The Lake Day Your Dog Wants
A lake day with your dog can either be the best day… or kind of chaotic. Usually it comes down to a few small things that make a big difference.
Around Grass Valley and Nevada City, we see a lot of people bringing their dogs out to places like Scotts Flat Lake, Rollins Lake, and Bullards Bar. When it goes well, it’s really fun for everyone.
Here’s how to keep it on the “good day” side of things.
Start With the Right Kind of Spot
Not every lake setup is ideal for dogs.
Look for areas where you’ve got:
easy water access
some shade
space to spread out
Scotts Flat and parts of Rollins are great for this. You don’t need anything fancy, just somewhere your dog can settle in and not feel overwhelmed.
Give Them a Minute to Figure It Out
Some dogs run straight into the water. Others aren’t so sure.
Let them take their time.
Walk the shoreline, let them sniff around, and get comfortable before trying to do too much. A little patience at the beginning usually sets the tone for the whole day. While they’re sniffing around, take time to do your own breathwork and ground yourself. Our pups sense that more than we know.
We’ll provide a dog lifejacket for your pup, and during this walkabout, it’s a great time to put that on them so that they get used to it.
Bring More Water Than You Think
Even though you’re at the lake, your dog shouldn’t be drinking from it.
Bring a bowl and extra water so they’ve got a clean, easy option.
Packing them a small snack while you enjoy yours makes them feel like they’re a part of the adventure, too.
Keep It Low Pressure
You don’t need your dog to be perfect on a paddleboard or kayak.
Some love it. Some don’t. Ours were hesitant at first, but now they love it!
If you do bring them out on the water, keep it short and easy at first. Let it be a good experience, not a forced one.
Make It Feel Like Their Day Too
A towel, a familiar blanket, a few treats… small things help your dog relax and settle in.
If you want to make it extra fun, we put together a Doggie Paddle Adventure Pack in collaboration with a local favorite, Mountain Mutts.
It’s got locally made treats and a few thoughtful extras that make the day feel a little more special (for them and for you).
Keep It Simple
Like any good lake day, it doesn’t need to be overplanned.
A good spot, a little space, and enough time to hang out goes a long way.
If you do want to get out on the water, our inflatable kayaks and paddle boards are easy to bring along and surprisingly dog-friendly, especially on calmer lakes like Scotts Flat and Rollins.
That’s the Goal
A relaxed day. A tired, happy dog. Maybe staying a little longer than you meant to.
That’s usually how you know you did it right!