Longer days and sunny skies can only mean one thing—summer is almost here! We’re trading in snow skis for water skis, and hanging up our puffy jackets and pulling out the swimsuits 👙. When the weather starts to heat up, one of our all-time favorite activities to do with our dogs is kayaking. Read our tips & tricks below, and your next kayaking trip will be smooth sailing.

1) Safety First

Safety cannot be overlooked before hitting the water. From training to the right gear and everything in between, a good day can quickly become a bad one if you’re not prepared. 

1. Location: Make sure you’re familiar with the location you plan on exploring. Pack a map, read up on the area, check the weather before leaving, and be sure to tell someone where you will be and when you plan on returning. 
2. First Aid: Depending on where you choose to paddle, you might not see anyone else the entire time you’re on the water. It is important to know basic first aid not only for yourself but your furry friend as well. There are a lot of great dog-friendly first aid kits available (some as small as 3 oz), or you can even make your own! 
3. Pack Smart: Never hit the water without a life jacket for you and your dog as well as a safety whistle. Be sure to have an adequate amount of food and water in your boat, first aid supplies, and clothing layers appropriate for any weather conditions you’ll encounter. Still not sure what to pack? Watching our 11 essentials for time outside with your dog video is a great place to start!

2) Fuel Up

By now, we know how important it is to have water and snacks packed for long paddles, but did you know fueling your body (and your dog’s) before the adventure is just as important? Staying hydrated under the hot summer sun has a lot to do with how you prepare leading up to your time on the water. Be sure to drink plenty of water the day before a long paddle, and don’t forget to hydrate when you get home as well. 

Our Free Spirit dog food has the right protein and nutrients to fuel your pup for any of your bucket list adventures.

3) Take Your Time

Just like anything new, take time to introduce kayaking to your dog. Let them sniff the gear, explore the boat on land, and even practice how they’ll sit in the boat on land before letting them join you on the water. 

It might take your dog time to get used to this new style of adventuring. Start out with smaller paddle trips, so they can get used to the rocking of the boat and learn where they fit best in/on the kayak. 

The truth is, not all dogs will enjoy kayaking, and that is okay! Never challenge your dog to do something they do not like or feel comfortable with. Th

4) Have Fun!

 Don’t forget to get dirty and have fun out there! We love keeping up with all of our fans’ adventures, so be sure to tag @TriumphPetFood so we can share your accomplishments on our social channels.

For more ways to Awaken Your Pet’s Free Spirit, be sure to follow Triumph’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages!