Dog Vest Recommendations

Looking for recommendations for a camouflaged, flotation vest for Dave for the upcoming waterfowl season. I just about clicked the "Purchase" button on an Avery and then decided to do the research and find out they no longer contain flotation foam.

Didn't think I was going to use a vest until Saturday when we were at the hunting camp and Dave went swimming. He saw an otter or muskrat, (or some other swimming rat creature) swimming in the lake and decided to go out looking for it. He swam around non-stop for 10-15 minutes (perhaps longer) looking for the critter, then we noticed he started to go under. Called him into shore, thank God he listened.

Obviously, with the season right around the corner I'll be cutting it close - but better safe than sorry.

Thanks!

I bought the browning vest for my toller. The isssue i had was that the smallest vest was still too wide between her front legs(she's only 35lbs). She couldnt even walk in it. i kept cutting it down until i got a good fit. Other than that i like it. Not sure what kind of dog you have so just something to watch for.

The standard neoprene vests provide flotation, not as much as a K9 life jacket but also less cumbersome.

The browning one i have is neoprene and it has flotation panels in it.

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...ttype=13076847

unless you have a lab, most vests fit poorly.
to select the right size make sure the dog fits in; e.g. chest for a pointer.
later you might want to cut wedges out and stitch it back together until it fits around the neck and belly. really sucks...

I have a Lab - sorry, forgot to mention.

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Originally Posted by jweese

I have a Lab - sorry, forgot to mention.

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so you gonna miss the fun of tailoring a dog vest - lucky you

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Originally Posted by Waftrudnir

so you gonna miss the fun of tailoring a dog vest - lucky you

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No fun missed there - did it last year with Misty's vest. The bonus however is that I'm the son of a long line of professional tailors, although I don't do it professionally now my first job was working in my grand-father's tailor shop mending suit jackets - fixing a dog vest was easy as pie :)

Standard neoprene is the way to go. I use a one made by Redhead. I like it and it fits the dog well.

Ordered today, a Browning vest with removable floats. Contacted the dealer and said pretty much the same thing as Waft - unless you have a lab you'll have some cutting to do.

Thanks all for the suggestions.