Once you have set up the designated toilet area for your sailing dog on your boat, it’s time to let them know that it is ok to use it.
I would love to be the doggy blogger with the crystal ball foretelling that you will have no problems getting your doggo to go on board, on cue, within a couple of days, perhaps a week maximum. The truth, dare I say it, is that every dog is different.
At best I can only share our experiences which may give you some insight into how you might move forward with your furry sailing buddy’s toilet training.
Number One’s
We were still land lubbers when we introduced Maxy & Mel to sailing so before we took the Doggy Pee Mat to the boat I sneakily had them prep it at home.
Knowing their habits, I placed the mat on an area of grass in the backyard that they religiously used to go to the toilet on first thing every morning. I left the mat in that same spot for an entire week to ensure they had given it a good smelly Maxy & Mel soaking.
Mission certainly accomplished! Holding our breath we rolled the mat up and transported it across town to our boat; a long and rather pungent 45 minute drive. Phewee indeedie.
Oh, but it was worth the smelly trip. As soon as we got to the boat we set the mat on the bow while M&M came up and filled their noses with whatever smells were deeply imbedded in that fake grass in the past week.
From then on we made a routine to go to the mat at the same time every day; first thing in the morning, middle of the day (or soon after anchoring) and just before bed.
Every time we went to the Doggy Pee Mat we used the same words “wee wee” and the same tone. When they used the mat we would make a real fuss every single time with cuddles, praise, pats and treats.
No doubt Maxy & Mel were having private conversations discussing why all of a sudden mum and dad were ridiculously excited that they were going to the toilet but agreeing to let it slide because of all of the treats they were getting.
We were fortunate. Once Mel went, Maxy would follow. It was this way on land and now the way it was on the boat too.
Number Two’s
Now, that is Number One’s taken care of let’s chat about Number Two’s which seem to take a little longer.
Maxy’s philosophy is random. Some days his beliefs are sure; when you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go and other days he will turn his nose up at the mat and choose to wait and go immediately we set foot on onto terra firma. It will forever remain a mystery as to what makes the difference for him.
Mel would hold on for days but if by 48 hours she hadn’t gone I would be asking Anthony to find somewhere with land. A tiny little patch of sand but preferably grassy enough to accommodate a 20kg dog was all that was needed.
Again, we kept a routine as we had with Number One’s. We used the same words and the same tone and when there was success, we had a party.
I have spoken to a couple of vets about how long is too long for our dogs to be holding on and have been given the same answer; that they will eventually go.
For me, I have never felt that I needed to know how long Maxy & Mel could hold on for, their limit. I already knew for certain that for the past decade on land they had a regular toileting routine rain, hail or shine. My choice was to interfere with this as little as possible.
If you see your dog is distressed from not going to the toilet, please take them to land. Also, if your dog has unusual symptoms from holding on, take them to see a vet.
My advice is to ensure your dog is successfully toilet trained on the boat before you do any long trips where their only option is to go on board or to hold on for longer than they would like.
Tips If Your Doggy Needs Extra Help
Here are a couple of tips if you are not able to get your dog to go to the toilet on the new mat:
1) Ask another person who has a dog on a boat if you can place your mat under their mat for a while. Dogs love to mark their territory and will quickly override the scent once it’s on your boat.
2) In the dark of night when the moon is yet to rise, do it yourself. Yes, I am absolutely serious. I have known of one person who showed their dog what to do with the mat and many others who say they were prepared if all else failed.
3) Persevere. Stick to the routine you set. Go up to the mat at the same set times. Mel would sometimes walk up to the mat and as quickly walk away without using it. I started clipping her lead on and for some reason she associated this with toilet time.
4) Be patient. I’m sure as loving owners of dogs who sail you will know not to pass on your own frustrations with your dog for them not going to the toilet. Remember, they didn’t get to choose this experience.
5) If possible try to have the boat as stable as you can, especially in this training phase. You know what’s it’s like yourself using the head in unsteady conditions…
6) Praise, love and treats galore when it does happen.
A Final Note
If your dog is unable to take to going to the toilet on board then you might have to resign yourself to passage planning that will allow them to go to land.
You know better than anyone what your dog needs and what you need too to ensure they are happy and comfortable on the boat.
At the end of the day, you are sailing, and your beloved dog is sharing the adventure with you. Sometimes a far-off destination might just have to wait. It’s not going anywhere. Enjoy this time with your dog and allow them to love it too.
