1. Use a dock if you can. We found lifting things in and out of the canoe using a dock was a lot easier. I could hand things into the boat to Meagan instead of having to wade out to it.

2. If you don`t know what the dog will do, put him in last. We worked a system where I handed Mr J into Meagan, then I lifted in the dog. Meagan then lifted Mr J into the middle of the boat, and I lifted him between my legs. This worked until the dog scrambled out, so we re-started the whole procedure. Putting the dog in first would have not worked out for us cause you need to limit your dogs running space.

3. Be prepared. I know, I mentioned this above, but this day was a lot colder on the water and I was grateful I had remembered a sweater for my small friend. He was also a little fussy so his Nuk came with us, and I was so glad to have stuffed it into my pocket. I frequently dipped it into the water, and this was very amusing for many dips.

4. Bring your leash. We didn`t leash our dog to the boat (in fact, I would never do this), however, we did have a jaunt on the other side  of the lake at the group camp site. You never know when you might need it.