If you are an outdoor water activities fanatic, you know how kayaking is fun and fascinating. Kayaking is a great sport and comes even better when you take your furry friend with you. Dogs are known to make the perfect kayaking companions because dogs love getting wet and they also demand very minimal equipment.
In this review, we explore the best kayaks for dogs to help you find a perfect fit for you and your canine friend. However, before you take up your kayak and hit the waters, important precautions must be put into place to ensure safety and comfort for both you and the dog.
You’ll need a dog-friendly kayak that can accommodate both you and the dog. The good thing about dog kayaks is that there are many brands and models available for people to choose from. If you are in the market for a dog kayak and you are stuck on the best model to buy, we are here to help you. Remember to always have a life jacket for your dog.
We have put together a list of the best dog kayaks, to help you make an informed decision.
#1) Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
If you need a kayak that provides comfort and space for you and your pet, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is the ideal kayak for you. This inflatable kayak is specially designed for small water bodies that include mild rivers and lakes. It is made of heavy-duty, puncture-resistant vinyl, which is not just durable but also resistant to dog claws. For comfort and stability, this kayak comes with an inflatable I-beam. It is easy to maneuver and its streamlined design provides great traction on water. A removable skeg provides directional stability which is important when kayaking. The cockpit is spacious and features adjustable foot braces to fit people of different heights. The bright yellow color enhances your visibility even under low light conditions. For a comfortable kayaking experience, the seats are inflatable and have an adjustable backrest. Key Features
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#2) Sea Eagle 320 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak
This Sea Eagle Sport Kayak is one of the best kayaks for dogs. This inflatable sport kayak has two sitting positions for pet parents who love kayaking with their furry friends. It has a capacity of up to 500 pounds which is more than enough for two people and a pet. Thanks to its large weight capacity, this kayak becomes ideal for pet owners with large and heavy dogs. This inflatable kayak is easy to steer in the event of waves and even manages to withstand the shock of logs and rocks. With 2 skegs included, this kayak has excellent tracking and speed. It is lightweight, easy to inflate and deflate, and highly portable. An inflatable sea skirt is also included and is great if you want to cover any splashes. To ensure reliable performance and many years of use, this kayak has been constructed from a puncture-resistant, heavy-duty material that’s extremely sturdy and hard-wearing. When kayaking with the dog, the canine should take the front position. Key Features
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#3) Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is ranked among the best kayaks for dogs, Its made of 3-ply high impact and abrasion-resistant material, this kayak is hard enough to resist puncture by the dog’s claws. With 3 chamber construction, you can continue to use the kayak when once the chamber gets punctured. The I-beam floor provides stability and rigidity while the spring-loaded valves make inflation and deflation quick and simple. This kayak is lightweight and highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact, and sunlight. It’s perfect for a day out with your pooch on a calm river or lake. This kayak is also the perfect solution when space or transport is a restriction. Key Features
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#4) Ocean Kayak Malibu Two-Tandem Sit-on-Top Recreational Kayaks
For your dog kayaking experience, you’ll need a stable, affordable, and easy-to-use kayak. That’s what you get from the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two-Tandem Sit-on-Top Recreational Kayak and many more. As one of the best kayaks for dogs, Ocean Kayak recreational kayaks bring the best in your outdoor activities when you bring your canine companion along. With a two-person capacity, you can use the extra seat to bring along your furry friend. This kayak is lightweight but highly stable. It has a maximum weight capacity of 425lbs. The cockpit area is spacious the overlapping foot wells ensure comfortable seating positions, front, rear, and center. With adjustable foot braces, you get to comfortably use the kayak regardless of your leg length. The hull and deck design allows for easy stacking of multiple hulls for easy on-dock storage. Furthermore, the bow and stern gear storage straps are perfect for a couple with a child or pet. Key Features
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#5) SUNDOLPHIN Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-Top Kayak
This SUN DOLPHIN Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak as one of the best kayaks for dogs has a spacious and snug sitting area ideal for you and the dog. With an adjustable foot brace, the kayak accommodates people of different heights. This kayak has been designed to provide easy paddling while offering maximum stability. The seats are padded and adjustable as well. Furthermore, this kayak is lightweight and easy to carry around. The open cockpit design makes it easier for you and the dog to enter and exit the kayak. A dry storage compartment with shock cord deck rigging provides extra storage space. You can use this kayak in lakes and rivers as well as those excluded fishing spots. Key Features
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#6) Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak is a great choice of whether you are taking your dog for a day out at the beach or for a leisure visit to the lake. While this kayak is capable of handling either calm or rough waters, it is also durably made to provide excellent protection from punctures making it one of the best kayaks for dogs. This kayak has two adjustable seats, which is great for both you and your dog’s comfort. When you get tired of paddling, you can store the paddles in the convenient holders and put on the Sevylor trolling motor. Fatigue shouldn’t come in the way of having fun with your pet surfing. With multiple air chambers, you get to continue using the kayak even when one chamber gets punctured. The mesh pockets included provide convenient storage space and you can attach your dog’s leash to one of the D-rings included. Key Features
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#7) Lifetime Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak with Paddles
This tandem fishing kayak from Lifetime is highly reliable and stable. With a two-person capacity, you can have your pooch join you and occupy the second seat. The tunnel hull design boasts 500lb of weight capacity, which means that it can comfortably accommodate two people and a third smaller passenger who can be your dog. This tunnel hull design makes tipping almost impossible, so you and your canine friend are assured of your safety. Crafted from roto-molded polyethylene, this tandem is durable and puncture-resistant. It features two padded seats with a soft backrest, so you and your pooch stay snug all through. This kayak is easy to paddle and it provides great stability while doing so. Pet parents who enjoy surfing with their pets talk highly of this kayak and is considered one of the best kayaks for dogs in the market. The multiple footrest positions accommodate different size paddles, so no one is left behind. The 10-foot compact length is transport and storage easy. The cockpit area is large and has self-bailing scupper holes that drain water over that area. This kayak can be paddled solo or tandem. Key Features
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#8) Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak
The 3 Person Sea Eagle 370 Pro sport kayak is perfect for you, your friend, and your furry friend to hit the waters and have a great time. Compared with similar kayaks, this kayak is remarkably inexpensive making the best kayaks for dogs for pet parents looking to have fun without breaking the bank. While this kayak is lightweight and portable, it is remarkably stable and durable as well. It has been made to accommodate a maximum of 650lbs, which is quite remarkable. The rugged hull design is tough enough to withstand punctures as well as dog paws and claws. An I-beam floor provides extra rigidity while the removable, inflatable front and rear seats provide you and your pooch with a snug sitting spot. This kayak also features two molded skegs that provide smooth tracking across the water. With the high-frequency welded seams, the whole material is fused into one solid piece. Key Features
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#9) Perception Pescador Pro 12 Kayak
Unlike other kayaks, this one features unmatched stability and straight tracking performance that will make your kayaking experience with your pooch memorable. The stability of this kayak comes in handy when your dog gets restless, needs to stretch his legs, or just needs to reposition himself. The 375lbs weight capacity packed into a 12-foot kayak means plenty of room for you and your pet. The adjustable seats provide great fit and comfort while the two molded-in rod holders allow for hands-free storage while paddling. Made of high-density polyethylene fabric, this kayak is UV resistant, abrasion-resistant, and rugged enough to withstand d any punctures including dog claws. The added buoyancy provides added stability. Also included is a drink holder that’s conveniently placed for you to easily get hold of your favorite beverage while still kayaking. Key Features
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Kayaks for Dogs
With the market flooded with kayaks for dogs for you to choose from, here are the main factors that you need to consider when making your purchase.
Weight and Portability
Not all who love kayaking live near the river or lake. If you live far away from the water body, you’ll need to transport your kayak to and fro. Weight can vary significantly between kayaks. A lightweight kayak is easier to carry, easy to load inside a car, and also easy to get up to speed.
Furthermore, a lightweight kayak allows you to carry more gear because less of the weight capacity is taken up by the kayak. Inflatable kayaks are gaining popularity because of how easy and convenient they are when it comes to transportation from one point to the other. Choose a kayak that can accommodate your weight and all the fishing gear that you carry along.
Comfort
If you planning on kayaking for an extended period, you might want to choose a comfortable kayak. The cockpit area should be spacious enough to give you room to stretch your legs.
The seats should be soft and breathable to allow comfortable paddling sessions. On top of this, look for a kayak that has adjustable seats, adjustable footrests, and leg braces for optimal foot position.
Durability
Kayaks in general need to be made of sturdy and durable materials. If your dog is going to be a frequent visitor in your kayaking activities, you’ll need to get one that’s resistant to your dog’s claws.
No matter how well your pooch is well trained, he will always scratch the kayak with his claws either intentionally or unintentionally. Depending on your dog’s breed and situation, your dog might try to chew different things on the watercraft. A kaya made of durable materials will also be scratch and impact-resistant.
Stability
Kayaking with your four-legged friend is exciting, especially if you have an adventurous dog who loves water. Nevertheless, while you might not mind being flipped out of the kayak from time to time, your pooch probably does mind.
Getting tossed out of the kayak can be disorienting and as a result, traumatizing experience for your dog. Make sure that the kayak you are buying is as stable as a kayak can be. Look for sturdy, wider kayaks, with stable hulls that will make floating easy.
You also need to ensure that the minimum length of the kayak is at least 30 inches for you to have a pleasant kayaking time. Shorter kayaks tend to be tossed by strong water waves.
Space
For both you and your pooch to have a comfortable kayaking experience, you’ll need to bot seat in the most comfortable position possible. Large-sized dogs prefer riding in their won seat, which is why you should always get a kayak with two seats.
If you have a dog that loves to stay around you all the time, look for a kayak with a spacious cockpit and feel free to him there. However, this should only be the case if you have a small, timid, or overly excited dog.
Furthermore, if you have a particularly large and heavy dog, make sure that the kayak can support both of you and the gear you’ll be taking as well.
Safety Tips for Kayaking With a Dog
While kayaking with your dog should primarily be for fun, never forget about safety. You may be great at taking care of yourself, but that won’t be the same case with your dog. For you to have an exciting and safe kayaking experience, here are some of the things to do before you step into the kayak.
Train Your Dog-A dog that you take on your kayaking trip should be trained on how to use a kayak. Basic entry commands such as ‘get in’ ‘get out, ‘sit’ and ‘jump’ should be learned prior to getting in the kayak. If your dog gets too excited or scared, give him some treats to try and calm him down.
Use A Life Vest-Some dogs love water and are good swimmers, but others aren’t. Accidents happen when we least expect them. Make sure that you both use a life vest to prevent drowning in case your kayak gets flipped over.
Never Tie a Dog to The Kayak-One of the worst things you can do for your dog’s safety is to tie him on the kayak. In case the kayak flips over, your dog needs to swim and rescue himself. If tied on the kayak, he might not be able to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Kayaks for Dogs
Q: Which Kayaking Gear Do I Need for My Dog?
A: You’ll need a few essentials to stay safe and sound. You’ll need a life vest, food and water, leash and harness, medical essentials and several toys and treats.
Q: Is It Safe to Kayak with a Dog?
A: Yes, it is. Depending on the type of kayak that you are using, it is always safe to get in the water as long as the kayak is stable. With a little bit of training and simple acclimation, your dog will learn to use a kayak and be a safe passenger.
Q: How Do You Teach a Dog to Use a Kayak?
A: Assuming that you have a dog that loves water and is a good swimmer as well, getting to train him how to use a kayak becomes a breeze for you. Let him climb aboard, sniff it out, and also lay in inside the kayak. The less scary the kayak seems on dry land, the easier it becomes for him to adjust to when on the water. Teach him all the basic commands of sitting still and staying calm.
Q: What’s the Best Kayak for a Dog?
A: Any tandem kayak will do. A tandem kayak is a lot more spacious and you can even use the extra seat for the dog. This way, you’ll be seated comfortably as you enjoy the calm waters of the lake or river.
Conclusion
Kayaking with your dog can be all fun especially if your furry friend loves water. You both get to enjoy the water views together which can be a great way for both of you to bond. All the kayaks listed above are great for dogs and we hope that this review will help you find a kayak that perfectly suits you and your dog’s needs.
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