I have a few questions about dog vest i would like y'alls input on.

Is there a certain temp you use the vest at?

If not, do you always or sometimes use the vest?

How did the first hunt go with the vest on, did the dog nip at it?

How long does it take for them to get use to it?

Tomorrow im going to try it out on the pup, your input is appreciated.

Thanks!

I start using it when it's cold...what temp is that? I don't have a set temp. Probably when air is in the 50's or less. Depends on water temp too. I may not use them on an early cold snap that drops the air to 55 and the water might still be in the 70's.
Put the vest on the dog at home and do some light training with it on or just let him run around with it. I've never had a dog worry over it more than a few seconds maybe.
Learn to recognize the signs of hypothermia in your dog. A vest is not a cure all. And don't forget to consider the ride to and from the hunt. If you don't have a good crate for them to ride in, the ride can be worse than the hunt.

Good luck!

Well I made him wear it for two hours last night. Today he didn't even notice it was on, or he realized it was keeping him warm. The water was cold, not sure the temp, but made felt maybe 60 degrees? He was still shivering a bit but he was busy for 2 hours straight getting birds.

Thanks for the response!

Just did some research on k9 hypothermia. Here is a great write up on signs and symptoms.

http://www.goosehuntingchat.com/forum/re...-dog-10120.html

Great read. I was a little worried this past Friday but luckily my pup didn't show any of the listed signs beside some shivering.

Thanks for the info on hypothermia. Do you guys think that letting a Lab sleep in the house on cold nights will cause him not to handle the cold as well?
My wife and I argue about this all the time. I want to leave him out and she lets him in.

What kind of dog we talking bout? A lab? Shouldn't need one here where I hunt.

A shorthair maybe below 50