Introducing Tippie & Max; two gorgeous little foxie’s who have spent the past year sailing the East Coast of Australia. Tippie has the world wrapped around her paw while Max is the sensitive little guy. I have met these two and they are simply gorgeous. Some great advice in the bio from their mum.
Doggy Name: Tippie & Max
Doggy Breed: Tippie is a Miniature Foxie Cross and Max is supposed to be, but his parents aren’t so sure with those ears!
Doggy Ages: Tippie is 8 Years old & Max is 9
Years Sailing: 1 year
Places Sailed: East Coast of Australia
How do Tippie & Max handle sailing life?
Tippie enjoys sailing because she gets to meet lots of people who fuss over her and Max likes sailing because he loves being with his mum and dad who say, sometimes a bit too much.
Biggest challenges and how did you overcome/manage these challenges?
Biggest challenge on the boat is toilet. If possible, Tippie will avoid going to the toilet on the boat. Her mum is working on this with her; a work in progress.
Max’s biggest challenges have been an initial fear of the dinghy when in a shore break and severe separation anxiety when his parents go out for a little while.
To help Max overcame the dinghy problem the take the boat a bit slower for him and the anxiety by using a Thundershirt and short training sessions.
Most dog friendly places you’ve experienced on your travels in your local area and abroad?
All the marinas we’ve visited have been dog friendly, as have the communities around them.
Any tips on international travels?
No tips on international travel yet.
What’s the longest leg your doggy has travelled and how do you manage her energy, toileting and behaviour on these legs and keeping her safe on larger swells.
Six hours is the longest leg travelled. Tippie and Max sleep 90% of the time while at sea and wear a PFD and a harness clipped into jacklines at night and during rough conditions.
Have you made any modifications on your boat to accommodate your dog?
We added safety netting to the lifelines to make the deck safer for the dogs.
What advice would you like to share with others who have dogs who sail or who are considering having a dog on a boat?
Don’t overthink it. Dogs are very adaptable and will be happy as long as they’re with you. Don’t stress over toilet training. It will not be the worst smell you encounter on a boat.
3 Do’s
- Get your dog used to being in the cabin by themselves, your life will be easier.
- Always have enough toys aboard to keep your dog entertained.
- Keep your dog on a lead when ashore and in the dinghy, they’re only truly under control when on a lead.
3 Don’ts
- Don’t leave dog droppings on the ground EVER. Irresponsible dog owners make it hard for everyone.
- Don’t let your dogs run wild when ashore, not everyone likes your dog as much as you do.
- Don’t let your dog run your life.
Last thoughts (from your dogs perspective)
Tippies thoughts:
I’m the queen of the marina and everyone who passes my boat must pat me.
Max’s thoughts:
Where are the Schmacko’s?
