At Water's Edge we understand the importance of sharing your outdoor experiences with your pet companions. Afterall, we have three Labrador Retrievers, and they pretty much go everywhere that we do. If you have a dog that is friendly and well socialized we encourage you to bring them. Certain activities such as our fly fishing treks are often not suitable for dogs as they tend to spend a lot of time in the water scaring away the fish. If, however, you have a dog that is willing to sit streamside while you fish, then by all means you're welcome to bring them.
Dogs are also welcome on our trolling and ice fishing trips. The addition of a dog to the boat will reduce the number of clients we can take on board, but if you're by yourself or with one other person this should be fine. Dogs particularly love our ice fishing expeditions. They have limitless area to run and play, and most dogs that we have encountered love to chase the snowmobile. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on our waterfowling trips as we will have an experienced field retriever ready for your use that day.
Should you choose to bring your dog on one of our guided trips, they are your full responsibility. Anything that may occur to your pet in the often adverse conditions that we face, is completely your own responsibility. We will do everything possible to make our trips safe for both you and your dog, but you must understand that there is risk associated with all outdoor activities.
Things to think about: While some of these things may seem foolish, we like to throw them out there to at least get our clients thinking before they bring their dog...... Does your dog know how to swim? Nearly all of our outings are based on the water, and if your pet should venture in, will they be in immediate danger? What is your pet's experience with the snow and cold? Short hair dogs can become extremely cold when exposed to the mid winter Maine elements on one of our ice fishing treks. While we do offer heated shacks, it is often a two or three mile trip by snowmobile from the car where the dog may have to run alongside the snowmobile. Will he or she be physically capable of this kind of excercise? Days spent trolling are often several hours in between trips to shore. Will your pet be capable of "holding it" until we decide to venture to the mainland? Feeding of your pet will be your responsibility.....and where we venture, I am certain there will always be water. :)
