Since its initial introduction in the late 1990’s, Ruffwear’s K-9 Float Coat™ has been liberating our four-legged friends off the bank and into the water. Who says your dog can’t go with you everywhere?

Get your dog used to their new float coat before jumping in. Remember the first time you put on a life jacket? Imagine the puzzled look you’ll get from Sophie before she discovers the benefits of her new gear. Letting your canine run around along the shore is a great way to help them to get accustomed to it.

Give your dog a chance to get comfortable on the watercraft. From paddleboards to canoes and kayaks, we all need a moment to get our sea legs and so do our dogs. Using treats can be a great way to encourage your dog to get accustomed to the feeling of their newly-found sea-paws.

Launch smoothly, quickly, and efficiently. Often dogs will relax when they can no longer see the tempting bank that seems close enough to jump to. As with most things, getting the flow of having a new canine water dog takes practice.

Develop boat-specific commands. From keeping Fido centered in the Canoe, to stabilizing Ripley at the bow of the paddleboard, water specific commands can help you work together. Nothing like a few capsized test dunks to get you started.

“Yeah, I’ll steer while you take photos. Good idea!”

Practice makes perfect when venturing into another new undertaking of life with your best friend. Ears perked, a slight smile encroaching, and suddenly you realize they’re enjoying their sea-paws just as much as you are.

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler™ 

“WOW. We live in the Sonoran Desert and experience THREE MONTHS of 105 degree PLUS weather. Before finding this product, we could only take them for their daily walk late at night! Now, we can hike in 110-degree heat and the dogs act like it’s a pleasant 75 degree day! This product has really changed our lifestyle. The only problem is that strangers come up to us and demand why we put “coats” on our dogs in such hot weather It would be nice if the vests had “COOL VEST” written largely on the sides!”- Cubby and Bella from Scottsdale, AZ

“Having a service dog and a job where I work outdoors for the majority of the day. It is a concern to keep him cool. After having a chance to use this product over several days, I have found it extremely beneficial. It can be easily worn under his Ruff Wear harness and does not impede on his ability to do his job. I am most happy with is purchase, but I think my service dog” is happier”- Pilyo Hawaii from Honolulu, HI

“We are having a heat wave high 90 temps. This is the only way I’ve found that I can take my dog out to exercise without her overheating.” – David from Baytown, TX

Bark’n Boots™ Grip Trex™

“I love these boots for the hot summer because my dog dances around if the ground is too hot. She also has very soft pads, which can tear. The only thing I would recommend is making the area where the due-claws are more padded because it can rub. Other than that they are perfect!” – Ava from San Diego, CA

“I really like these boots! I’m a rock climber and spend a lot of time on hot rocks throughout the summer and my poor dog kept burning her pads. Finally I decided to try these and couldn’t be happier. An added bonus, she looks adorable in them Regardless, we love them. THANKS!”- Lauren from Northern CA

Gearing up for summer is fun! Almost as fun as the adventures that make us laugh, sigh, and smile all at the same time

For over a decade, Ruffwear has been the leader in canine flotation and safety. Along the way we made improvements, modifications, and adjustments to our float coats, including the latest version of the K-9 Float Coat™, brand new for the Spring/Summer 2012 season.

As we developed this current version of our canine life jacket, we focused on water safety, fit, and application of the latest product innovations.  Here are some key features and benefits that can be found in the new K-9 Float Coat from Ruffwear:

Low Profile Handle – Whether you’re submerging all four paws for the first time or pulling aboard your water-logged dog in rough waters, our handle is there when you need it.

Ever noticed that our handle is up towards the front of your canine’s back, rather than in the middle like a suitcase? With the handle close to the dog’s head, you can lift your dog headfirst out of the water, while the bulk of the body weight remains in the water (and buoyant) as your dog exits. Also, your dog can use their front paws as additional leverage on docks or boats when they are lifted headfirst in this orientation. For additional support when lifting extra heavy dogs, we recommend tucking your hand under the top and back of the coat to create while lifting.

Concealed Leash Attachment – Under the low-profile handle is another safety feature worth barking about. Our leash attachment is tucked up under the handle so it’s unlikely to snag while in the water.

Hydrophobic Webbing / Sheltered Buckles – Keeping your gear streamlined when swimming in uncharted territory is important. With this in mind, we tucked the belly buckles away, sheltering them from snags, sticks, or seaweed. In addition to this, our hydrophobic webbing is designed to stay put when wet, keeping the float coat secure and in place over time.

Telescoping Neck – A permanently attached neck closure system adjusts for a range of dog sizes – always staying put for a secure fit.

So, what are you waiting for? Next time you pull out your water gear and head for the lake, river or ocean, you’ll likely have a tail wagging beside you that says, “take me too!”

When we think of a super-tester, we think of Conservation Canines. The dogs that are part of the Conservation Canines put Ruffwear gear to the ultimate test and use it up until the bitter end in the most demanding conditions. When asked to put the TurnUp™ rubber toy through the wringer, our favorite ball- oriented canine scientists leaped in.

Turnup! My favorite!

Without hesitation, the Conservation Canine Team put the TurnUp to the test against…well, practically everything they could get their mouths on.

“We've thrown in the towel and without a doubt the TurnUp is the toughest toy we've ever found. The dogs have chewed and chewed on it, we've watched them try to pick up two at a time, try to eat without dropping it, or the best of all, watching them try to run with it and it keep slipping out of their mouth.” – Heath Smith

For Conservation Canine Sampson, cutting other industry tuff toys into thirds takes no more than 30 seconds of pure bliss during a brief moment of reckless abandon. After 63 days, Sampson was able to create the team’s first-ever TurnUp fatality. Considering most things don’t last 5 minutes with his super-canine chewing strength, 63 days was impressive enough to the team to keep them jumping (and chewing) for more.

The dogs that work with the Conservation Canines are often toy-obsessed and the scientists use specific dog toys as a reward once the dogs locate the object of their field work – the scat of wildlife species. The teams have used the TurnUp most often in their rewards for the dogs largely because of the TurnUp’s long-term durability.

Where will your dog’s TurnUp end up? 

For those who always have two paws in the river and two paws on shore, there are a few things we’ve developed with you in mind.

Most notably is our Spring 2012 release of the Headwater™ Collar – Stinkproof Perfection. Just imagine a waterproof collar that shakes off the stink of playtime!

Ruffwear’s Headwater Collar features 1” waterproof, coated webbing that will keep your collar looking new. With four color choices, all with highly reflective patterns, we’ve found that healthy balance between fashion and function.

-Through proven reliable 4-point stitching (the same method trusted on Parachute Bridles and tie-down straps), the collar will stay firmly on your four-legged friend.

- As with all Ruffwear Collars, the Headwater also features the anodized aluminum V-ring providing a secure leash attachment.

What’s your favorite thing about the new Ruffwear Headwater Collar?