The rules to know
- Free on the Semois. No supplement for the dog.
- Tell us when you book. You are then given a suitable boat.
- Your responsibility throughout the trip, on the water and on land.
- Life jacket for the dog: not provided by the hire company, and not compulsory.
This free-of-charge rule applies to the Semois. For any other river, ask about the rule before you book.
Why the Semois suits dogs
The current is gentle and the water, 40 to 80 cm deep along much of the routes, often lets a dog that jumps in touch the bottom. Pebble beaches are frequent, and the wooded banks give shade. More sporty rivers, like the Amblève, are much less suitable.
The route: start with the shortest
For a first time, choose Alle – Vresse: 7 km, about 1 h 30, with no rapids or technical weirs. The beaches let you stop regularly. Trips of 16 to 24 km tire the dog and stress it needlessly: a short, successful trip is better. See the Semois routes.
Which boat
An open canoe, wide and flat-bottomed, offers the most room and stability: the dog can lie down in it. In a double kayak, place it between your legs. In both cases, a towel or non-slip mat on the floor stops it sliding. Never tie the dog to the boat: if you capsize, it must be able to get free and swim. The lead is only for use on land.
Preparing the dog
- A week before, get it used to its life jacket at home and on walks, so it associates it with something pleasant.
- The day before, check the weather and the Semois river flow.
- On the day, let it step into the boat while it is stopped on the bank, sniff around, get in and out, and reward it. Five minutes is often enough.
- Take it for a short walk before setting off: a dog that has relieved itself and burned off some energy will be calmer on board.
- On board, speak in a steady voice and keep your movements slow.
- At the finish, dry it, give it water and check its paw pads.
Heat, water and paw pads
Heatstroke is a risk even on the water. Bring plenty of fresh water, take breaks in the shade every 20 to 30 minutes, and wet the dog regularly. River water is not ideal for drinking. In summer, set off in the morning. On hot pebbles, watch its paw pads.
A dog life jacket with a back handle is strongly advised for a puppy, an older dog or a poor swimmer: it makes it easy to haul the dog aboard.
What to bring
- a dog life jacket in its size;
- water and a collapsible bowl;
- a towel or non-slip mat;
- a lead, for boarding and breaks;
- waste bags;
- a few treats and a small kit for paw pads and ticks.
When to call it off
Postpone in a heatwave, when the flow is too high after heavy rain, or if the dog is visibly panicking. If it trembles, pants with stress or keeps trying to jump out, head for a beach and finish on foot.
Kayaking does not suit every dog: puppies under six months, pregnant bitches, dogs with heart problems, very old dogs or flat-faced breeds that are sensitive to heat. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Coming with children too? Read the family kayaking guide. For prices, see the prices page.