I am going floating this weekend and want to bring my 7 month husky pup Mavi with us for the first time. We've seen other people bring their dogs (in fact, a fellow husky!) on a styrofoam mat of sorts, but it makes me nervous if we hit a rough patch of water he might fall off or just be too scared without any kind of sides. He's been warming up to swimming and even ran into to water for a swim without or guidance last week, but he's still young and timid at times.

Any recommendations on the best type of flotation device for this? Anyone else take their husky floating? All experiences/advice appreciated!

Ruffwear makes a dog life vest. I have never used one but I own a bunch of Ruffwear products and they are all solid quality that last years. It has 5/5 stars on their website with 300+ reviews so it looks good. http://www.ruffwear.com/K9-float-coat?sc=2&category=694

I know I have seen REI sell this brand and some of their backpacks, might check there first to try it on if they carry it.

As with small children, any flotation device for dogs needs to be tested on the individual dog  in water to make sure keeps the dogs head OUT of the water and does not push his head under the water.  Reviews  won't help you with this... it is a matter of the particular dog and the individual flotation device and how they work together.

EDIT: I am referring to life jacket for dogs here - I was assuming by flotation device that is what you were asking about.

Whatever you use put on a life jacket and you won't have to worry too much. We got one for our shiba because we go creek walking a lot and she's short. It keeps her high enough her head is in no danger of going under unless she runs into something. Even if they can swim they will rapidly wear themselves out if they don't know what they are doing. Now my akita when she hits deep spots just floats along with the current expending only enough energy and has lots of fun. No matter how fast the current we are going with is the shiba just goes "SWIM SWIM SWIM SWIM" and won't pay attention to anything. Somewhere after 2 miles last time she finally got too tired and floated there while my sister pulled her along.