Best Inflatable SUP Boards for Dogs & How To Teach your dog to SUP. (2023)

FAQs

Are inflatable paddleboards good for dogs? ›

Yes, inflatable paddleboards are great for paddleboarding with dogs. Compared to a hard board, the surface has better grip for dog paws and durability for claws. Wider boards tend to be more stable, a great feature for new human and dog duos building confidence and balance on the board together.

For a medium to large dog we personally prefer a SUP that is 11' or longer and 6' thick. 32” wide or more is going to be super stable and help guarantee that you both stay out of the water. However a 30”-31″ wide ISUP is going to move better and be easier to turn.

Inflatable Paddle Boards Are Perfect For Dogs

They provide great traction for their paws and are quite stable. I often get questions about whether their claws can damage the boards. The answer is no they don't.

Inflatable SUP boards take longer to set up and inflate than hard paddle boards. Depending on the manual pump that you use, it can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to fully inflate an inflatable paddle board. This can be a drawback if you're short on time or if you're in a hurry to get out on the water.

While solid paddle boards are made of rigid materials like fiberglass and foam, inflatable SUPss are made of flexible PVC material that can be inflated to create the board's shape. As a result, inflatable SUPs tend to be less rigid than their hard counterparts, which can affect their performance in the water.

1. Sit: The “sit” command is one of the easiest tricks your dog can learn and serves as the basis for many other simple tricks like “shake” and “stay.” To teach this trick, keep your foot on your dog's leash, allowing them only a little room to move but not enough to jump up.

Shake hands (or a paw shake!) is a popular dog trick and is usually the first trick most people teach their dogs. This is an easy trick to teach and most dogs pick it up really quickly.

In short, a paddle board leash is not an optional extra, it is possibly the most important piece of safety equipment for anyone venturing out on any body of water with a SUP, and could well save your life.

always wear a leash! Stay connected to your board: A leash keeps your body connect to the board at all times in any unexpected conditions. Your board is a flotation raft: The board serves as a life raft in an emergency. the leash helps you to pull the board back to you and get back on easily.

Paddle boarding can be a great way for both you and your pooch to get exercise and enjoy time together in the great outdoors. If you're thinking of taking your dog out on the water, these tips will help make teaching your dog to ride on your stand up paddle board easy, safe, and fun for both of you.

Is it better to leave an inflatable paddle board inflated? ›

LEAVING THE BOARD INFLATED

Many people ask whether they can leave their board inflated instead of deflating it after each use. The answer is yes you can BUT please store it away from the elements, in a cool area out of direct sunlight and ideally off the ground.

It is a widely believed myth that all dogs have an inborn ability to swim. The reality is that, while most dogs instinctively make a paddling motion if they happen to wind up in the water, that behavior may be the total extent of their ability to swim.

For the majority of paddlers, 5 inches of thickness is preferred over 6 inches thickness because it results in more stability for a given board width and outline shape.

Myth #3: Inflatables aren't as durable as hard boards and puncture easily. Inflatables are in fact more durable than hard paddle boards. Modern inflatable paddle boards are super rugged and can take a serious beating without any major damage occurring. Drop an inflatable in a parking lot as many times as you want.

For the average stand up paddle board with one-to-two layers will have a lifespan of three years if you use it a considerable amount (8+ paddles in a year). If you don't use your board very much then you can expect it to last you a little over three years.

The features that make a particular paddle board best for beginners are stability, versatility, and ease of use. These needs are most likely to be met with a board that is inflatable, is no more than 5 inches thick, approximately 32”-34” in width, and a generally rounded or gently curved outline akin to a surfboard.

Wrapping Up

Cheap SUPs usually have a low weight capacity and don't perform very well. You should only consider a board under $400 if you're on the smaller side or for your kids. If you're heavier or want a paddle board for serious paddling, consider spending a little more for better quality.

The length of a board plays a major role in determining how the board handles. In general, longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more maneuverable. Keep in mind your intended use when deciding what length SUP to buy: Short boards (under 10') are great for surfing and/or kids.

While a pooch performing a sit or a down out of context likely will not cause any problems, certain tricks, like jumping vertically in the air, spinning in circles, high fives or hugs and kisses, can create issues for you and your dog.

6 Months Old

Puppies are entering the adolescence stage by this point, and it is the most difficult stage to start training at. That is why it is important to start training them as young as possible!

What age is it easier to train a dog? ›

According to experts, the ideal time to train a dog is when they are around 7 to 8 weeks old. This is a great time as they are still new to the world to start to understand commands and what is expected of them.

The first things a puppy needs to learn are basic manners, his name, potty training, and not to bite your hands with those sharp teeth. A puppy needs to learn socialization skills, including people, places, and things.

Teaching an old dog new tricks is possible, but won't happen overnight. Research says it takes up to 4 weeks for an old dog to learn new things, so patience cannot be over stressed.

More specifically, a well-behaved pup should respond to seven directions in order to become a good canine citizen: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, Off, and No.

Commonly used release words are “okay,” “break,” and “free.” Often a release word is followed by another command such as “come.”

An inflatable paddle board is much easier on the body of the rider and anybody else the board might come in contact with. A softer deck reduces fatigue. Standing on an inflatable SUP is similar to standing on one of those expensive rubber mats used in commercial settings to reduce fatigue.

Always bring a pair of water shoes or sandals with you on your paddle board for carrying your gear to and from the water. They can clip right onto the storage bungees using a carabiner but some people even like to wear them while they paddle.

In the winter, SUP shoes are a must, but in the summer, we suggest you go barefoot. In the cold months, you'll need to wear a neoprene shoe or bootie. That said, if you're launching your board in a shallow spot where there are rocks or sharp debris under the water, shoes are a good idea.

Dogs can become traumatized after boarding.

When a dog is in a kennel, he or she is in a place unfamiliar to them with people they don't know and other dogs who are barking and whining which causes them to be fearful. They don't know why the other dogs are barking or why they are not at home with you.

What does it mean when dogs paddle their paws in water? ›

Conclusion. Dogs put their paws in the water bowl because they are hot, bored, reacting to a reflection, looking for attention, prefer moving water, are compulsive, or just because they are puppies.

If you've never paddled before, or you're not interested in getting dunked, try kayaking first — it's much more stable for you (and a novice pup). The wide sit-on-top kayaks common at rental places have plenty of space for your dog to ride in the front, and are easy to maneuver in calm lake and marina conditions.

The answer is YES. Most inflatable kayaks are built tough… really tough. They can handle dogs paws and claws with no worries.

Quick Answer: For all-around leisure paddling, inflatable SUPs are much better overall, due to advantages in durability, portability, weight, versatility, and injury prevention. But if you are buying a board mainly for SUP surfing or racing, certain technical attributes of hardboards make them worthy of consideration.

Some dogs will sit or lie down in the well between your feet. In a two-person kayak they may take up the second seat. Or, if there's another passenger, your dog may sit or lie down in the middle on top of the kayak.

Myth #3 – Inflatable Kayaks Must Avoid Sharp Objects

If you get a decent to good model this is nothing to worry about. Even most flat water inflatable kayaks are not susceptible to easy tears and abrasions.

Paddling pools

Make sure your dog is not left unattended near the pool. Some types of paddling pools may be more appropriate for your dog than others. Paddling pools that are inflated may be easier to damage or puncture, and loud pops could scare them too. Be aware of the amount of water you have in there.

Even if you choose a yoga sup board other than a Glide Lotus you will be getting some of the most stable paddle boards on the market. Sup yoga boards regardless of being inflatable paddle boards or solid boards will be some of the most stable boards you can find.

There is no rule saying you can't leave your paddle board inflated; however, we strongly recommend that if you're leaving your paddle board in storage for long periods of time, you should deflate it to keep it in its best possible condition.

Many people ask whether they can leave their board inflated instead of deflating it after each use. The answer is yes you can BUT please store it away from the elements, in a cool area out of direct sunlight and ideally off the ground.

How do dogs feel when you board them? ›

They get insecure and face a certain level of depression when being left in a completely new environment. Although dogs are friendly and get comfortable quickly, many feel lost during their stay. Dogs are very loyal and dependent on their guardians for security and reassurance.