I have a one year old lab who will be entering her first hunting season, and I'm not sure on whether or not to get her a vest for when we duck hunt this fall. I've read that the vest is supposed to keep the dog warm, which would be a great tool when we hunt the wetland in OK; but I've also heard the other argument that the vest does not allow the dog to shake the water off, thus keeping them cold.

This is my first duck dog, so I'm interested in hearing some of your opinions. Thanks in advance.

They are real important and also get the one that has floatation. If they ever get hung up on a trotline or something it save their life

The vest os a good thing in cold weather, it does not keep them cold. Think about it like a wetsuit, water does get in, but is held close to the body and becomes warm, keeping the diver warm.

Floatation is a good reccommendation.
My old avery boaters parka had floatation, but the new one I got doesn't Not sure what's going on there, but the avery boaters parka is probably the best dog vest that I have used.

The vest I bought a few years back has flotation built in but what I have noticed is that when I take it off, my dog is usually pretty dry underneath. I would argue that there are few days here in Texas when a vest is need due to temperature, but I also bought the vest for protection against underwater sticks and stumps. I think it gives an extra layer of protection if the dog were to run into or jump on top of a stick that is lurking beneath the water.

I agree w/Kdub and duckbill. Avery has been the best for me and I don't understand why they did away w/the floatation strips. I like the handles to get my dog in the boat easier. Keep a couple wire ties in your bag for when the zipper pull tab breaks. I also soap up the zipper to make it slide easier.

All good advice. Thanks.

My 2 y/o blk lab fem wears a Cabelas vest and it has worked out great. The vest absolutely does keep her dry and warm. I've stuck my hands under the vest to see for myself. When I take the vest off her, normally a big cloud of steam will come off the area covered by the vest. Also when I take it off, the part of her body it covered is always more dry than say her head and legs. The key is to get a vest that fits your dog correctly and tight. Take your dog to your local shop so you can try it on there. Most places will let you bring your dog inside. Have fun.

I'm not a fan. I tried a vest one year and it rubbed my dog raw under his arms, even after trimming it up. A lab has the natural ability to stay plenty warm in frigid water and temps. Case in point. I have duck hunted in Colorado in 4 degrees F, so cold the Platte River was freezing up. My lab did just fine without a vest for 4 hours of hunting.

In Texas, I see absolutely no need for one, except it helps if you're pulling them up into a boat or into a floating blind.

If you need something just to pull your dog up with I would invest in a leather harness. If you wanna help your pup keep the wind off, stay warm, dry, and protected get 'em a neoprene vest. In 40 degree weather with winds at 10mph+ your dog can become hypothermic. Texas gets that kind of weather all the time.

My lab is a shaker. she has longer hair so I think that's why. I've got some cabelas points to burn so I think I will try one to see if it helps her not feel the need to shake so much.

Yes I would get your dog a vest. I know some guys don't like them but I can't see any reason not to have one for cold mornings or protection from stumps, barbed wire, etc.

Before she passed, my black wore one religiously. If you get it to fit correctly her core will stay much drier and warmer than the rest of her body. I also agree with everything above about floatation and protection from underwater stumps and sticks. But the biggest plus for me was the fact that it kept the wind off her core.

My dog hunts with one. I got a new one last season with handles on top to assist me in pulling him back into the boat. Avery brand.

I would highly advise against this. The last thing you wan't is your dog getting tangled up while she's swimming...

Pros: 1) protects dogs from hidden sticks, wire, etc
2) dog will stay warmer
3) flotation will help dog stay "fresh" longer
4) will cut down on dog shaking water all over you and guns

Cons: 1) dog WILL hang on brush, sticks, etc then you have to go get him
2) I have never had a dog cut on sticks, wire, etc - need for protection is questionable
3) if dog can't retrieve a few limits of ducks - fat sucker needs more exercise and less food!
4) water!? its duck hunting, you're gonna get wet!!
5) just something else to spend $$$ on, keep up with and keep kids, dogs, friends from tearing up

My two cents: in open water on long retrieves, the flotation is a big plus; otherwise, no vest, no collar and buy a ramp to help dog in the boat!

The only time I'll use a vest is if the Temp/Windchill is below freezing and I didn't start doing that until my dog was 8 years old. I liked keeping the wind off him and I typcially don't stay for long, extended hunts. 10 o'clock, I'm gone, at the latest. There are very few days in Texas that actually require the vests, maybe 4 or 5 days per year. As my dog got older, it seemed to help him stay warm, but that was never an issue when he was younger.

He never got hung on brush from his collar or a vest and I hunted east Texas lakes that were full of stumps and other obstacles. I never noticed the "floatation" actually helping, but I don't think it hurts either.

Be carefull though. If it's too hot outside, you'll cook your your dog.

When Maverick was 5, he dog picked up a 6 man limit of ducks (36 ducks) in 40 minutes at 17 degrees and who knows the wind chill, by him self with no vest. Ice was hanging from every hair on his body. He was cold, but was never unhappy or in pain from the cold. A vest would have not benefitted him in anyway on that day.

A little trick to help get your dog on the stand or back in the boat:
Let them get their paws/legs on the stand or ramp and push/pull on their neck toward the stand/ramp. They'll push back and that resistance allows them to climb up on the ramp.

If you hunt cold weather often (outside TX) get your dog a vest.
If it fits right (and is trimmed right) you shouldn't have any problems getting hung up in my experience.

Otherwise, just get a pad for the dog to sit on while hunting. Getting the dog off the frozen ground makes a world of difference.