dog. We stayed at marinas and they all seemed to have areas where he (and the crew) walked rover where he could do his thing. Except for Norfolk and Charleston. They were very dense, so we had to improvise (a green astro-turf welcome mat).
The biggest headache was keeping the hatches closed so "Rover" wouldn't go Rambo and hit the water when he spotted waterfoul!

brightnsunny · 10-09-2009, 09:23

I traveled the rivers from Chicago to Kentucky last fall with my 60 lb. dog Pogo. We often had to anchor rather than go to shore and Pogo learned to go on a piece of carpet secured to the bow. He pees in the scuppers.

It was a hard first two days while poor Pogo had to figure out what to do. I "walked" him to the bow with leash and plastic pick up bag. Tried everything I could think of. But it still took a couple of days and once he peed in the very back of the pilot berth. But once he went in the right place, all the stress went out of him. He was a relaxed dog, knowing any time he needed to go he could. Now we cruise together without worry.

I wish you well on your travels.

My one worry for the ICW is if your dog likes to swim to watch out in areas that have alligators.

Cheechako · 10-09-2009, 09:28

Good thread. You are going to find that FLorida is one of the most "Dog Unfriendly" places you've ever seen. I have seen the whole eastern seaboard of FL by boat and car and most all the water/land interface (beach) is "dog's banned". It's not a matter of picking up after your dog, it's illegal for it to be on the beach!

Vasco · 10-09-2009, 10:41

If you're going to anchor as most folks going down the ICW do, it'll get more difficult the further south you get. It'll be difficult but many folks do it with dogs that will no do their business on the boat.

BobH260 · 10-09-2009, 19:51

thanks for all the information, we will probably spend more time in marinas because we have a dog, I'm sure he will figure out what to do after a couple of days, seems to be very adaptable little guy,
Bob