Dog Backpack Tip – What to put in it
May 30, 2008
A lot of people use back packs to increase the effectiveness of their daily walks.
High-energy dogs, nervous or anxious dogs and other dogs seems to respond to having a “job” (hauling around a backpack with some moderate weight in the packs). Plus, it uses up to three times the energy … a 15-minute walk has the impact of a 45-minuted walk with a backpack weighted appropriately.
But once people get their backpack, they wonder how to weight it appropriately. How much weight is enough? How much is too much? How do you get your dog used to a packpack and how do you gradually increase weight?
Here are some tips from www.FunStuffForDgos.com.
- Put the backpack on without anything in the pockets at first. Let your dog get used to it. Go for 2-4 walks with the backpack empty.
- If your dog is ignoring the backpack after 2-4 walks (many dogs even become eager to put it on once they connect the backpack to a walk), begin adding weight a little at a time. Go by the size of your dog. For our Irish Setter, I started with a 12-ounce bottle of water on each side. For a Cocker Spaniel, I would start with an orange or something of similar weight.
- Be sure you have even weight on each side of the backpack.
- Go for 2-4 walks with each weight before adding more. Keep the first walk with the new heavier weight short; don’t try to do a two-mile hike if you’ve just added weight.
- Do not add more than 10% of your dog’s own weight to the backpacks. For a 25-lb dog, don’t add more than two and a half pounds total (a pound and a quarter on each side).
- In the summertime, larger dogs can haul chilled bottles of water. This can help cool the dog.
- Owners of small dogs sometimes use beans to add weight to their dogs’ packs. Beans conform to the dog’s body, making the load comfortable. Plus, you have good control over exactly how much weight you add, and can add more in small increments.
View backpacks here: http://www.funstufffordogs.com/Qstore/Qstore.cgi?CMD=009&DEPT=1147968493&BACK=A0009A1B01193942869B1C01193943113C1F01193942869F1G01193943113G1I000010I1J01194355435J1
- Lisa Woody
Entry Filed under: Miscellany. Tags: back pack, backpack, caesar, calm, cesar, dog pack, exercise, how, hyper dog, milan, millan, pet pack.
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1.
Madison | June 2, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Would you recommend running with dogs with backpacks? Are there any precautions that I should take?
Thanks
EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s okay to run with a dog who wears a backpack. Just remember that running is hard on the joints, and a backpack can chafe. Because of a dog’s fur, you may not be able to see the chafing. So put a doggie tank or tee under the backpack to help cushion your dog’s skin, make sure the backpack is snug but not tight to minimize shifting, start with just a little wieght and increase it over time. Watch your dog for signs of discomfort or joint pain, such as repeatedly sitting and standing up, difficulty standing up after rest, biting or scratching areas that the backpack covers and lagging behind during the run. Also, if you’re running with your dog, consider whether you need a weighted backpack.
2.
meg mcneal-7 deadly sins of Pet Industry Marketing, Do you agree that this is the 8th? | June 10, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Thanks for the great information on Backpacks for your dog.
Great tips you have given. I really like the first one, “Don’t put anything in it at first and let the dog get used to it
I’m sure your dog likes that idea too.
Meg
3.
Hilary | June 16, 2008 at 9:04 am
Thanks for the great tips! My Cavalier has endless energy and I have been thinking of putting him on backpack duty!
Giving dogs a job is physically and mentally stimulating…so I am game!
Off to find the perfect backpack for my oh so stylish Lou-Monster!
4.
Sarah Duncan | June 20, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Where could i find one of these dog backpacks i have not had any luck. Please help.
You can get them at http://www.funstufffordogs.com/
5.
Linz | June 30, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I really should try a backpack on my vizsla. It’s great when I can take him skating or biking so he can run, but his usual 45 minute walks don’t do much to tire him out. These guys have so much energy.
6.
small dogs | July 31, 2008 at 9:29 am
The dog backpack is a great idea for my small dogs. I will try to find the appropriate size weights for them to use.
7.
Lacey | August 9, 2008 at 3:50 am
My 7 year old Miniature Schnauzer has the energy of a puppy since I changed his dog food to REAL holistic food, and it has been causing a few minor problems from pent up energy that get worse over time. I got him a backpack so that our daily 1.4 hour walks would be more effective like they used to be, because they seemed to do nothing since the change. I had been wondering how much weight to put in the pack. He is the largest Mini Schnauz I have ever seen (15.5 inches at the shoulder). I keep him at a lean and healthy 24 pounds. Your site says for a 25 pound dog, don’t put more than 2.5 pounds total. I’ve been putting 4 pounds and it doesn’t seem to bother him at all, and he still is full of energy about an hour after the walk. He’s even eager to carry it, and he trots at the same speed he does without weight. He now focuses on the walk, like he’s in working mode, but it just seems to me like 4 pounds for 1.4 hours isn’t enough for him, though initially I figured it would be. Is it? Should I increase the weight? How much would be safe for him? He’s very fit. I thought adding a little weight would do some good until I read that part about 2.5 pounds on this site. Can I have some advice?
8.
Jordan | October 28, 2008 at 2:39 am
I am getting a 4 month old Pembroke Welsh Corgi… what size should I get and how much weight should I have him carry? THANKS
Editor’s Note: Get a size that’s right for your dog as an adult. A typical Welsh Corgi would take a size small. A stouter one might take a medium. You can ask your dog to carry up to 10% of his/her weight (5% on each side). If you’re going for longer walks or hides, reduce the weight in the bags. However, I would caution you not to ask your dog to carry weight while he/she is still growing. Once your dog is 10-12 months old, you can start introducing the backpack with no weight in it. Then start adding a small amount of weight (pickup bags and treats at first). When your dog is 18 months old, then you can put up to 5% of the dog’s weight in each side. – LW
9.
hkcs | November 27, 2008 at 10:20 am
I am looking for dog which should be very friendly in nature. can you help me out regarding this.
Thanks
10.
hkcs | November 27, 2008 at 10:33 am
I am looking for dog backpack, which type of material will be the best and how much idle weight it should be and what size it should be for French bulldog. Thanks
11.
dog back pack | November 29, 2008 at 1:22 am
hi, I really got shocked when I heard about the dog back pack. I really never expected about this equipment.
I was looking for some nice collection , can you please suggest me which one will be good.
Thanks
12.
Brian | December 29, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I just bought a Kelty dog pack, for my 70lb 15 month old Boxer. It has done wonders. We go jogging at an easy pace, and the pack really helped him to be calm and run loose-leash beside me. I also use a gentle leader – so that helps as well, but the combo of the pack and the gentle leader has been miraculous in our jogging efforts.
13.
Audie | January 3, 2009 at 9:37 pm
My 68lb. Airedale has tons of energy and a backpack really helped drain his energy to a manageable state. Unfortunately an unrelated injury and a recommendation from his veterinarian to stop using the backpack has brought back his excess energy. If anyone has any tips other than (2) 45 minute walks per day and lots of playtime, I welcome them.
14.
Susan | January 27, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I’m getting my dogs backpacks this year. They will feel important as they carry their own water and treats while hiking.
15.
Kathy | February 2, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I purchased a backpack for my 91 lb GSD. I’m not sure how loose the strap should be under his belly. Two fingers? 1 finger? Took him out yesterday with a couple water bottles and kept the strap pretty loose. He was fine with it.
Thanks for the input!
16.
Puppy | March 22, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I purchased a backpack for my 91 lb GSD. I’m not sure how loose the strap should be under his belly. Two fingers? 1 finger? Took him out yesterday with a couple water bottles and kept the strap pretty loose. He was fine with it.
Thanks for the input!
17.
Rescued Pet Stories | April 21, 2009 at 12:15 pm
This works wonders i bought a couple packs for my dogs after seeing this on the dog whisper. Not only did it help them get more exercise from shorter walks it also stopped my one dog from trying to pee every 20 feet. I highly recommend this to anyone that walks their dog regularly. The only set back is everyone in the neighborhood wants to stop us during out walks to ask if my dogs are training for something lol.
18.
Brittany | April 28, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Thank you so much for the information on this website! I just bought my golden retriever a backpack for the backpacking trip I am planning in a few months. I wasn’t sure how much weight I should put into it, and he has been practicing getting used to it empty. The 10% rule is very helpful and answered my question. Thank you!
19.
Bobby U. | May 8, 2009 at 11:05 am
I am definately going to get one of these backpacks. I have a very large lab that would love the excercise. I wish the company I work for carried them. What a cool idea!
20.
German Rottweiler breeders | August 18, 2009 at 2:38 pm
very innovative. Sounds very useful for carrying all your dog essentials as you travel, and gets the dog exercising. Two in one!
Alex,
Vom Bullenfeld German Rottweilers