Yahoo Lifestyle Bernese Mountain Dogs' Paddle Boarding Escapade Is Cuteness Overload
Have you ever thought about taking your dog paddle boarding? Now that I live in Florida, I often consider it with my little one, who once jumped on a stranger's board without hesitation. However, I'm not known for being graceful, so I'm apprehensive about taking mine to the water and keeping them safe.
After seeing these beautiful Bernese Mountain dogs peacefully paddling away, it has renewed my interest in the sport. I can't think of a better way to exercise and spend the last days of summer.
Take a look at this aquatic adventure shared in a video from August 13:
These beautiful dogs all appear to be having a sensational time! This calm and gentle breed is the perfect companion for a relaxing day on the water. Most of these pups seem perfectly content just sailing along and taking in the sounds, smells, and sights. But it gets hot in the summer sun, so Sumo (@sumotheberner) decided it was time to swim. Although he may be a large dog, he could dismount the board gracefully and avoided tipping Mom over. As a bonus, Mom didn't have to paddle back to shore because Sumo pulled her along like a fluffy tugboat. What a good boy!
Related: Bernese Mountain Dog Embarks on Sublime Horse Hiking Adventure in California
Considerations Before Taking Dogs Paddle Boarding
Pick the board and paddle that are the right size for you and your dog(s). Surprisingly, even the inflatable paddle boards can hold a human and two Bernese Mountain Dogs, according to Ruffwear, and their texture is easier for a dog's claws to hold on to.
Fit your dog for a life jacket. No matter how terrific they may be at swimming, it's essential to protect them with a flotation device in the event of an emergency.
Introduce your dog to the board on dry land. Teach them to get on and off and reward them with treats and praise when they do, ensuring that they associate the board with fun!
When entering the water, stay in the shallow end. Give your dog ample time to get used to the board and how it feels in the water before embarking on an adventure. Practice getting on and off while again showering them with praise and treats, even if things don't go as expected initially.
I'm happy to see these Berners enjoyed a day paddling along, and it's reassuring to know that the humans didn't have to stand the whole time. Watching them having fun makes me ponder taking my dogs on a similar adventure. However, I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up in the water, pushing them back to shore like the royalty they are.
