Educate yourself - Boating skills

Boating offers many opportunities for recreation:cruising, fishing and skiing are enjoyed by thousands of Americans each year. Even though boat registrations in the US fell by 1.4 per cent in 2008 compared to the previous year, there are still 12.8 million boats out there many of which are going to be involved in accidents.

From the 2000 United States Coast Guard Boating Statistics there were 7,740 accidents in the U.S. Many of these accidents were collisions, fires and skier mishaps. There were 701 deaths and 4,355 injuries. The open motor boat caused the most accidents in the United States. In 2000, 361 people were killed in accidents on this type of boat.

If you are wondering why authorities are trying to "take the fun out of boating," it's because many uneducated boaters think they have boating skills because they can drive a car. Wrong!

KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE ON THE WATER - EDUCATE YOURSELF!

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules

See below for more recourses -

		DVD FORMAT

Clicker Train the Liveaboard Dog

Clicker obedience training is one of the best things you can do for your dog, your marina neighbors, and yourself. Clicker training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem that will effect your life as a liveaboard. Training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want her to do. You can teach her anything from 'stay' (don't bolt out the door) to 'sit' (don't jump up on the visitors) to 'off' (don't chew the furniture).

Dogs are social animals and without proper training, they will behave like animals. They will soil your house, destroy your belongings, bark excessively, dig holes in your yard, fight other dogs and even bite you. Nearly all behavior problems are perfectly normal canine activities that occur at the wrong time or place or are directed at the wrong thing. The key to preventing or treating behavior problems is learning to teach the dog to redirect his natural behavior to outlets that are acceptable in the domestic setting.

Obedience training is also an easy way to establish the social hierarchy. When your dog obeys a simple request of 'come here, sit,' she is showing compliance and respect for you. It is NOT necessary to establish yourself as top dog or leader of the pack by using extreme measures such as the so-called alpha roll-over. You CAN teach your dog her subordinate role by teaching her to show submission to you in a paw raise (shake hands), roll over or hand lick (give a kiss). Most dogs love performing these tricks (obedience commands) for you which also pleasantly acknowledge that you are in charge.

The Clicker training method is fun and rewarding for you and your dog. It can enrich your relationship and make living together more enjoyable. A well-trained dog is more confident and can more safely be allowed a greater amount of freedom than an untrained one. A Clicker trained dog will come when called.

Some people debate whether or not it is possible to train puppies, and others ask whether it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. The answer to both questions is an unequivocal YES. Whatever the age of your dog, the right time to begin training is right now! The most important time in your dog's life is right now. Your dog's behavior is constantly changing. A dog that is well-behaved today will not necessarily remain that way forever. New problems can always develop. Existing problems can always get worse.

Check out the items below and start clicker training!