Cruising Mayavideo

How To Have a Dog On a Boat - WE SHARE OUR TOP TIPS

15 October 2023 · 8 min · 19K views

What this video covers

Living aboard a 37-foot boat with a 40-pound dog requires consistent routines for shore access, waste management, and safety during passages. Mac and Jenny maintain a twice-daily shore schedule for their dog, Disco, using a dinghy to reach land for exercise. When shore access is impossible due to weather, wildlife, or regulations, the dog uses a designated piece of AstroTurf on the bow.3:22 Training the dog to use this surface required 16 to 18 hours of patience and positive reinforcement. During sailing, the dog stays in the cockpit under the dodger in calm conditions or moves below deck during rough weather.1:29 Owners should carry updated rabies vaccination records for international travel and flea and tick medication for regions like Mexico. A Dremel tool helps manage nail length to protect cushions, while regular brushing and vacuuming minimize fur accumulation in the cabin. Using a reliable outboard motor simplifies frequent trips to shore, especially when landing on rocky beaches.

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Alberg 37Their boat

More from Cruising Maya

SOLD: Turnkey Blue Water Cruising Sailboat! 1980 Alberg 37 SloopFeb 2025Sailing Pacific Mexico: Crossing the Sea of CortezJan 2025Sailing Pacific Mexico: Boat work in exotic locationsDec 2024Real Time Update and Future PlansAug 2024

From Cruising Maya — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue