For anyone that has a service dog in training or anything of that nature, what kind of a vest do you guys use for your dog?

I have a poodle with behavior issues and the behaviorist would like for me to take him out to public spaces more (he doesn't bite, so this doesn't put anyone in danger, he's just very afraid of people initially) but I wanted to get him a vest of some sort that lets people know to ignore him & that he's in training. He's a miniature poodle, around 20 lbs maybe.

I guess I'm wondering what sort of vest is best? I was thinking also maybe a harness with patches would work?

If anyone has any input, I'd appreciate it!

EDIT I should have also asked for input on what the vest should say.. Would "Ignore Me - In Training" suffice? Or should it be specific like "In Training - No Eye Contact, No Petting"

I don't have a service dog or any such thing, but this shop looks like it has something that would be good for your dog. A lot of their vests are bright yellow and specifically have things like "In Training - Please ignore me!", which I think would be the best option - people will actually read it and know not to approach the dog. Otherwise, if that shop doesn't work for you, I would try and find a shop that makes similar customizable vests.

In my opinion, a harness with patches might not work simply because people might think it's just a normal accessory, and wouldn't read the patches. Maybe if you specifically got something bright that sticks out it would help, though.

You should probably make sure not to get anything that might make people confuse your dog with a service dog, though, too. I imagine it might be illegal in some places if you get something that specifically says your dog is a service dog, and otherwise, if your dog acts up, it can make things harder for people with service dogs.

Either way, good luck with your training!

thanks! That shop looks amazing, I'll definitely see if there's something there I can get. & I think you're right about the harness, I hadn't thought of that.

I have no intention of representing him as a service dog, I just want something to ward off people. It drives me crazy when people have fake service dogs so I'd never do such a thing.

Thank you so much!

I know they have leashes and collars that you can get words on as well, and that are in bright colors so that people know to not come near. It actually astounds me hearing stories about people being told that another person's dog isn't nice/in training/etc. and yet they still come up and try to pet it...

That shop posted looks amazing though! Hopefully you can make use of them :)

Thank you for your input! I didn't even think of a leash/collar so I'm gonna look into that as well. Sounds like a good idea! That shop was actually wonderful and I've already ordered 2 vests, hahahaha. They really have a lot of vests, so I'm glad it was suggested.

And yeah, I don't really understand what people are thinking. I've had several people pet my golden retriever when I've specifically asked them not to and they just don't seem to care. It's so weird, but also incredibly rude and irritating. Good thing my retriever is super docile and doesn't mind one bit. But it does disrupt his training sometimes. Oh well :/

Out of curiosity, did you ask your behaviorist about this? Perhaps (s)he can give a recommendation of a good site or place to get a harness for this reason.

The etsy shop suggested does look good, though. I also second with regards to the leash/collar (especially the leash!) I've been to dog adoption events where they had something that went over the leash that said "Adopt Me!" and it really pops, especially if you got it in a bright yellow or orange or something. Though I'm sure you could also get a bright colored leash with embroidered words as opposed to a slip over the leash. Whichever!

-- I didn't! It didn't even occur to me until my boyfriend suggested a vest. The behaviorist suggested muzzle training (to keep people away but also prevent injury of course) which I thought was a great idea, but muzzle training is taking a while and my poodle is pretty stubborn so he might just not accept it ever. So if the muzzle doesn't work out or if we're gonna be out for a long while, a vest is probably a better option

And yeah, again I hadn't even thought of the leash thing until mentioned it. Very good idea! Especially for more casual walks and whatnot. Haven't looked enough yet so I haven't found one, but I'm sure there are plenty out there. And now I know to also check out Etsy, so that helps!