Too Cold for Labs

[stuckiniraq]

Wondering if anyone could give me suggestions for when its too cold to take a dog hunting. I got a lab before I deployed over to Iraq, and if I mangage to get back to Alaska in time, I am looking to do some hunting. I am just afraid its going to be too cold to bring her with me. I appreciate any help and hope everybody has a good season.

[Waterfowlhunter2]

Hey Fella Dont know about when its to cold for a dog. But just wanted to say thanks for all your doing for this country. We all appreciate it. And I hope you get back in time so you get some good hunting in.

[hoosierhunter]

Get your dog a neoprene jacket, with flotation, It will help keep his core area warm, and get him a doggie blind, to help keep him out of the wind. He'll be ok, just don't overdue it, keep an eye on him, if he's shivering violently, take a towel with you to rub him down, and a bag of food to feed him throughout the hunt. Good luck, and God bless you and keep you safe over there!

[Kelly Rees]

I've hunted my dog rgularly in single digits on rivers and ice all day long. Neoprene vest is key as well as a high quality, high protien/fat food. Calories keep them warm. Feed small amounts through the day and you'll have a happy warm lab.

Never too cold...

Stay safe over there!

[Gary Crafton]

I wouldn't worry about the cold as much as i would the Ice. Be careful with the ice, it will cut a dog up not to mention they can fall thru, I agree with the other guys the vest is the ticket... And thanks for what your doing for us over there i live close to Ft Campbell Ky, and a lot of the 101st is returning home.. Good luck hunting this year and take care..

[Duck envy]

First Thank You for all YOU guys are doing for are COUNTRY.Giving use the freedom To HUNT.OK personalley i WOULD NEVER NEVER HUNT YOUR DOG IN SINGLE DIGITS OR ICE.Arthritis will rune your dog.I HAVE ALOT OF RESPECT FOR MY DOG.TAKE CARE OF YOUR BUDDY HE Deserves it.I WILL NOT LET MY DOG IN THE WATER WHEN ITS 23 DEGREES or LOWER.RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT YOUR DOG.JADE WILL BE 9 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR COME LOOK AT HER SHE STILL ACTS LIKE A PUP.AND SHE HAS MADE WELL OVER 1500 WATER RETREIVES.WELL THANKS AGAIN AND REALLY WISH YOU ALOT OF LUCK .GOD BLESS YOU AND EVERYBODY OVER THEIR.GOOD LUCK

[rushcreekganderlander]

Labs are born to hunt in the cold. We've hunted a lab through single digits and below every year for 8 years now and it will still swim a mile for a downed bird. Like the other guys said use a vest and feed quality dog food and your lab will be fine. My dog got initiated a couple years ago at two months old with teens in the morning with highs in the 30's. We hunted a small creek and she followed me around the whole time we set up. I put an extra coat down for her and she was fine. She didn't retrieve anything that day but she's been hooked ever since.

[stuckiniraq]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all of your replies they were really helpful. I also want to thank all of you for your support, it really means a lot to us. Still not sure when I'm leaving here (we got extended a couple months back for up to 120 days) but I hope you guys have a great season and I'll let you know how everything goes.

[Gary Crafton]

If you ever get around the ft campbell area give me a shout,, I'll be happy to take you goose or duck hunting...