Dog in a portable

[Might_B_A_Pike]

I upgraded to an Eskimo Quickflip III this year. Its normally just my wife and I that go out fishing so I was hoping there would be room for my dog to come along too. She is a Golden / Sheppard mix, she loves fishing and I would like to bring her along.

I am wondering if anyone else has had good luck bringing man’s best fishing buddy into a portable with them and any tips on how to make it all work.

My biggest concern is the heater (little buddy), I don’t want her to get to exited and accidently get burned if she gets too close to it. Does anyone know of a safe way to get it up off the ice without damaging the canvas or risking it falling on someone?

[B@ssmaster]

Years ago I used to bring a 60lb lab/brittany cross ice fishing with me all the time in a small portable. He only set his tail fur on fire one time and he learned to stay away from the sunflower heater (mounted on the 20 lb tank). He didn't burn any skin, just some fur, so he learned the heater was a bad thing to be near without significant injury. He ice fished with me for about 10 years. He was a riot to have out there, he learned to watch a bobber for me. (He was my duck retriever, very intense retriever - just loved to retrieve, so after seeing the bobber dissapear a few times and have a fish come up the hole, he associated the two events pretty quickly.) The only downside is that occasionally he would try to grab the fish as it came out of the hole. Watch out for hooks!

You will have to do a bit of training so your dog knows your rules in the house, but it isn't a big deal.

Have fun and enjoy.

[KG243]

We have brought my brothers lab and put him in the sled behind us and it worked out slick other then loosing some storage room. We brought his bed with to give him some insulation from the ice.

[gurkster]

It all depends on the dog and its temperament.

[cluelessfisherman]

As long as your dog is well mannered and minds well, you will be fine. I bring my springer with and bring her pillow and put it in the tub next to my seat. She is content to sit there and watch me reel in some fish and eventually fall asleep.

It took a little coaxing the first time to get her to settle down, but after that she knew what to do every other time we went out.

[matthothand]

I don't think it's a good idea. Too much going on in a small area for the dog to stay safe and know what's acceptable and you'll likely enjoy your fishing time less because you need to watch after the dog's well being. Heater, hooks, holes, expensive electronics/equipment, flopping fish... It just doesn't seem like a good environment for a dog.

[Biggerfish]

Years ago I used to bring a 60lb lab/brittany cross ice fishing with me all the time in a small portable. He only set his tail fur on fire one time and he learned to stay away from the sunflower heater (mounted on the 20 lb tank). He didn't burn any skin, just some fur, so he learned the heater was a bad thing to be near without significant injury. He ice fished with me for about 10 years. He was a riot to have out there, he learned to watch a bobber for me. (He was my duck retriever, very intense retriever - just loved to retrieve, so after seeing the bobber dissapear a few times and have a fish come up the hole, he associated the two events pretty quickly.) The only downside is that occasionally he would try to grab the fish as it came out of the hole. Watch out for hooks!

You will have to do a bit of training so your dog knows your rules in the house, but it isn't a big deal.

Have fun and enjoy.

I can't imagine not bringing my lab? soft or hard water fishing she loves to watch the fish come in. The best part is when you release the fish and she stares at the hole for a few minutes....must think the fish may come back up?

It will be a adjustment for both of you but if you like the canine company go for it and the dog will be thankful to spent time with you.....

[401TE]

Ah, come on Matt. Nothing wrong with bringing the pooch out with you ice fishing. You just need to take some time the first few times to train the dog where it can and can not be. Once they figure that out they love it! The more they go the better they'll be. Guarantee if you asked the dog they'd rather risk a hook in the paw than sit at home!

[Hartley]

Just like an American Express Card, 'I never leave home with out it!" Seriously, I always take my 85 pound black lab with ice fishing. Although he is very obidient and I keep him comfortable.

[reinhard1]

dont think i will bring my 5 month old lab out yet. however in time she will be with me wherever i go in the outdoors. good luck.

[servocam]

I rarely go with out my ferocious beast. She is 3 now and loves going with. Never an issue w/ the heat. She behaves off-lease and has great recall. Besides, she helps pull the sled (1/2 pit-bull so great puller!)

She will go look down the hole and likes the fish, but keeps from the heater.

Did you know? - the RecycleFish people told me that dog doo-doo is the number one pollutant in our lakes! Please pick up their piles. Besides, it freezes in to a hockey puck.

[reinhard1]

that's awesome. hopeing one day to do the same. the heater is my biggest fear. the rest is no problem. in time i'm sure she will learn. good luck.

[Nate McVey]

Definitely doable! I love having the company of the dog in the portable. I have a small Otter sled that I put a blanket in and she lays in that while she's in the house.

[tsande00]

My pal comes with me all the time.

[simple1]

I always bring my dog if I am going alone. He loves it and I let him run wild if no one else is around. In the tent, I bring a thick pad for him to lay on. He likes it a little, but to be honest he would rather run the entire time. I would also like to address a recent post about people bringing dogs along that bother others while out on the ice.... If your dog comes up to me and says hi, it would make my day. There is nothing better than a friendly pooch saying hi as he passes by my tent. He may even get a treat of beef Jerky.

Simple1

[Scott M]

I've brought along my lab a few times. She's a sweet dog. I usually pack a couple blankets for her to lay on in the tub. She doesn't lay down much if the fishing is good and loves to watch. It only works when I'm fishing solo otherwise she takes up too much room.

Like someone says, it depends on the dog's temperament and training.

[Twins Guy]

I'm hoping my pooch is a little better at jigging for panfish than she is about casting (summer) for bass. she must think its a game of fetch and i'm casting out her ball to retrieve (funny she sucks at the actual game of fetch!) if she doesn't dive in to chase my lure she does wait intently to see what i catch and is always very interested in fish caught. i think i'll have to give her a chance on the ice this year since there is no casting involved-just wish my solo was a little bigger (errr that's what she said;)

tg

btw i have a fluffy not so outdoorsy dog (wheaten terrier) although i did grow up with a lab

[CrewJones]

thats how mine is, i have to tie her to the boat chair or every cast she would be in the water, we put a life jacket on her so we could haul her out of the lake b/c she would jump in w/o any notice at full speed whatever. She loves water.

[fishnhooks]

I don't because I would have to take two 80 -85 lb Labs with (just not enough room), but I do take them with in the wheel house.

"hooks"