A dog training vest, also called a dog handler vest, trainer vest or training waistcoat, is a sleeveless top with pockets made for handlers: your toy and treats sit on your body, ready to reward in a split second, and your arms stay free for lead work and throwing. We stock dog training vests from IQ Dogsport, Schweikert and Arrak Outdoor in unisex, men's and women's cuts: from the IQ Vest 3.0, with its centre reward pocket and pull-cord release, used for IGP, obedience, tracking and service-dog work, to lightweight summer vests and softshell and fleece gilets for everyday walks. Order by 2pm Monday to Friday for same-day dispatch.
How to choose a dog training vest
Decide how you reward your dog first, then the weather you train in, then the fit. Everything below comes from the manufacturers' specifications for the vests we stock.
Pockets: where your reward sits
- Centre chest pocket. On the IQ Vest 3.0 and Summer Vest 3.0, two chest pockets zip together into one large pocket, so you reward from your centre line. IQ designed it for a straight front sit, clean retrieves and focused heelwork, which suits IGP and obedience handlers looking for an IGP vest.
- Back pocket. A large back pocket keeps a ball, tug or lead out of your dog's sight. The IQ vests, Arrak Competition and Arrak Acadia each have one, the Schweikert Cordura has two connected rear pockets, and the Schweikert Summer Vest a full-length back pocket.
- Treat pockets. The Arrak Competition Vest has a removable treat pocket on the front. The IQ Modular Food Pocket (sold separately) attaches to the loops inside IQ vests and has a coated, washable compartment. The Schweikert vests use their large front pockets.
- Ball and toy holders. The Arrak Competition Vest has an elastic toy holder on the right shoulder. The IQ Ball Pocket (sold separately) hooks onto the armhole of the IQ Vest 3.0 and Summer Vest 3.0.
Magnetic and quick-release pockets
Only the IQ Dogsport vests have magnetic or quick-release features built in:
- IQ Vest 3.0 and Summer Vest 3.0: an integrated pull cord releases the toy from the centre chest pocket with no visible hand movement, and internal magnet compartments hold magnet reward systems such as TOP-Matic. Add the IQ Ball Pocket, which closes with strong magnets and drops the ball on a pull cord.
- Arrak Competition Vest: no magnets or pull release; rewards sit in the removable front treat pocket and the shoulder toy holder, with D-rings and a carabiner for a lead or tug.
- Schweikert vests, Arrak Acadia and Power Fleece: standard open and zipped pockets, with no magnetic or pull-release pockets.
Fabric and weather protection
- Tough, all-year vests: the IQ Vest 3.0 (claw- and tear-resistant, water-repellent, breathable) and the Schweikert Cordura (600D Oxford polyester, dirt-repellent).
- Wind and showers: the Arrak Acadia, a 3-layer softshell rated 3,000 mm water column. The Arrak Competition is pre-impregnated against moisture and can be re-impregnated.
- Hot weather: the IQ Summer Vest 3.0 (mesh at the shoulders and upper back), the Schweikert Summer Vest (mesh inserts front and back) or the Arrak Competition (side ventilation zips).
- Warmth: the Arrak Power Fleece, a stretch fleece with a brushed inside, on its own or as a mid layer.
Water-repellent is not waterproof. For long sessions in heavy rain, choose a waterproof dog training jacket: IQ says its Training Jacket 2.0 has the same functions as the Vest 3.0.
Fit and sizing
- IQ Dogsport lists garment measurements, not body sizes. Measure your chest and add about 10 cm for the Vest 3.0 (unisex, sized like men's sizes) or about 5 cm for the close-fitting Summer Vest 3.0, which is cut slightly smaller. See the IQ Vest 3.0 size guide and IQ Summer Vest 3.0 size guide.
- Schweikert vests are unisex. Schweikert says the Summer Vest fits slightly small, so order one size up.
- Arrak makes the Competition, Acadia and Power Fleece in separate men's and women's cuts. Each product page has Arrak's size chart, measured flat (half chest, waist, hem and back length), for example the men's and women's Competition Vest.
- If you'll wear the vest over a jacket, go up a size.
Compare our dog training vests
| Brand | Model | Pockets and reward features | Fabric and weather | Colours | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQ Dogsport | Vest 3.0 (unisex) | Two chest pockets zip into one centre reward pocket with pull-cord release; large front and back pockets; whip / tracking-sign slot; 3 internal magnet compartments; loops for IQ Ball Pocket and Food Pocket | Claw- and tear-resistant, water-repellent, breathable | Black | XS–4XL |
| IQ Dogsport | Summer Vest 3.0 (unisex) | Same centre pocket and pull release; back pocket opens from both sides; whip / sign slot; internal magnet compartments; works with IQ Ball Pocket | Light fabric, mesh at shoulders and upper back; water-repellent; reflective details | Black | S–2XL |
| Schweikert | Cordura Training Vest (unisex) | Six pockets: two large chest, two front, two connected rear; drawstring waist | 600D Oxford polyester, dirt-repellent; light breathable lining | Black | XS–3XL |
| Schweikert | Summer Training Vest (unisex) | Full-length front and back pockets; two deep zipped chest pockets; 2-way YKK zip; elastic waist | Polyester with mesh inserts front and back; fits small, order one size up | Black and grey | XXS–3XL |
| Arrak Outdoor | Competition Vest (men's) | Removable front treat pocket; elastic toy holder on right shoulder; 2 zipped chest, double lower, back and 2 inner pockets; D-rings with carabiner | Poly-cotton twill, stretch side panels, side vent zips; pre-impregnated against moisture | Black, Olive | S–XXL |
| Arrak Outdoor | Competition Vest (women's) | As the men's, in a women's cut with a slightly tapered waist | As the men's | Black, Olive | XS–XXL |
| Arrak Outdoor | Acadia Softshell Vest (men's) | Six front pockets (four zipped), large open back pocket, carabiner, high collar | 3-layer softshell, 3,000 mm water column / 3,000 breathability | Black, Olive, Navy, Brown | XS–XXL |
| Arrak Outdoor | Acadia Softshell Vest (women's) | As the men's, slightly tapered women's fit | As the men's | Olive, Black, Dark Red, Navy | XS–XXL |
| Arrak Outdoor | Power Fleece Vest (men's) | Zipped hand, chest and back pockets | Stretch fleece (91% polyester, 9% spandex), brushed inside; a warm mid layer | Black, Olive, Navy | S–XXL |
| Arrak Outdoor | Power Fleece Vest (women's) | As the men's, shaped at the waist | As the men's | Black, Olive, Navy | XS–XXL |
Features are from each manufacturer's specifications. Sizes and colours are the options we sell; stock changes daily, so each product page shows what is available now. For hot days without a vest, the Sporthund dog training skirt has two front treat pockets, a full-length back toy pocket and two lead rings.
Everyday dog walking vest
A vest isn't just for the training field. Treats, poo bags, lead, keys and phone all sit within reach, and you're not weighed down by a coat. If you'll wear it over a jacket, go up a size.
Why buy from K9 Store?
We're the exclusive UK distributor for IQ Dogsport and Schweikert, and an authorised UK Arrak dealer. Every order is sent fully insured and tracked. Can't see your size or colour? We don't stock every option, but we can often order it in. Email info@k9store.co.uk and we'll check for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dog training vest waterproof?
It varies, so check each product page. The IQ Dogsport Vest 3.0 is water-repellent, tear-resistant and breathable. The Arrak Acadia is a 3-layer softshell with a 3,000 mm water column. Schweikert's Cordura Training Vest is 600D Oxford polyester and repels dirt. For heavy rain, wear your vest over a waterproof jacket.
Shop: Arrak Men's Acadia Vest, Schweikert Cordura Training Vest, IQ Dogsport Vest 3.0
What size training vest should I get?
The IQ Vest 3.0 is unisex, from XXS to 4XL, and sized like normal men's sizes. Its size table gives garment measurements, so measure your body, add about 10 cm, and compare. If you'll wear the vest over a jacket, go up a size. See the IQ Vest 3.0 size guide.
Shop: IQ Dogsport Vest 3.0
Is there a ladies' dog training vest?
Yes. Arrak makes the Acadia softshell vest and the Competition Vest in women's cuts. The IQ Dogsport Vest 3.0 and Summer Vest 3.0 are unisex and suit both men and women.
Shop: Arrak Women's Acadia Vest, Arrak Women's Competition Vest
Which vest is lightest for summer?
The IQ Dogsport Summer Vest 3.0 is the lightest training vest in IQ's range. It has a lighter outer fabric with breathable mesh at the shoulders and upper back, and it is water-repellent and tear-resistant. Schweikert also makes a summer training vest.
Shop: IQ Dogsport Summer Vest 3.0, Schweikert Summer Vest
How many pockets does the Arrak Competition Vest have?
It has two large zipped chest pockets, double lower pockets (one zipped, one open), a large back pocket, two large inner pockets and a removable treat pocket on the front. The fabric is a 65% polyester, 35% cotton twill, with stretch side panels.
Shop: Arrak Men's Competition Vest, Arrak Women's Competition Vest
How quickly will my order arrive?
Order by 2pm Monday to Friday and we dispatch the same working day. Every order is sent tracked, so you can follow it all the way. Need something for a trial or a set date? Email info@k9store.co.uk before you order and we'll check stock for you. If something doesn't fit, you have 14 days from delivery to return it; see our returns policy.
Related guide: dog training jackets and vests: what to look for. IQ Dogsport vest size guides: Vest 3.0 and Summer Vest 3.0.
More answers in our Help & Advice centre.