My Great Auk hatches were sized these guys. I place a piece of carpet in each hatch for them to sit on and dig their toes into. There's not much room for them to move around, so stability isn't much of an issue. They received their basic training in a canoe, before moving on to the kayak. Oh, passing fish can cuause some tense moments! You bet! Take him with you! Just remember shore leave as needed, your dog might not like to be at sea as long as you or I.