To go canoeing or kayaking with your dog, whether for a few hours or several days, it is essential to prepare your activity well for the whole family.
At Canoës Safaraid, we are passionate about helping you discover the Dordogne Valley with the whole family, including your pets. Navigate the calm waters of the Dordogne River between Corrèze, Lot, and Dordogne.
In partnership with Emmène ton chien we have prepared for you the list of our best tips for having a woofingly great canoe-kayak trip with your dog .
Top 6 tips from Canoës Safaraid Dordogne
Find out if your dog is a little fish in the water before you leave:
It is essential that your dog is comfortable with the water, but also with staying on a canoe-kayak for a few hours.
Ideally, feel free to visit one of our bases in Vayrac, St-Sozy, or Monceaux-sur-Dordogne the day before your activity, between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm, so we can try it out on dry land. This will allow your dog to get in and out of the canoe or kayak freely and then simulate the movements of a paddle on the river to see how your dog reacts.
Take your time:
Whether it's before departure to get your bearings or during your walk by taking breaks, allow enough time between your arrival on site and the time of the return bus to be zen during the walk.
Leave early:
During periods of intense heat, we recommend our Vayrac to Gluges route, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours and includes a return shuttle at 2 pm. Departure is flexible between 9:30 am and 11:30 am.
Respect your dog's behavior:
If your furry friend is reluctant to go, shows signs of stress, or is afraid of the heat, we reserve the right to explicitly advise against or even prohibit you from going. Canoeing and kayaking should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, including your little dog, so please pay close attention to their behavior throughout the trip.
Plan your equipment:
Whether it's fresh water, midday kibble, or a life jacket, you'll need to leave space in your container for your dog's belongings.
Regarding life jackets: most dogs are excellent swimmers; however, if it makes you feel more secure, feel free to bring a life jacket that fits your dog properly. We don't provide life jackets for dogs, so please bring your own.
Don't have one? Check out this comparison of several life jackets for dogs.
Follow the safety instructions:
We kindly ask you to keep your dog on a leash, whether on our bases or in the shuttles.
Once on the boat, it's important to remove your dog's leash and harness. This way, in case of a fall, your dog will be free to move around. This ensures its safety.
Our walks and hikes on the Dordogne to do with your dog
To go out with your dog, we recommend a shorter outing (1.5-2 hours), especially if they've never been before. For those who enjoy canoeing with their dog, longer trips are perfectly fine. The same goes for longer stays! If your dog has never been in a canoe or kayak, booking a week-long trip isn't a good idea. A weekend trial will be enough 😉
At Canoës Safaraid we offer trips ranging from 1.5 hours to 5 hours of paddling time for full-day excursions.
We recommend departing from Vayrac or St-Sozy to stay on the Class 1 section of the river (the minimum level).
We also offer trips ranging from 2 to 7 days . For dog-friendly trips, you can also start from Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne , in addition to Vayrac and Saint-Sozy.
During your trip, you can stay in campsites ( dog-friendly, of course!) or bivouacs. We also offer options that include booking your overnight stays at our partner campsites and transporting your luggage from campsite to campsite, depending on your itinerary.
Concerned with providing quality care for our animal friends and ensuring their well-being, we have been Qualidog certified .
This label guarantees a quality welcome, consideration of the well-being of your animal, in particular by adapting the model of the canoe-kayak, but also by committing to the drafting of a charter which empowers owners during the activity.
