Lifejacket used in anger today.

[Elessar]

The dog fell in.
People think we're bonkers putting a lifejacket on a lab.
Well the handles on his back did the trick and he was easily hauled out.

 

[Searush]

Little Fudge falls in quite often, but even without her LJ or harness she is small enough to just grab by the Scruff & hoick out with a big handful of skin. She doesn't yelp or complain, but does generally soak her rescuer with a good shake.

 

[Elessar]

Little Fudge falls in quite often, but even without her LJ or harness she is small enough to just grab by the Scruff & hoick out with a big handful of skin. She doesn't yelp or complain, but does generally soak her rescuer with a good shake.

No chance with a lab. It was interesting to see his attempts to get out onto the marina pontoon. No chance.

The shake but was amusing. The usual shake, he swims a lot so we're used to it. But he could still feel the wet in his lifejacket so shook more and more violently. Front half then back half. Over and over again.....

 

[z1ppy]

Bless him! if our lab fell in i reckon with life jacket and wet he would be 35kgs plus to haul out.

 

[prv]

No chance with a lab. It was interesting to see his attempts to get out onto the marina pontoon. No chance.

Yep. We had a big lab when I was a teenager; a couple of times he jumped into places with built-up edges rather than sloping banks and then found he couldn't get out. I once had to climb into the canal to help lift him out, which is fine when you can stand on the bottom but not an option in a marina.

For a labrador I might look for (or make) a simple harness rather than a lifejacket, in order to have the handle without the bulk and possibly heat.

Pete

 

[ontheplane]

I don't think you are - we did on our lakeland terrier and she can swim fine - but not in a swell!

 

[rafiki_]

The dog fell in.
People think we're bonkers putting a lifejacket on a lab.
Well the handles on his back did the trick and he was easily hauled out.

Good result Mark, well done.

 

[ian38_39]

Our King Charles fell in Ipswich Docks, hates the water and will only swim to shore if you carry him in.

He went under the bathing platform then under the pontoon, by which time he was extremely confused but it was easy for the chap on the boat behind to grab him before he went under again, thanks to his life jacket.

 

[aquapower]

Have always put lifejacket on our Westie, he even tries to get it on himself anytime he hears engine start up, I think its easier to spot an orange lifejacket than a white dog when trying to see where he is in the water, the carrying handle is handy too.

 

[MrB]

The dog fell in.
People think we're bonkers putting a lifejacket on a lab.
Well the handles on his back did the trick and he was easily hauled out.

I guess some people under estimate the danger of water even with a good swimming gun dog. Just says to me responsible animal loving owner. I applaud you. :encouragement:

 

[l'escargot]

Bless him! if our lab fell in i reckon with life jacket and wet he would be 35kgs plus to haul out.

My lab's 35kg bone dry and without the life jacket...

 

[darryl_g]

Our working cocker fell in trying to jump back onto the boat a few months ago. She went under pontoon & we couldn't find her. After what seemed an age, she managed to climb out herself between the pile and the pontoon.

She does have a lifejacket but we don't tend to use it when we're moored and she gets awfully hot in it. We've now bought an inflatable dog lifejacket which is much cooler.

http://www.crittersinflatable.com/

Darryl

 

[wofforduk]

Have a look at a pony/small horse headcollar, as they seem to fit really well, may be a cost effective solution! We had a badly arthritic lab and used one all the time on her. can probably use a boathook to at least help them a bit?

 

[Elessar]

Re the weight. Dont know how much he weighs but i cant lift him into a car. Bit of an inner game thing, saw the danger, saw the handle on his back and saw safety. Just didnt think about or feel the weight he was out in one sharp yank.

If that were impossible I could have roped him to the pontoon and with a rope done a two person lift. All possible because of the LJ.

Re the heat. First season so not considered that. Will be interesting to see how it goes. Having said that we often take it off when he's on the boat. Its the boat - land journey where it is compulsory.

 

[mm42]

Maybe time for an AIS beacon too so you can find him or her in a DOB situation?!

 

[z1ppy]

so wheres the pictures then mark?