Dog Vest/Chest Protector

Mossy,

I bought the "Cabela's 5mm Neoprene Vest with Armor-flex™ Chest Protector" for my 85 lb. Chocolate Lab.  I love hunting late season pheasants when it is very cold.  This vest keeps him warm, but causes BAD chaffing in his armpits (I tried to trim it too).  So I can't recommed this vest. 

Avoid those cheezy remmington cheapies at scheels.  I've never seen one last more than one or two outings.  I bought a good vest for my GSP 3 years ago and it still looks brand new.  Next time I'm in the garage I'll see if I can find the brand for you.

I bought the Skid Plate at Scheels for my GSP and it works great.  Tried the neoprene one mentioned above and it was terrible on her armpits also, even after trimming until there was hardly any chest protection left.  Looked around for a while and asked a few others but couldn't make a decision.  Them I hunted with a guy that used the Skid Plate brand and looked simple and worked great. 

I agree with the skid plate,very durable and no irritation places on dog. Had to go with the large for my  87# black lab. 

Tom and Pro V1
thank you for the neoprene warning.

skeeter and wslayer
The skid plate recommendation is appreciated, As it is one I have looked at.

Here is the one I like so far, even though prior posts do not care for the Remingon vest - http://www.gundogsonline.com/dog-vest/dog-chest-protector.html

Hey Mossy maybe you should get it a pirate outfit to go with your vest!!

Mossy,

We have one of each for our shorthairs.  The skidplate version (similar to the remington) and a neoprene one.

We too have had chafing issues with the neoprenes, but with a little judicious trimming they are great in colder weather.

I have no idea how much those chest protectors have saved me in vet bills but I bet it's easily been as much as they cost. 

If you get a neoprene version, and I don't know why you would for a golden retriever to hunt upland, just make sure to trim away enough material in the armpits to stop the chafing.

A little off the wall, but when I was in college a hunting buddy (also college and no money) used a second hand kids leather jacket he picked up almost free for late season hunting in the snow and cattails.  He changed the zipper into velcro, cut the collar off, and used the sleeves for leg protectors on his lab.  The sleeves were large enough to not bunch in the armpits and it was baggy enough not to restrict any movement.  That goofy dog would jump through those cattails like crazy.  Gosh I miss that dog.  We shot so many birds over him it was crazy.  That vest contraption was still going strong after 5 seasons when I graduated.  When I get my hunting dogs I might have a leather one made that doesn't look like that, but functions the same.  One for early season without insulation and one with for late season.  Good luck finding what you need.     

Sylmar body guard.  Easy on, easy off, and good durability.  I run them on both dogs.

I have to disagree with Pro V1.  We've had one of those cheap remmington chest protectors for three years now. The only sign of wear on it is that it's a little dirty.  Personally I would recommend it because it has worked for us.  Nice and light and does not impede on the dogs movement or over heat them.