Bella on Board

We’ve been talking about getting a dog for a while. We’ve even done research into tricks and tips for having dogs on board for day sails and extended sailing trips. Neither of us are picky about breed – we were just looking for an easy going and adaptable temperament in a medium sized short-haired dog so that it could fit into the small space of the boat and not require excessive grooming or vacuuming. We ended up with a large, furry mutt named Bella.

We were advised to introduce the new puppy to anything that we’d expect her to participate in with us early so she could adapt during the getting to know each other phase. Our first weekend was spent desperately trying to get her all of the supplies she’d need and introducing her to the cat. Weekend number 2, we went to the boat.

Dinner Time

 

Introduction process step 1: We carefully laid out her towel on the quarter berth that was to be her “spot” so that she’d be used to the smell and set her up with dinner. She figured that out well enough and, being the couch potato that she is and being tired from a long play date, slept there through the night.

 

 

Exploring up forward

 

 

Introduction process step 2: We motivated her to explore with treats and got her used to walking around on the sloped and rocking surface of a boat inside where it was carpeted.

 

 

 

 

Plotting an exit strategy

 

Introduction process step 3: We practiced coming in and out the companionway. This was not a favorite, but we realized that her freakishly long legs come in handy for some of the big steps. Since the cockpit is slippery for dogs, it helps that she can gracefully step out rather than having to make a flying leap and hope for a good landing.

 

 

 

Smelling the smells

 

 

 

Introduction process step 4: We spent time in the cockpit between rain showers to smell the smells and enjoy the sites.

 

 

 

 

Bella's chosen spot

Introduction process step 5: Since everything was going along so ‘swimmingly’, we decided to try running the motor to get her used to some of the new sounds common on board. On take 1, Bella’s coping strategy was to abandon ship. After we regrouped to try again, our smarter-than-thou dog came up with her own compromise. She let herself down the companionway, knowing we’d be pleased with her new skill, and cozied up in the V-berth.

 

 

 

Reading up on sail theory

 

 

Compromise process step 1: No more running the engine this trip – but, she goes back to the spot we picked out for her. Since she doesn’t like the motor so much, we thought she might like to read up on some sail theory and take a nap while we made lunch.

 

 

6 Responses to “Bella on Board”

  1. on 03 Apr 2011 at 9:40 pmWaldorf Wallingford

    Capt. Bella will soon have the crew of Quagmire shipshape and following her orders.

  2. on 05 Apr 2011 at 6:17 pmSaldorf

    Ditto Waldorf’s comment. For the motor, you might try running it while she’s walking around on the dock. That way, she won’t feel confined to the source of the noise/feel like she has an escape route and you can be farther away so it’s not so loud at first. She might also be reacting to the noise AND the vibrations, so it’s a double-whammy all at once. Conclusion: get her used to the sound on the dock first, then re-try it on the boat.

  3. on 06 Apr 2011 at 12:14 amAunt Joan

    Congrats on your new family member! She’s a beauty. I’m very impressed that she can even read! 🙂
    Happy Sailing!
    Love,
    Joan

  4. on 06 Apr 2011 at 6:39 pmUncle Pete

    Awesome pooch! Is that a Dachsunds (like Aunt Joan has (ha, ha!))? Welcome to parenthood!! My son Nate and wife Madison made this plunge a year ago and love their cute ‘little’ English Bull Dog… named Birdie! All you need now is some nearby ”grandparents’ to babysit Bella’! My best to Emily!!

  5. on 15 May 2011 at 3:36 amKaren

    Grandma has lots of room and a nearby beach for all of her granddogs and new grandson!

  6. […] her food, and even submitted her to the jarring bellowing monster that is our inboard diesel (see Bella On Board Part 1). After some time had passed and she was slightly better adjusted to us and visits to the boat, we […]

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