Spring creek canoe stabilizer......what's the debate? Smaller canoe, inexperienced bow paddler, a dog and an empty canoe base camping on big water.......of course you bring the stabilizers. I like 'em......if the weather is fine they sit in camp, if the weather is a bit snotty and you don't have them you will be kicking yourself.........just don't get overconfident. Who gives a rip what others might think about it?

Be prepared to land your own fish.......the stabilizers will preclude helping each other. If your newbie is also an inexperienced angler this could be problematic without the right tools. Did I mention the shimano Brutus needle nose pliers. 11" of peace of mind direct from amazon.  Heavy but perfect for keeping your digits and hands away from harm. If you get a pair make sure they have a soft landing pad......quiet please.

What do you have for the dog to lay on? You need something that will insulate from the coolness of the lake. Thin closed cell foam might be the ticket.....something like a yoga pad. If the dog is comfy it will do a lot of sleeping, uncomfy and it will rebel (I'm not getting in THAT thing again)

Ah, but Puckster, that's because the Northwoods is a Yost design and there is no one who has ever designed more "sea friendly" small craft than DY.  My wife and I paddle a Northwind (16'-8") and it is the finest tandem (flat water) canoe I have ever paddled - incomparable.