How to Put on a FieldSkin Dog Suit | Instructions & Fit Tips

Here's how to get started.

Step 1: Get Your Dog Comfortable with the Suit

Before heading into the field, introduce your dog to the FieldSkin suit at home.

Let your dog sniff the suit and become familiar with it. For dogs that have never worn protective clothing, this is an important first step.

We recommend trying the suit on your dog a few times before your first hunt. A little patience and some positive encouragement can go a long way.

HuntEmUp Tip: Try putting the suit on after your dog has had some exercise. A dog that's burned off a little energy is usually much easier to work with than one that's bouncing around waiting to go hunting.

Step 2: Lay Out the FieldSkin Suit

Before putting the suit on your dog, take a moment to look it over.

Identify the front and rear leg openings, the neck opening and the suit's closure system.

Make sure the material isn't twisted and that all openings are accessible.

Having everything positioned correctly before you start will make the process much easier, especially if your dog isn't particularly interested in standing still.

Step 3: Position the Suit on Your Dog

With your dog standing comfortably, begin fitting the suit according to the instructions provided by FieldSkin.

Carefully guide your dog's legs through their designated openings, following the manufacturer's recommended order.

Avoid pulling or forcing your dog's legs into position. The suit is designed with flexible material, but your dog should never have to bend or twist unnaturally to get into it.

Take your time, particularly during the first few fittings.

Step 4: Adjust the Suit for a Comfortable Fit

Once the FieldSkin suit is positioned on your dog, check that the material is sitting properly across the chest, belly, back and legs.

The suit should fit snugly enough to stay in position while your dog moves, but it shouldn't restrict movement or create uncomfortable pressure points.

Pay particular attention to the areas around the front legs, rear legs, neck and belly.

Look for any areas where the fabric is bunched, twisted or pulling too tightly.

Remember: A properly fitted protective suit should move with your dog, not against him.

Step 5: Let Your Dog Walk Around

Before heading into the field, let your dog move around while wearing the suit.

Start with a short walk around the yard.

Watch how your dog moves, particularly when turning, sitting and walking at different speeds.

Some dogs will immediately act as though they've worn the suit their entire lives. Others may need a little time to adjust to the feeling.

That's normal.

Once your dog seems comfortable, allow some additional supervised movement to make sure the suit stays properly positioned.

If you notice rubbing, restricted movement or obvious discomfort, stop and check the fit.

Step 6: Check the Fit Before Every Hunt

Dogs do a lot more than walk when they're hunting.

They're running, jumping, turning, retrieving and pushing through some pretty nasty cover.

Before turning your dog loose, give the suit one final inspection.

Make sure the legs are positioned correctly, the material isn't twisted and all closures are properly secured.

It's also a good idea to check the suit periodically during your hunt, particularly after your dog has been working through heavy brush.

Step 7: Remove, Inspect and Clean the Suit After Hunting

When the hunt is over, carefully remove the FieldSkin suit and inspect your dog.

Although the suit is designed to help protect against burrs, brush and other field hazards, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of scratches or injuries.

Check your dog's legs, belly, chest and paws for anything that may need attention.

Remove any accumulated debris from the suit and follow FieldSkin's recommended cleaning and care instructions before storing it.

Taking care of your equipment helps keep it ready for the next trip.

A Few Tips for First-Time FieldSkin Users

If this is your dog's first experience wearing a full-body protective suit, don't make opening morning the first time you try it.

Give your dog a chance to get used to wearing it.

Start with short sessions, reward calm behavior and gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the suit.

And don't be surprised if your dog acts a little differently the first time you put it on. Some dogs take to new gear immediately, while others need a little encouragement.

The important thing is making sure your dog is comfortable and able to move naturally.

Why We Like FieldSkin at HuntEmUp Outdoors

We've been involved in the hunting and sporting dog industry for more than 24 years, and we've seen our share of equipment designed to make life easier for dogs and their handlers.

What caught our attention about FieldSkin was the concept of protecting more of the dog's body without sacrificing the mobility that working dogs need.

Anyone who has spent an evening picking cockleburs out of a retriever or pointing dog understands why that matters.

A little preparation before the hunt can save a lot of aggravation afterward.

The FieldSkin Protective Dog Suit is another option for hunters who want to help protect their dogs while they're doing what they love.

Shop FieldSkin Dog Protection Suits at HuntEmUp Outdoors

Whether you're chasing pheasants through thick cover, hunting grouse in the woods or working your retriever around the marsh, FieldSkin offers a different approach to protecting your hunting companion.

HuntEmUp Outdoors carries both the FieldSkin Blaze Orange Protective Dog Suit and the FieldSkin Camo Protective Dog Suit.

Shop FieldSkin Dog Protection Suits at HuntEmUp Outdoors

Hunt hard. Protect your dog. Enjoy the hunt.

HuntEmUp Outdoors – Supporting Hunting Dogs and Their Handlers for Over 24 Years.