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This is probably one of the most debated topics in the dog gear world, and people on both sides tend to have strong feelings about it. Unfortunately, companies and even vets are trying to artificially create more arguments around it by posting photos or videos of dogs in Norwegian harnesses that are adjusted inappropriately. They post pictures of harnesses that are clearly restricting the shoulders and are concluding about a line of products based on a misfitting harness, which is misleading.

While life jackets can be a lifesaver for many dogs in many situations, not all dogs need one. How do you know if it would be helpful for yours?

The different reasons for dogs wearing life jackets

Let’s start by talking about dogs with medical conditions, joint issues, or just bad swimming techniques who need the extra help of a life vest. There are also dogs doing hydrotherapy as part of their rehabilitation, where life jackets are regularly used. These dogs can benefit from a life jacket that helps them keep in a proper swimming position and let them safely enjoy some low impact exercise.

The start of our muzzle journey

We started to look into muzzles after Mia was attacked a few times by off-leash dogs within a few weeks and started to develop a fear-based dog reactivity. While we joined training classes, met with behaviorists, and started working on the problem, it became clear that muzzle training is probably a good idea, since there are too many off-leash dogs around us whose owners cannot call their dogs back when we ask them to do so. While we know that Mia’s reaction was reasonable from her perspective based on her previous experiences, it doesn’t change the fact that it is our responsibility to keep other dogs safe while she will understand again that there is no need to freak out if an unknown dog runs up to her.