We are spending a weekend at the river next weekend and I'm wondering if anyone has used a harness with a back handle for lifting thier dog into a boat or onto a dock? She is a very confident swimmer so I don't know that a life jacket is necessary but I'm guessing we'll need something to grab on to.
I've no experience of lifting dogs into boats, but we use a Julius K9 harness. It has a handle in the middle of the back. We've found it useful for steadying Holly as she get over stiles or scrambles up muddy slopes. I'm not sure that I'd lift her by it as it gives no support to her back end.
That sounds sensible. I know there are harnessed specially for rock climbing dogs too. The downside is that some people feel it is a risk using a harness as it could trap a dog in/ under water if got stuck under a rock etc. Not sure what others think. It's about weighing up th pros and cons of your particular circumstances
When Harley goes swimming we take her harness off as it could get caught in something under the water and make it more difficult to get away. If it's a clear lake and you can see through the water clearly then you might be ok, but if you can't see clearly I personally wouldn't risk it.
My dogs are nekkid if they're swimming just in case there are submerged branches or something they might get caught on. If we were in open water and I needed to get them in a boat I might rethink but rivers, lakes and ponds I don't have anything on them.
Thanks everyone! I'm probably overthinking it and don't need to lift her into the boat but better safe than sorry!
We usually go nekkid here too but some rig a platform on a hinge that can be deployed as a ramp for them to climb back aboard. I've seen them on Jon boats and sailing boats. I'm gonna build one myself next week. Usually a piece of treated plywood on a hinge with 1x3 strapping spaced out for grip with a pool noodle ( tube foam ) attached to the water bourne edge.
