Give your dog a sense of security & purpose.

Keep curious dog lovers from invading your dog's space.

Let people know that you are training your dog.

Identify your dog as a "work in progress".

This Vest will help you and your dog relax in public.

SIZING

For a proper fit measure around your dog's chest/girth at the fullest part as shown and use the size chart below. If your dog is between sizes: 

• Choose the smaller size if your dog has a tucked up waist like a Doberman or Greyhound.

• Choose the larger size if your dog has a more straight waist like a Labrador or Mastiff.

• Bully type breeds may need a larger size to accomodate their broad forechest.

A well-fitted Vest should not pull across the shoulders or bind at the waist.

Vest Size          18             22          26            30            34            38           42

Chest Size    16"-20"    20"-24"    24"-28"    28"-32"    32"-36"    36"-40"    40"-44"

Harness Hole

If you prefer to use a harness with your dog and would like a harness hole added to your vest,  please tell me how far back your harness ring is from the base of your dog's neck.

Your Vest will work with most front ring harnesses without modification.

I find harnesses to be most effective when the back ring is located approximately between the dog's shoulder blades (typically 2"-4" back from the base of the neck). This is how the Freedom No-Pull Harness fits.

Please note that exchanges or refunds are not available on customized orders.

MATERIALS

Each Vest is hand-crafted by me out of a breathable, durable poly/cotton blend fabric. The straps are soft cotton twill with Soft-Touch Velcro® to avoid stressing dogs with the "r-r-rip" sound of traditional Velcro®.  This means you may need to remove built up dog hair from the hooks periodically to ensure a good grip.  The lettering is silk screened by hand by a local, independent company.

CARE OF YOUR VEST

For best results, mate the Velcro® pieces before you machine wash in cool water and air dry.  If your dog is comfortable with having things put on over his head, once you adjust the fit I suggest leaving the front strap closed and only open the belly strap to put the Vest on and off.  Do not leave your dog unsupervised while wearing the Dog In Training Vest.

Your Dog In Training Vest should not to be confused with the official attire worn by service dogs. It does not entitle you to take your dog into public places where dogs are not normally permitted.

THE BACK STORY

It was 2001 when I found myself struggling with my Doberman, Solo (modeling above).  He was worried about new places and reactive to dogs and people that got too close or stared at him.  He was a very handsome young guy who attracted attention everywhere we went, which undermined my efforts to socialize him and help him feel safe in public.  My friend was facing a similar struggle with Popper, her Labrador.  Popper reacted by bolting away or "falling to pieces" if people got too close - and everyone wanted to pet the cute Lab.  The Dog In Training Vest was our solution.  These were not "bad dogs", they just needed more space to feel safe.

I have seen too many dogs left home alone because of their public behavior. Genetics, lack of early socialization, fear, over-stimulation and even age can contribute to behaviors such as barking, lunging, jumping up, and trying to run away.

Dogs may be fearful of strangers or new places, have space issues, or even be overly friendly and exuberant. It can be a challenge to work with a dog in public when well-meaning dog lovers are asking questions and trying to pet your dog. This can create a lot of stress for you and for the dog and may lead to a dangerous situation. 

It's easy to feel embarrassed by your dog's less than desirable behaviors. Sadly, this embarrassment can lead us to overreact, lose patience and even act out toward our dog or the people near us.  One of my goals is to help owners let go of their fear of embarrassment and just relax and focus on training their dogs in a positive way. 

The Dog In Training Vest will help. By identifying that you are training your dog, people will realize that you are working on your dog's behavior. It will encourage people to give you and your dog some space so the dog is less likely to become stressed. Then you can control the environment a bit more; ask people if they are willing to let your dog greet them (if appropriate) rather than have people approach the dog. When you, your dog, and the public are more relaxed, true learning and change can begin. I look forward to a world where human understanding creates better socialized dogs; where dogs and humans live in peace and harmony. 

Special thanks to Popper and Solo whose special needs have taught so many.