How to Teach Your Dog to Carry a Backpack

Dogs love to go on walks. Whether you're walking around the neighborhood, or hiking in the wilderness, here are some steps to get your dog used to carrying his own gear.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dog
• dog backpack

1. Purchase a dog backpack suited for your dog's needs and sized to fit your dog (see related articles below).

2. When you're ready to try out the pack, have your dog's favorite treats and your leash handy.

3. Put the empty pack on your dog. Encourage him as you adjust the straps. Give him treats and tell him what a good dog he is throughout the process.

4. Don't hesitate. Start walking with confidence. Give your dog treats to keep his focus on you and not on the pack. Praise him along the way.

5. If he hesitates or tries to pull at the pack, tell him to 'leave it' and keep moving forward. Praise his forward progress. If you show hesitation or appear overly concerned, then he will pick up on your anxiety and will be more likely to become suspicious of the dog backpack.

6. Gradually add items to the pack. The recommended pack weight limit for fit dogs is twenty-five to thirty percent of the dog's body weight. Don't start there, however, or you risk injuring your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain your dog is healthy enough for strenuous activity before you take him on long hikes.
• Seek your vet's advice if uncertain of your dog's fitness level.
• If venturing out on a long backpacking trip with your dog, do your homework about how much food, water and what types of supplies you will need before heading out.

Resources

• Dog backpacks
• Dog backpacking information

[Sush56]

on 9/19/2008 That is such a great idea. I can bet your dog look cute too, with his backpack :)

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 9/19/2008 sounds like advice that is very useful.. and somebody please..., click on the picture in this article. :)

[Fuller1972]

on 9/18/2008 I didn't even know they made dog backpacks. Thanks for the information.

[Susanh]

on 9/15/2008 Amazing! Great job.

[Cateeto]

on 9/14/2008 Dogs can be so smart. Great article.