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Old 28-04-2015, 09:05   #1
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Dog PFDs

Part of my upcoming learning to sail experience will include taking my two medium sized dogs for rides around the lake (and eventually open water). They love to ride in the car - noses out of the window all the time - and both enjoy getting their paws wet.

I know there is no "best" anything, but what, in your opinion, is the best PFD for dogs?

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Old 28-04-2015, 09:43   #2
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Re: Dog PFDs

I recommend a Critter's Inflatable.
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Old 28-04-2015, 09:52   #3
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Re: Dog PFDs

I suggest taking your dogs to a local pet store and actually fitting the "DFDs" to the dogs. Mail or Internet is hit or miss at best. You may want to try a couple different stores that carry different brands.

DFDs should have a handle on the top so you can lift the dog back into the boat more easily.
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Old 28-04-2015, 10:30   #4
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Re: Dog PFDs

+1 to the fitting. I don't care that the best fitting isn't the best, it's the one that fits my dog the best and he can tolerate.


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Old 29-04-2015, 07:27   #5
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Re: Dog PFDs

Outward Hound. Comfortable, with its wide stretch underside. Can be used as handle, or leash can be attached.

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Old 29-04-2015, 07:46   #6
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Re: Dog PFDs

Given the way dogs swim and the way doggy lifejackets are designed, I wouldn't put much faith in them assisting a tired dog in the water. You will notice when swimming 90% of the floatation material is above water. If the dog stops paddling, he won't float like a human would in an approved PDF. More likely his head would go underwater. The benefit of a jacket is the handle for assisting to grab, the high visibility and the decent attachment point for a strobe light or MOB device. We occasionally put Balrog's on for night passages in rough conditions, and occasionally tether it to the cockpit table.Click image for larger version

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Old 29-04-2015, 08:20   #7
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Re: Dog PFDs

Hi Monte,

In your pic it seems the PFD might not have the part that goes around the neck to help with head floatation, or maybe it's size or position is not as effective. Our dog's head seems to be pretty well supported by the PFD.
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Old 29-04-2015, 08:33   #8
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Re: Dog PFDs

It dos seem like a better design NM. Pretty hard to ask him to stop paddling to test it but hopefully it would keep him more upright in an emergency.
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Old 29-04-2015, 08:44   #9
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Re: Dog PFDs

The outward hound are good. Main thing is a sturdy handle on top and wide strap under to retrieve an overboard mutt! Also, figure out which size actually fits best....Dogs love the boat!
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Old 29-04-2015, 11:37   #10
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Re: Dog PFDs

Quote:
Originally Posted by edselby View Post
Part of my upcoming learning to sail experience will include taking my two medium sized dogs for rides around the lake (and eventually open water). They love to ride in the car - noses out of the window all the time - and both enjoy getting their paws wet.

I know there is no "best" anything, but what, in your opinion, is the best PFD for dogs?

What kind of dog is that? Looks just like mine (rottweiler mix of some kind).
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Old 29-04-2015, 11:43   #11
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Re: Dog PFDs

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Originally Posted by monte View Post
Given the way dogs swim and the way doggy lifejackets are designed, I wouldn't put much faith in them assisting a tired dog in the water. You will notice when swimming 90% of the floatation material is above water. If the dog stops paddling, he won't float like a human would in an approved PDF. More likely his head would go underwater. The benefit of a jacket is the handle for assisting to grab, the high visibility and the decent attachment point for a strobe light or MOB device. We occasionally put Balrog's on for night passages in rough conditions, and occasionally tether it to the cockpit table.Attachment 101148
Balrog? LOL.
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Old 29-04-2015, 21:52   #12
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Re: Dog PFDs

Quote:
Originally Posted by edselby View Post
Part of my upcoming learning to sail experience will include taking my two medium sized dogs for rides around the lake (and eventually open water). They love to ride in the car - noses out of the window all the time - and both enjoy getting their paws wet.

I know there is no "best" anything, but what, in your opinion, is the best PFD for dogs?

this type work super on my Labrador about 42 kg
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