Life jacket for dog?

[Spear]

I heard a good one today. When some friends of mine asked if we put a life jacket on our dog while canoeing I laughed. They said that their son put a life jacket on their lab when they go out in the canoe or to the beach. These are people who don't know dogs I guess.

[yellowlab04]

i know it sounds supid but if its not a working dog it could get in to trouble if it only gets out once or twice a year i know my dog has had leg cramps when hunting in dec after she was in the water for 10+mins luckey she had them on shore it was still a freaky day ,so i could see how a dog could drown that being said it still sounds supid Tim:wtf:

[nimkii]

Could have used one yesterday...

[verno]

It's anything but stupid. I put one on my dog when we are canoeing. If we are on a trip in algonquins interior and swamp in the middle of a lake, I have enough to worry about. The dog isnt going to swim straight to shore. He's gonna stick close to me and tire himself out. I figure it takes some of the stress off him and once I get the canoe righted, I can make it to shore and tie him to a tree while I try and sort things out.

[Sharon]

Always put one on the dog when we are out in the middle of Lake Erie. Rough water can come up with no warning and swamp the boat. I'll be wearing a life jacket. What's the dog suppose to do?

[Spear]

Okay, the middle of lake erie or other large body of water. But on a small lake? Some good points out there. I guess the lab I had seemed to be able to swim forever. Not all dogs are the same and neither are they always in perfect health. I know I am not.