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The Boater's Dog Parka by Avery is the result of years of experience making dog vests and listening to suggestions from thousands of waterfowl hunters. It has several features including grab handles, a sewn-in webbing harness, and D-rings for maximum versatility. For durability, it is constructed of Avery's "DuraStretch" material with double bar-tacked seams, #10 molded zipper with neoprene zipper protector, and cold weather pull tab. It has a tapered cut for maximum body coverage and 1" Velcro for torso adjustability.
It's really important to get the correct fit for your vest. We want it snug on the dog's chest so that it retains body heat while your dogs in the water, but not so tight that it makes running or swimming difficult.
HOW TO MEASURE -- To measure your dog you are going to need either a seamstress tape or you can use any sort of piece of string, something you can wrap around the dog and then measure it with a tape measure, or you can even use a leash to get the correct measurement and then measure that off with a tape measure.
MEASURE ON A TABLE -- I like to measure the dog standing up on a table. This way I'm standing up, I'm comfortable, and I've got the dog where I can position him correctly.
There are two measurements you need when you are sizing your dog for a vest: the chest measurement and then the neck measurement.
NECK MEASUREMENT -- The neck measurement is taken lower on the dog's neck than you would measure for a dog collar. A dog collar sits more toward the middle or higher up on the neck, but the vest doesn't go up that high, so take the measurement lower on the neck -- a little bit above the shoulders.
CHEST MEASUREMENT -- Have your dog stand. The chest measurement is taken from the deepest part of the chest -- typically closer to behind the front legs.
Remember, when you're measuring your dog, the most important size is the chest measurement. It's got to fit the chest tight. Everything else you can cut around, but if you're too small in the chest, you're not gonna be able to put it on your dog. If the neck measurement is off a little bit, you can trim it down to size.
CUSTOMIZING TO FIT IS EASY
Dogs are all different shapes and sizes, so it's possible you may have to trim the neck and/or leg holes to get a perfect fit.
BAR TACKS STOP FRAYING -- What's nice about these vests is that they have "bar tacks" sewn across the seams so you can customize the neck and leg holes for your dog.
When you use scissors to cut the hole larger, normally a seam would just rip and unravel on you. Instead, the bar tack is sewn perpendicular to the seam which stops the seams from shredding.
TRIM THE LEG OPENINGS IF TOO TIGHT -- When I'm sizing a vest for my dog, I like to put her in the water first to find out when she's swimming if it's going to be too tight. Make sure that there is not a problem with her legs.
CUSTOMIZE THE NECK -- You want the neck snug so it retains heat, but you also don't want to cut the neck opening too low, because it will scoop water as your dog swims. I prefer the neck up a little bit higher, but not where it's in the way.
Also, have your dog sit in the vest. Sometimes a vest works fine from a standing position, but when she sits down it's pushing up against her, so we trim a little bit out of here to make that comfortable.
There is about an inch between bar tacks, and when you cut you don't have to cut all the way to the next bar tack, but you may get a little fraying. Just customize it to fit your dog better.
GET YOUR DOG ACCUSTOMED TO THE VEST
In the above video you can see that is the first time my lab, Flint, has worn any kind of vest. She's a little uncomfortable with it. She doesn't really grasp exactly what it is.
You want to fit your dog's vest, and get them used to wearing it while training and working and swimming long before the opening day of the season. Give your dog plenty of time to move around in it, swim in it, sit on a stand or ladder, retrieve a few dummies, and just get used to it.
A neoprene vest is just more gear that they're going to be using while we're duck hunting, so just like any other training, give them plenty of time in the vest BEFORE hunting.
WHAT IF YOU NEED A VEST NOW AND YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT THE SIZE?
Some folks wait until the last minute, and realize they need it now! If you're in a hurry, or if it's late season and it's close to the time that you're gonna need a new vest, the last thing you want to do is get to the duck hole only to find that your new vest doesn't fit.
Say you're in between sizes, or just not confident which size your dog really needs, then you may want to order two and try them both out. Return the one that doesn't fit. You only pay return shipping for the vest that didn't fit.
If you order a vest that doesn't fit correctly, we will be glad to take it back or do an exchange for you. It's okay that you put it on the dog, but please don't cut or customize it until you're sure the chest fits just right.
Fast shipping and I finally found a vest that fits my 90 pound lab, had to order a 3XL. Required a little trimming around the front legs to prevent rubbing and I think it is going to be a good vest.
By Carol
Olympia, Washington
Warm and comfortable neoprene works great!
December 20, 2021
Our dog is loving her new neoprene vest; it fits great and allows good range of motion. Very pleased with this purchase!
By Larry
Oklahoma
Great Fit
December 1, 2021
Loved that I could trim it to make it fit better. My dog seems very comfortable in it.
By HB
Missouri
Warm vest for cold fishing and canoeing
May 26, 2021
I have a heeler/border collie/lab mix just over 50lb. Measured as/ordered a M, but had to return for a L. Easy return/refund process. Got vest for early spring fishing trip in Idaho (dry) and cold spring fed river swimming in Missouri (lots of in and out of canoe). Pup seems happy wearing for both and feels warm when you stick a hand under the neoprene. Friend I fished with saw it and decided to get one for his lab too for ice fishing and cold Idaho activities. Seems well built and reinforced. Like that you can adjust/cut to fit.
Pros
Great customer service. Fast shipping. Well stitched/reinforced. Zipper seems tough. Like grab handles.
Cons
Difficult to decide size if your dog is on border between sizes. Seems a little tighter than may be ideal in abdomen/belly area of a more barrel shaped dog.
By Barry
Reno Nevada
Great product
October 17, 2024
Is everything it says it is KW1 is awesome Camo for waterfowl Size is great fits the way it is supposed to
Cons
None
By Paula D.
Jasper GA
Great price nice vest
April 16, 2024
Great price.. nice vest but too big for my spaniel.... had to send it back. No questions asked. GUN DOG rock!
Cons
Too large for smaller hunting dogs
By Brooks H.
Abilene, Texas
Totally Satisfied
December 14, 2023
Fits as expected, with high quality zippers and material. Totally satisfied with the purchased.
By Karl
Yuba city California
Great product
December 8, 2023
I even got my buddy's dog a custom collar
By ARMANDO D.
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Dog Parka
June 10, 2023
Fit my Boxer perfectly and will keep him warm in winter cold days. Parka is heavy duty and a great buy on closeout...TY
Pros
You guys have great stuff and will not hesitate to buy again.
Cons
NONE
By Jeff
Louisiana
Nice vest, but the measurements weren't as described
April 26, 2023
Purchase this vest because my dog had the exact measurements, 17" neck and 26" chest. The chest fit perfectly, but the neck was huge! It also would've needed some trimming around the shoulders. Just didn't fit my dog at all so I had to return it and went with the Versa Vest. Gun Dog Supply is amazing and quick! No complaints with their service. Hopefully the new vest will fit better when I get it.
Pros
Seemed like good quality, but only tried it on.
Cons
Didn't fit according to the measurements and the zipper could be bigger for them cold days.
By Gabe
Texas
Helped Duck Hunt
January 18, 2023
Parka works great! My cocker wasn't committing to going for long retrieves in cold water till I put this parka on her. It's fits a little funny even though I measured her. It's very tight/snug around the abdomen, but then gappy around the front legs and shoulders. Helped her keep her core temp up though for sure!
By Kenneth K.
Marinette Wisconsin
Camo Boaters Dog Parka
December 1, 2022
Heavy Duty Parka. Size chart fit my GSP. Has added hand slots for pulling the dog into the boat as well as 2 D Rings for a lead. Good quality product.
Pros
Fit my male gsp.
Cons
The neck opening is a bit larger, more suited for a Labrador.
By Eric
Pasco, WA
Great Product
November 22, 2022
Bought this vest for my duck dog and he doesn't mind wearing it. It's well constructed, easy to fit and made with quality. It seems to keep him warm which keeps his energy level high. I've bought multiple items from the good folks at Gun Dog Supply and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for supplies for man best hunting buddy.
Pros
Great, timely service.
Cons
Zero
By Brian
WI
Nice Vest
November 16, 2022
Vest is well built. I had to get a XXL to fit my 95 lb Lab/coon hound mix. The main issue with this vest is the leg holes are so far apart after trimming to fit my dog the leg holes are way bigger then needed on the top.
Pros
Well built.
Cons
Leg holes are to far apart and it takes a lot of trimming to make fit correctly.
By Al S.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
A good quality dog vest!
November 4, 2022
Our dog is hard to shop for due to his size (3XL). I tried a vest from another place, and it held up poorly!
The vest I purchased from Gun Dog Supply has a heavy-duty reinforced zipper, the stitching is made with a top-quality thread along with areas reinforced with additional stitching so you trim that vest to fit.
It fits him quite well and I know it will last a while!
I recommend the vest to anyone!
By Steve N.
New York
Great dog vest
September 25, 2022
Great vest! Sizing is accurate. Large fits my 65lb lab.
By Linker
Minnesota
great hunting vest for my lab
June 4, 2022
Great price for this hunting vest. After many, many, many years and numerous labs, the last one needed replacing. Found this one. It is heavier than the last one and was a great deal.
Pros
sturdy
By Tanner
Vermont
Good - Overall
March 28, 2022
Good vest, like that it is customizable (able to cut and fit to the dog). Chest size fits very well, neck is a bit big but was able to sew up the neck so it fits better. Overall good product at a solid price.
By david b.
Gordo Alabama
Avery Boaters vest
January 28, 2022
I ordered 2 of them the first was an xl it was to big the second one I ordered a large and it was to small. No fault of yours I guess I got the measurements wrong
Pros
None
Cons
None
By David
CT
Good, but it's meant for a lab type not for versatile type dog.
January 21, 2022
I had to return it. It did look good and simple, but it has been designed for a lab not for GWP or other pointing dogs. Their anatomy body ratio and anatomy are different.
Pros
Good quality.
Simple.
Customizable.
Cons
Designed for only Labs and that type of build.
By E L.
California
Not a good fit for my dog !
January 12, 2022
This Avery product appears to be well made, however it was not a good fit for my dog (Pudelpointer) The medium would fit around her neck but not her chest and the large would fit around her chest but the neck opening was way to large . I was afraid the neck opening would be like a scoop and create resistance while swimming or get caught on some object .
Pros
Well made
Cons
Poor fit for my dog breed .
By Melissa
VA
not a good fit for deep chested dog.
January 12, 2022
Nice quality product but unfortunately it just was not a good fit for my GSP. It gapped dramatically at the neck with no way to adjust without major altering by seamstress, I tried few sizes. I have a large male GSP with deeper chest. I assume they are more suited for labs that is more tubular in shape but as always Gun Dog Supply customer service was great.
By George
Trussville
Great vest
December 7, 2021
After using the sizing chart I was able to purchase the correct size the first time. After a little trimming in the arm pits the vest fits great. The heavy duty construction seems that it will last several seasons. I'm pleased with the recommendation by Gun Dog and the quality of my vest.
Pros
Heavy duty material and construction. Cut to fit the sizing chart.
Cons
None that I have experienced yet.
By Rich
Central IL
Avery max 5 vest
December 1, 2021
Best dog vest I've ever had for my retrievers!
Pros
Heavy duty well made! Over 2 years of service with 90 day season use!
Cons
None
By Walt
Texas
My dog must not be normal
November 30, 2021
I was able to cut the leg holes and adjust the fit on the chest, but the neck is way too loose and the stomach is too tight. My dog won't run full speed or pant while wearing the vest even after multiple training sessions.
Pros
Solid material
Cons
Not adjustable specifically around the neck and behind the rib cage.
By Goose
NJ
Avery vest
November 24, 2021
Got this for my 55 lb Chessie. Easy to customize for great fit!
By GM
Michigan
Works good dog likes it!
November 16, 2021
He knows its time to go have fun when we put it on him. Had to cut the arm holes out as suggested to make more room. 100lb lab got the XL, snug to zip for sure he's a big boy. Front up near his neck and top of chest seems a little loose, not sure how snug its supposed to be towards the top.
By John A.
CA
Great vest
November 11, 2021
Great vest. Fastest shipping From Gun Dog Supply. Also Great customer service
Pros
Fastest shipping
Great customer service
By Zach
NC
Great product
November 2, 2021
Bought for my year old lab. Fit great. Did have to trim about a half inch on the arm holes just to keep her comfortable. Been on multiple hunts with it now.
Cons
Maybe some beefier D rings. No issues yet they just look like over time they may cause an issue
By David S.
Central Square NY
Dog Parka Vest
October 19, 2021
Fit's my lab, easy to use, Cleaning is also easy to perform on the vest. protects my lab belly as he is retrieving down birds in the swamp.
GUN DOG SUPPLY - "Serving Hunting & Field Dog Owners Nationally Since 1972."
Order online via Secure Server or call 1-800-624-6378 to order! GDS Warehouse, 17645 U.S. Highway 82, Mathiston, Mississippi, 39752 USA.
