Not at all!! The holes are left open to drain the water coming from your paddle! Water will not seep up, into the kayak!
This model does not come with a paddle tie down
There is a lot of room in the foot wells. A small amount of water remains in the kayak while in the water and people are sitting in it. If your doggie can handle wet paws You are all good.
Mine came with two 89 inch paddles. I bought 94 inch afterward and they work better because the kayak is wider than some.