8 Best Kayaks for Dogs

Taking your pup for a paddle can be a lot of fun, but finding the best kayak for dogs is crucial for a safe and happy experience. If you want to learn how to kayak safely with your pup, keep reading. Plus, we’ll show you eight excellent dog kayak options and highlight our favorite features of each. 

Let’s get paddling! 

What Is a Dog Kayak?

A dog kayak has room for your dog to sit safely in the watercraft with you. If you have a large dog, fishing kayaks are often the most stable, wide, and weight-bearing options. However, for smaller dogs, you may be able to use any type of kayak as long as there’s a place for it to sit without being in your way of paddling.  

How To Kayak With Your Dog top tips

Is It Safe for a Dog to Kayak?

Kayaking with your dog is safe as long as you prep your pet for the adventure. Most dogs can swim, but be sure you know how well your dog does in the water. If your dog is scared of water, it may start to panic if it falls in or you paddle into any rapids.  

We recommend putting a dog life jacket on your pet. Also, take fresh drinking water, a bowl, and some treats in a watertight bag. If you’re out all day, bring some food in a watertight container as well. And remember to bring your dog’s leash any time you get out of the kayak.

Pro Tip: Before you hit the water, discover The Differences You Should Know About A Canoe vs. Kayak Before Your Next Paddle Trip.

How Do You Train a Dog to Stay in a Kayak?

So how do you kayak with your dog? Well, safety is a priority when paddling with dogs. Therefore, you may need to train your dog to stay in the kayak. If your pet has never been in one, we recommend practicing before actually setting out down the river or lake. 

First, put your kayak on dry ground and let your dog explore it. Then, sit in the kayak as if you were in the water and ask your dog to jump in. Praise it and give a treat after jumping in and sitting down. You’ll then want to sit in the kayak with your pet and make motions as if you were going down a river. 

Once you feel confident enough that your dog is used to the watercraft, put it in shallow water and do the same exercise near the shoreline. When your dog is comfortable and not trying to bail out of the kayak, you’re ready to give a short paddle a try.

Pro Tip: You can easily carry your kayak on your RV with one of these 7 Best RV Kayak Racks For Your Camper.

8 Best Kayaks for Dogs

Finding the best kayak for dogs is important for keeping you and your pet safe. Let’s look at eight suitable options for dog kayaks. We review the model, list our favorite features, and explain what type of waterway it’s best for.

1. Ocean Kayak Malibu

About: The Ocean Kayak Malibu is a tandem, sit-on-top recreational kayak. It has a weight capacity of 362 lbs, and it’s 12′ long and 34″ wide. It’s a great option to bring a dog along due to its size and being a sit-on-top, making it easy to get on and off.

Our Favorite Features: The kayak comes with comfortable seats that are four-way adjustable. They provide a good grip and help you adjust yourself and manage your dog during a paddle.

Best For: Lakes and gentle rivers

2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado

About: The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is an inflatable fishing kayak with PVC construction and multiple air chambers for minimal risk of being punctured. It has trolling motor fittings, paddle holders, and mesh storage pockets for gear or dog supplies.

Our Favorite Features: Fishing kayaks are more stable for reaching into the water, and they’re roomy enough for your fishing equipment. It makes them the perfect kayak for taking your dog along. 

Best For: Small lakes and gentle rivers

3. Perception Pescador Pro 10

About: The Perception Pescador Pro 10 is a sit-on-top fishing kayak that’s 10′ 6″ long. It has large front and rear storage compartments and a maximum carrying capacity of 325 lbs. The boat has a leak-proof, one-piece construction with built-in buoyancy. 

Our Favorite Features: The size is perfect for taking a large or small dog kayaking. And we also like the lawn chair style mesh seat, which you can lower and adjust into two different positions.

Best For: Lakes and gentle rivers

4. Sea Eagle 3-Person Sport Kayak Canoe

About: The Sea Eagle 3-Person Sport Kayak Canoe is inflatable and has two seats. It has a weight capacity of 650 lbs, making it ideal for large dogs. The kayak is extremely stable and durable. It comes with two paddles, a foot pump, and a carry bag.

We’ve personally used this kayak for years, and it conveniently stores down into a carry bag that we can bring with us on our RV camper adventures. Our dogs’ nails have never damaged the inner floor after many voyages.

Our Favorite Features: We love that you can put the kayak in your car, and it only takes about 10 minutes to inflate or deflate. It makes for a great recreational kayak for dog parents.

Best For: Lakes and up to Class III whitewater

5. Explorer K2 Kayak

About: The Explorer K2 Kayak is an inflatable two-seater that can hold 400 lbs. It’s 10′ 3″ long and is roomy enough for one person and a small, medium, or large dog. The kayak is durable, can be inflated and deflated in about 10 minutes, and has a removable skeg. 

Our Favorite Features: The seats are incredibly comfortable on this kayak, making it ideal for paddling with your dog in tow. 

Best For: Lakes and mild rivers

6. Perception Hi Life 11

About: The Perception Hi Life 11 is a stand-up paddleboard with a seat, so you can use it like a sit-on-top kayak. It’s 11′ long and 34″ wide, and it can hold a maximum of 280 lbs. In addition, the seat has an adjustable, elevated back. There’s also a drink holder.

Our Favorite Features: We love that this board has a platform in the rear that’s perfect for a dog to sit on. And the ability to use the watercraft as a paddleboard or kayak makes it a favorite.

Best For: Lakes and gentle rivers

7. Lifetime 10 Foot

About: The Lifetime 10 Foot is a tandem fishing kayak. Its spaciousness allows a second person or dog to join you for a paddle. And it comes with three fishing rod holders and a rear storage hatch. The weight capacity is 500 lbs. 

Our Favorite Features: This kayak is a sit-on-top, ideal for your dog to get on and off the watercraft. The Lifetime 10 Foot comes with a five-year limited warranty. 

Best For: Lakes and mild rivers

8. SUNDOLPHIN Bali SS

About: The Sundolphin Bali SS is a single-seat, sit-on-top kayak. It offers maximum stability, which makes it a dog-friendly option. Additionally, it has a portable accessory carrier for extra gear storage and a dry storage compartment.

Our Favorite Features: We like that the cockpit is easy to get in and out of for you and your dog. The large seat is comfortable, and there are protective thigh pads and adjustable foot braces.

Best For: Lakes and rivers

Pro Tip: Want to bring your furry friend camping? Make sure to follow these 5 Rules for RVing with Pets.

Teaching My Dog How To Kayak

Enjoy a Water Adventure with Your Furry Friend

Are you ready to kayak with your furry friend? We hope you found a dog kayak on our list to maximize your time on the water. Whether you’re exploring new rivers or just heading out to a local lake, knowing you’ll be safe on the water brings peace of mind. 

After a few hours out on the water, your pup might be ready for a nap. Grab one of these 6 Best Dog Camping Beds for a Well-Rested Adventure Pup.

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