Teaching an Old(er) Dog to Pee on the Boat

[BessLB]

Too Funny Chris! Tom is already pretty well trained! I really want to spend some evenings up on South River, and Broad Creek without worrying about Tivo. It seems that teaching him will be easier than I think. As usual, I'm overthinking it! See you soon!

[roverhi]

We tried the trick with the piece of AstrTurf. Felt kind of stupid chasing our dog around in front of the million dollar homes in Newport Beach trying. Took it back to the boat after she somewhat properly annointed it but no go. She would not go on the boat while we were in the Marina. Our Lab was two years old when we moved onto the boat and 3 when we wanted to leave for the Marquesas. Our departure date was getting closer and she still wouldn't do it on the boat. Finally decided to force the issus. Sailed to the Channel Islands and hung out till she learned to use the deck. One day sail over, another at anchor and going on a second day at anchor and we had a very uncomfortable dog. Finally, late on the third day she couldn't hold it any longer and let it out on the side deck. we gave her lots of praise and attention and that was that. After that she went on the deck without any fuss or problems. She still wouldn't do it on the boat when we were in a Marina but would at anchor as well as at sea.