Dog harness and vest

[F250inTX]

Hey Dog Lovers I'm looking for a good source and product... maybe two. I was recently canoeing with my dog. He's 110lb Lab / shepard mix. Long story but had to get off river at a rocky shoal ledge. It was a PIA to help him up.

Thus I'm looking for a harness / vest for him. I've seen smaller dogs in boats with them. Had handle on back to hold onto. He's a great swimmer but better to be safe.

That said I would also like just a Harness for when off the beaten path. It's not only for his safety but mine too. I googled and not a lot of luck

 

[Twin Magnolias]

I don't know how well this will translate in size for bigger dogs because our dog is a 20-something pound French Bulldog. We use this harness by ruffwear. It doesn't have a handle, but we use the back strap kind of like a handle. It's pretty well made. We clip a seatbelt adapter to it when our dog is riding in the Jeep.

 

[Gallowbraid]

If you're looking for something that provides flotation along with a handle to help lift the Good2Go brand flotation harnesses work well.

They're on sale right now on Petco.com. These are also typically carried in store at any Petco that is near a body of water. (Ask them to match the online price.)
If you're not looking for the flotation option but still want the handle to help lift/maneuver, Petsafe makes a good harness with a handle built in. Here's a link. I have not seen these carried in store. There is something similar in a store brand, but they typically lack the handle.

Full disclosure, I work for Petco.

If you want just a regular step in harness where the leash attaches to the top and could be used to guide, but not really lift I'd deviate from my employer and suggest Lupine. Fantastic quality harnesses that are guaranteed for life. Anything happens to them (even if they get chewed up by the pet) contact Lupine and they replace the harness. Be sure to get the step in harness, not a Roman style as they are sooooo much easier to get on the animal. Link to Lupine. These are typically sold by smaller boutique style mom-and-pop pet stores or online.

 

[F250inTX]

Heading to Petco... thanks. Its an hour away but may be worth it

 

[Al Swope]

We have a ruff wear harness for our pooch. It does make it easier to lift him. I wouldn't think that a lab mix would need any flotation. Our pitbull mix is solid muscle and short hair and he swims all day

 

[givemethewillys]

I can't help you with an actual product (sorry!) But I know the search and rescue k9 guys have some stuff that would fit the bill perfectly for what you want, and won't be "consumer grade". They will probably be much more comfortable for your dog too.

 

[F250inTX]

Thanks guys for the help and ideas. Now a different question. Most of the sites list chest size as to L, XL and so on. When measuring the chest is that just behind or in front of his front legs?

 

[woody]

Just a little late to the party here but try Ray Allen Co.. They have a robust selection of quality working dog equipment.

 

[Gallowbraid]

Thanks guys for the help and ideas. Now a different question. Most of the sites list chest size as to L, XL and so on. When measuring the chest is that just behind or in front of his front legs?

Around the chest just behind the front legs.