MTI Underdog Canine Life

Very well made and size large just barely fit my dog, as she is very "chesty" - not overweight but just has a very thick torax. I used the loosest adjustment, but I don't think she could use an extra large, as it would probably be too long. I think it was probably the best option among the vests I checked out, as it seems to be the only one made for actual swimming. It does allow her to kick with her hind legs. She used to be a real swimmer, but has lost confidence because she's not as strong now at 13 years old, but she needs the low-impact exercise because of arthrosis. She hasn't yet realized that the vest gives her more boyancy and is still resisting the swim, but hopefully she'll eventually get it. There are three things I would change in this vest if I could: (1) I'd use a softer more flexible flotation material, (2) I'd put two more straps connecting the vest to the collar, as the tendency is for it to slide back to the thinner waist, (3) I'd make it just a bit shorter, as I noticed my dog kicking out to the side to avoid the vest. I hope the manufacturer reads this.

We bought two of these, one for our lab and one for our standard poodle. The arrived on time and looked cute with the bright colors. The first time we used them the lab had problems that make this product not usable for him. Gabo swam with my husband on a half mile swim. Near the end, as he got tired and stopped swimming so vigorously, the life jacket floated him up on his side like a log and he had trouble getting himself back into his normal swimming position. He had to be rescued by some local fishermen in a bass boat. I think that the under body floats work well to put the dog in a natural swimming position however unless the dog works to keep himself in that position they will naturally float to the top which will roll the dog onto his side. I am going to keep the one we got for the standard poodle because he only swims short distances. I am going to return the one we got for the lab and purchase one with the floats on the back. That way even if Gabo gets tired he will still float in a leg down safe position. Can only rate this a three since it worked for one dog but not the other.

This is really well made. I bought this for my 16 yr old cairn terroir. He's blind so u was afraid he might fall in the pool when I let him out to pee. This is very well made and very stylish. But I didn't think about the under side covering his pee pee. I rigged it so I pull it up closer to his neck and put the loop for the leash through the top fastener and it stays up high enough fir him to pee and not hit the jacket. He's not quite used to it yet and walks a little crooked but I'm sure it's just because he's so old. Highly recommend this vest tho.

Riley loves to kayak! He has his place on the bow, covered with stair tread tape (so he doesn't slip off), and he rides on the local lakes like a bowsprit. He will still go in once in a while. This excellent PFD keeps him floating higher in the water and provides a convenient handle in the mid back so it is easy to just paddle over, grab him and hoist him aboard. It keeps him floating in a solid head up attitude. I'll bet he could float and paddle indefinitely wearing this thing. He thinks he is stylish and fashionable when he is wearing it and he gets all excited cause he KNOWS he's going boating! Please note! All though this is a great PFD [Puppy Flotation Device] Riley rides the bow in FLAT WATER. This isn't real good for surf and rapids!You might as well save launching the boat and just toss the dog in!

Bought this for the design features and it works as advertised. I can see others having issues if not sized properly. This is not built as sturdy as other competitors where the pup can be lifted out of the water using the grab handles. If your dog needs that amount of assistance look elsewhere.

I have a 13 lb. miniature pinscher and got the size small. It adjusted well to his barrel chest & small hind area. I bought this so that I could take him out with me when I stand-up paddle board. The first time I took him out, he fell/jumped in twice & the vest did exactly what it said it would; his head popped right up & he had no issues doing the doggy paddle back to the board. The handle on the top made it super easy to get him lifted back onto the board as well. It did not appear to obstruct his movement in any way either. I would definitely recommend the vest.

This helped my dog learn how to swim. The idea of putting the floatation under the dog keeps the dog much higher in the water than other designs. All the dog needs to do is propel themselves. This also makes it really easy to lift the dog on the boat or in the water.

Great performing life jacket... however, better instructions for fitting...my dog is had her skin rubbed wrong that is benched for a few days now. My 47lbs dog was able to keep her head above water. It performed well in high 5" surf, and 5 knot fast moving streams.