Hugs goes surfing - Stand Up Paddling Dogs in triple overhea

"Hugs and his owner hit a point break near Maroochydore for what was either the time of his life, or an hours worth of cursing his doggy instincts for chasing his master onto that board!"
Hugs the Spaniel cross Labrador is an ace on a stand up paddle board. Just throw a stick on the nose and he'll be more than happy to jump aboard and go for a surf!

This week, before the southerlies blew up on the QLD Coast, Hugs and his owner hit a point break near Maroochydore for what was either the time of his life, or an hours worth of cursing his doggy instincts for following his master out into the lineup. Most likely the former, his tails wagging, tongue is out, and to top it all off, he's got more moves than some of the prone surfers out there trying to catch a wave!

If you've never taken your pup for a paddle, then what are you waiting for!

Here's three great tips for taking dogs stand up paddling, courtesy of Chris De Aboitiz, the dog-supping guru from Noosa.

Start with your board on the sand, because you need to get your dog comfortable with sitting on the board itself. Keep them up the nose to balance correctly, and save them from being whacked with the paddle.

Once your dog is comfortable sitting on the nose progress to flat water for short runs. To reward your pup, head back to the beach for some stick throwing action.

Use lots of positive reinforcement, consider a doggy life jacket which makes picking your dog up after a crash easier, and always move at your dogs pace, not your own!