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? 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. Default Title - $24.00 This cute fabric back pack features a doggy design with stitched details and floppy green ears. Straps and drawstring are in bright red with brass eyelets.

The back pack comes with a cotton liner.Ellen Morris Bishop knows how to keep a dog happy, healthy, and safe on the trail. After all, she and her own dogs, Meesha and Dundee, hiked more than 750 miles in their research for Best Hikes with Dogs: Oregon, 2nd ed. Here are the Ten Canine Essentials she suggests you pack when you take your pooch into the wilderness.gregory backpack z30Before you set footbillabong tiki backpack on a trail, make sure your dog will obey your commands when faced withbackpack danier other hikers, other dogs, wildlife, and an assortment of strange scentscsk backpack and sights in the backcountry. A dog that can’t behave should

be left at home.Dogs can pack their own food, water, and otherDogs wear backpacks quite comfortably and specially designed packsThe pack should fit snugly. A general rule is 1 pound in the pack per 20 pounds of dog. If you dog likes to immerse herself in streams, you might want to package everything in her backpack in waterproof plastic bags.Dogs are prone to injury, bee stings,Take a canine first-aid course and read up on the subject for details on what to include in a doggie first-aid kit. Dog food and trail treats. You should pack more food than your dog normally consumes, because he will be burning more calories thanIf you have to spend an extra night out there, you need to keep your best friend fed too. Trail treats provide quick energy; made for dogs usually provide better canine nutrition than human snacks. Water and water bowl. Don’t count on dog water being available on the trail. Streams are great for keeping Fido cool, but

dogs, like humans, are susceptible to giardiasis and other water-borneHaving enough water will lower your dog’s risk of heatstroke. Collapsible nylon bowls work well, as do lightweight titanium or plastic Leash and harness or collar. Have a 6-foot leash with you at all times, even if not required by local regulations. are relatively fragile and can tire your arms. run your belt through the leash handle. An inexpensive and versatile alternative to a commercial leash is to buy a length of small-diameter climbing rope and use carabiners to latch one end to your dog’s collar and the other end to your belt. Consider a harness if your dog will be leashed for the entire hike.Be aware that some animals and some people have strong negative reactions to DEET-based repellents. home, dab a little DEET-based repellent on a patch of your dog’s fur to see if there is a reaction. Look for signs of drowsiness, lethargy,Remember to restrict repellent application to those places

the dog can’t lick—the shoulders, the back of the neck, and around the ears (staying well clear of the ears and inner ears)—which are also near the most logical places mosquitoes will be looking for exposed skin (at the eyes, nose, and inner ears) to bite. ID tags, microchips, and picture identification. Your dog should always wear ID tags that are easily read. A microchip—a small plastic object about the size of a grain of rice implanted under the skin by a veterinarian—is also recommended. Microchips, which contain the animal’s ownership and contact information, never fall off, are inexpensive, and can be read at most animal sheltersPhoto identification is also helpful to have in your pack. If your dog gets lost far from home, you can show the image to local residents and make flyers and handbills to post in the surrounding communities.Dog footpads need to toughen to the trail. who have not hiked much can get sore feet;

having a set of booties in the backpack will prepare you to protect your dog’s feet from rough ground or harsh vegetation. Booties can also keep bandages secure in case your dog damages his pads. Practice at home first. that dogs sweat through their feet and can overheat if booties are left Compact roll of plastic bags and trowel. Even on a short hike, be prepared to remove or bury dog waste. Carry it out or bury it, according to what is most appropriate to the area. Additional items to consider: You might consider bringing a dog comb or brush with you. Periodic brushing during and after a hike can minimize problems from ticks, embedded seeds, and tangled plant materials. toenails trimmed short, too. If you are planning an overnight trip, make sure that your tent is large enough to accommodate Rover too. A sleeping pad just for the dog is another nice touch. Ensure that your dog has up-to-date and appropriate vaccinations,