Life Jacket/ harness

[crazydoglady6867]

My little Staffie loves swimming and when in the water she is oblivious to anyone calling her out, I therefore keep her on a long line and harness. Today though as we were pulling her through the water as it was time to get out she backed out of her harness and swam off at a rate of knots. I absolutely froze as I watched her being taken by the current down the river, my 23 year old daughter stripped off and in she went to rescue her, I was then crying thinking she would drown along with my precious doggie. As it was, my girl saved her and they both got out safely, what I want now though is a life jacket/ harness she can’t back out of if she decides she is not ready to get out the water again. It cost me a new I phone as my daughter jumped in with her phone in her pocket but it was more than worth it as I saw her bring my doggie to safety. Any ideas on the harness folks?

Dogs generally save themselves in water and find a river bank further downstream to get out.. Humans don't. There have been many cases of owners drowning whilst trying to save their dogs. I understand why she did it but your daughter was very foolish. Sorry to be harsh but this could have had tragic consequences.

Sorry, got on my high horse there. I'll just dismount and say that Pets at Home sell lifejackets.

only. I absolutely agree, I was double worried when they were both in the water. The pets at home ones are not suitable she can back out of them, but thanks anyway.

The problem with using a life jacket as a harness is the risk of overheating because floats are also insulating and cover much of the body.

That said, havie a look at julius-k9 working dog vests and additional floats which you may be able to add to a normal harness, if you wish.

julius-k9.co.uk/dog-harness/multifunctional-dog-harness/

Dogs can swim.
Better if unencumbered by wearing lifejacket.
If the tide/ current is strong enough to be dangerous, don't let your dog swim there.

Dogs have four legs, never get into the water after a dog. They invariable get out, humans don’t.

dancing. You should read my post, she was on a long line and broke free of her harness, I am not asking for an opinion on my dog care or parenting skills, if you don’t know of a harness she can’t back our of, try to keep your opinion to yourself.😩

If she needs to be on a long line, because she won't recall, or can't manage that water, she shouldn't be in that water.
Impossible for you to know if there are underwater obstacles the line could get caught on.
If the water's not within her capabilities without a dangerous line, simply don't let her in.