I think it comes down to if you can convince your dog to use it and how stable you think your boat is. If it's a low and tippy boat, the pup is going to make the feeling worse when he jumps off or paws around to climb on. The practical solutions I have seen involve the dog getting a partial foothold, something that can be moved and doesn't extend far from the boat, that lightens their weight and cuts down on the flayling. Then, the hunter hauls so they can control what's happening. Be glad Gus isn't 80 lbs. and maybe practice some before the season starts, mostly if it will be new for Gus.
