my friend takes his lab on canoe trips and doesn't put a lifejacket on the dog.?

Question

what if the canoe flips over? isn't there a law to protect those who can't speak for themselves?

thanks everybody, the question was just a goof... i like reading what the nutcase animal "lovers" have to say. my lab and chessie regularly fight 4 foot waves in november on lake superior retrieving ducks amongst the ice flows--all, gasp, without a life jacket!!!

Answer 1

I wondered about this question! My Labs used to go in the Atlantic Ocean waves in the middle of January with a windchill of -30. Not that I wanted them to, it was their own idea! They are about the strongest swimmers of the dog world, barring Newfs, of course.

Answer 2

The lab probably refuses to stay in the boat and swims along beside it more frequently. Any Lab I have seen that close to water is in it before I finish blinking.

But your question deserves some merit. What if the dog becomes unconscious in a capsizing. The side of the canoe could knock it unconscious. Should we not be prepared for that situation?

But laws do not exist and should not be created for this recreational activity. The dog would hate to have to wear a life jacket. He'd rather be swimming naked.

Answer 3

I doubt there is a law. Labs are terrific swimmers and have webs between their toes. However, in the case of the canoe flipping over, ESPECIALLY if he is on a river where there are rapids and a current, their is a danger. The dog could panic and swim to a person for safety and push them underwater (I've seen this happen). What if the dog hurt a leg on a rock and couldn't paddle? Or just couldn't fight the current and got pulled under?

Answer 4

A lab is a very smart animal, they can hunt, swim great, and even fish in clear water, its perfectly okay for him to not put a lifejacket on the dog, if the canoe was to flip, God forbid, then the dog would be more safe then your friend.

Answer 5

ohh sad.................... that the question was a fake.

If it was a real question and if anybody reading this needs to ever know in the future, heres what my answer would be :
Labs are great swimmes, if it is in a strong current river, thats pretty strong. some of the best swimmers cant swim in the strong current rivers. so depending on river current,temp, and how deep should depend on if the dog needs a life jacket. I have seen life jackets made for pets before. So they are out there.

Answer 6

Even without a life jacket (which the dog may not wear) the lab probably still has a better chance of swimming to shore then he does

Answer 7

I have 2 german shepherds who love to go on the boat when we take it out.And they have to wear their life vests.
We take alot of crap for it from others for it but only one dog is a very strong swimmer.They river is very wide at some points and the undertow is very strong.Accidents happen and I'd rather have my boys look stupid than worry especially since we may need them to help us get to shore.They'll need all the help they can get if they have to pull one of us as they swim.
Labs are very good strong swimmers.Your friend probably feels confident the dog won't need the extra help in the water a life vest will provide.
My own dogs don't like wearing them as they hold in the heat.Which may probably be another reason your friend chooses not to put one on the dog.They can also be expensive.We paid about $60.00 apiece for ours.
rather than make a fuss at your friend why not buy the dog one yourself and give it as a gift.Just having it may be incentive for the dog to wear it.

Answer 8

Labs are fantastic in the water!!! If the canoe flipped over the dog is in less danger than your friend!

Answer 9

Don't worry, the lab is a better swimmer than anyone else on the river. A life jacket will actually hinder his swimming.

Answer 10

No i don't think that there is a law that says,Animals need life jackets,I wouldn't worry too much as lab,s are really good swimmers..