b'Staying the CourseThrough many years of dog training, I learnedthat consistency is the key to success. Dogs like to haveroutine, and know what to expect. Starting when hewas a puppy, I gave Logan clear boundaries and consis-tent routine. Yes, even with traveling three weeks outofeverymonthasaservicedogtrainerforSoutheastern Guide Dogs! This training has proven tobe invaluable on our trip. As pet parents, we set thetone for how our dogs see and handle the world. Manyfears our dogs have can be exacerbated by our ownfears. Some people will coddle their dogs when theythink something might scare themsuch as thunder-stormsinstead of giving them the tools to face thosefears and become more confident. Dealing with the NecessitiesOne of the most common questions we get askedis, where does Logan go to the bathroom? As a serv-ice dog trainer, I had already trained Logan to go to thebathroom on command, so for him, it was an easytransition from going on land to going on a maton the boat. I lay down a grass mat and towel onthe windward side of the boat (the higher side ofthe boat) while underway. Logan is trained to peein a yogurt container and I toss the urine over-board so as to avoid smells. Some people washthe pee away with a bucket of salt water, but wefind this to be too dangerous underway and itwilljuststinkuptheboat.Fornumbertwo,Logan goes on the fake grass and I toss it over-board(whichcanbecomicalifthewindsaregusting over 25 knots!) While underway, we are very consistent inhisfeedingandbathroomroutine.Whenatanchor, we have the same routine, and still havehim go on command. Being underway at sea isstressful enough, so I recommend people practicea bathroom routine before they set sail; you andyour dog will be much happierand regular. Motion of the OceanWhilesomedogsgetmotionsick,thankfully,Logandoes not. If your dog is not comfortable riding in a car, theywill likely not enjoy sailing. Creating a safe, stable place foryour dog in your car or boat, like a wheel well or a crate, givesyour dog a sense of security and can avoid some of the anx-ious energy.Preparing for Safety Safety is one of our top priorities. Matt and I took aMedical Safety at Sea course before our voyage so that wecould be well equipped if no one was there to help. Sailorsmust be their own doctor, nurse, therapist, engine mechanic,rigger,plumber,nutritionist,veterinarianandmore.Itsdaunting enough trying to keep ourselves safe, so Loganssafety is at the forefront of our minds as well. 40 THE NEW BARKER'