Old Dog

[irwinsailor]

Our dog is getting old. I'm thinking that we will wait to leave the USA until he passes on. I'm not sure that it would be worth the hassel of taking him with.

[GordMay]

Friends of ours had a well-trained (but NOT boat-trained) old dog.
They tried everything to get it to urinate up on the bow - but it would not foul it's own home.
They ended up taking the dog ashore every day - no matter what. So much for distance cruising.
If you can't teach an 'old' dog new tricks- then you better bring along a 'new' dog, and train it to pee aboard (somewhere).

[rakuqueen]

We have a 91/2 year old corgi. She loves to sail but we haven't tryed to boat train her. We thought that would be easier w/ we are living on board this fall. She has moved a few times and is adaptable. The cat (2 years old) is not. We have a kitty litter box which he uses on board, but he gets sea sick when we take him sailing. He gets sea sick in the car when he knows we're going to the boat. He is a 16lb. wimp. He is taller than the dog, which I know isn't saying much if you know about corgis, and just a woderful cat that might have to go to the grandparents when we leave in March. We are going to try talking to the vet and get some sugustions. Every day is an adventure around here!

[wilsonday]

I think waiting is the best option rather than getting a new dog and abandon the old one just because you cannot toilet train him now! Pets should not be abandoned or replaced so easily! Though, I do wish your old one could learn the new tricks now as sailing with them is such a sweet experience. They are part of the family after all!

[Lepke]

Get a small box with dirt, better yet grass. Put it away from the door in a quiet place and your dog will find it. After awhile you can remove the box. I have a 13 year old lab. She hates the boat. No good smells, but gets the job done. She does like where the boat takes us. She will hold if she thinks we're going ashore.

[Wind River]

I just lost my 13 year old Lab mix in December. I would give my pinky finger, maybe more, to have him back and have your problem.
Enjoy him while he is here. If he is like mine, all he wants is to be with you, no matter where that is. He IS worth the hassle.

[Wind River]

I just respond to a 12 year old thread. I should look more closely next time.
I would imagine this ship has sailed long ago. Oh well.

[BJames777]

Good to revive old topic like this. My 2 1/2 year old lab can't stop trying to jump in and play with dolphins. Hence, he loves boats!


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[s/v Beth]

Yeah, I think the old dog has gone to doggie heaven. That's were labs go, best animal on earth.

[Cheechako]

Waiting for your friend may be best... but he may be ok on the boat... depends on how hard boarding is on your craft etc. My dogs love dingy riding more than most anything!
whoops... just saw the thread date!