How to Use a Dog Backpack

For those of us who enjoy a dog's non-complaining, cheerful company on hikes or walks, it's an added benefit to download some of our gear onto the dog's eager back. Most dogs seem to show instant satisfaction when fitted with a dog backpack, as do the humans who may suddenly be carrying 10 to 25 pounds less. Sharing the load makes packing easier and makes a dog less likely to leave the trail. You can pay $100 or more for your dog's backpack, but good quality packs are available at $20.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Preparation

Things You’ll Need:

Properly fitted dog backpack Leash Dog treats
Properly fitted dog backpack
Leash
Dog treats

Step 1

Assess your dog's fitness. An old dog with arthritis or breathing problems should not carry a pack.

Step 2

Buy a dog pack that fits your dog's size and needs, large enough to carry 25 percent to 30 percent of his body weight, but small enough to give ground clearance and allow your dog to lie down when loaded. The dog's elbows need to be free to move normally when the pack is full.

Step 3

Strap the pack on snugly, but not tight. You should be able to easily slip fingers between straps and dog. Check the fit when the dog is standing, sitting and lying down. Straps are usually across the dog's chest and beneath its belly.

Step 4

Have your dog practice on short outings, beginning with a light load and increasing each time you go out. Make sure each of the two panniers (saddle bags) carry the same weight. Unbalanced packs are uncomfortable and may slip off the dog's back. Carry treats for encouragement.

Step 5

Practice with your dog on a leash. Just carrying a leash will often motivate him.

Step 6

Don't be tentative---walk on. If your dog hesitates or tries to bite at the pack, admonish him gently and call him ahead and praise him.

On the Trail

Step 1

Have your dog carry unbreakable objects and articles that don't need to be kept completely dry (unless they are protected by containers or plastic bags that zip closed). Your dog can carry his own food and bowls as well as some of your clothing, water bottles, cooking gear, books and first aid kit.

Step 2

The majority of mountain trails require your dog to be leashed. Don't let him run wild.

Step 3

Yield to larger animals, such as horses, which are less maneuverable.

Step 4

Keep an eye on your dog, making sure that the pack does not get hung up in brush and that the load is not too heavy or unbalanced. Some dog packs have panniers that are attached to a dog vest with Velcro, so that the pack will come off if it gets caught on obstacles.

Tips & Warnings

Give your dog plenty of time experimenting with the pack before loading him for a big hike. Reinforce and pad areas of the pack which might be uncomfortable for your dog.

Give your dog plenty of time experimenting with the pack before loading him for a big hike.

Reinforce and pad areas of the pack which might be uncomfortable for your dog.

Don't overload your dog. Dogs can develop joint and bone problems from carrying too much weight. Don't allow your dog to freely approach other people on trails. Some individuals are fearful of or unamused by dog attention.

Don't overload your dog. Dogs can develop joint and bone problems from carrying too much weight.

Don't allow your dog to freely approach other people on trails. Some individuals are fearful of or unamused by dog attention.

Article Written By Barry Truman

Barry Truman has published many outdoor activity articles in the past five years with International Real Travel Adventures, the Everett Herald and Seattle Post Intelligencer newspapers, Backpacking Light Magazine and Trails.com. He has a forestry degree from the University of Washington.

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