Duck Dog

[qmo77]

How cold is too cold for a duck dog?

Duck hunting in the morning and it is supposed to be in the high teens. I'm wondering if yall think that is too cold for a dog. My dog has got an insane amount of drive, and I've had him in mid 20 degree weather. I know he would work, but is it safe for him in 18 degree temp with a 15mph wind?

[jimmy o]

That is awful cold to be wet.

[monster7]

I would put him/her in a vest , but only you know your dog well enough to make that call .

[nimrodajh]

If he lives outside he'll be fine. If not, he will still likely be ok with a tight fitting vest and keeping him out of the water after retrieves. I've seen my dogs covered in ice and not even check up, but if they are used to 70* temps, that can be tough on them.

[Cody Malone]

Mine is good into the 20s but any lower for extended times I have to keep a watchful eye out on em

[Matt_C]

I would not do it. It's true that dog's have different circulatory systems than we do but with the wind being that high, no way would I do it to my dog. Even though I've seen him spend a couple hours in the snow. It's the chill factor I'd worry about.

[MTNshape]

I would put him/her in a vest , but only you know your dog well enough to make that call .

This... I've had mine out in single digits in a vest. Just need to make sure they're out of the water and dry when not retrieving. I also bring a bumper to toss on land to keep her active/warm if and when it's slow.

[qmo77]

He's got a vest and a platform. Only thing is....he does live inside, but he's hunted at least twice a week the entire season. I believe he has been acclimated (enough) to the cold...it will just be much colder tomorrow.

[Sleepy]

He'll be fine. Labs are built for this kind of weather and cold water. I was up in Kansas last week and it was around 20 degrees, and most of the water had a thin sheet of ice covering 100%. I think he had more fun running around, jumping and breaking ice than he did retrieving any birds. If it's hurting him, you'll know, and he more than likely won't want to retrieve. A dog blind would be nice to keep him out of the wind if you're pretty concerned about it.