Saddlebags & Packs for Dogs

If you're going on a hike with your dog, you might consider getting it a backpack of its own.

If you like to hike, it's probably not unusual for you to strap on a backpack stuffed with all the gear you will need for your outing. If you plan to take along your dog, you could cram all of your dog's gear into your pack as well, or you could let the dog carry its own. A backpack designed especially for dogs may be just what you need.

Benefits

The most obvious reason to equip your dog with its own backpack is, of course, to carry things in it. But packs also can be a training tool for dogs that have too much energy or simply do not like walking on a leash. Focusing a dog's attention on carrying the pack will take its mind off walking with the leash while burning off some extra energy.

Styles and Materials

Backpacks for dogs usually come in either the traditional backpack style, which looks much like one you might wear yourself, or a saddlebag style. Both styles feature a pouch on either side so that the weight is balanced, but the saddlebag style will hang a bit lower to each side. Nylon, polyester and mesh are common materials, and some may use reflective material for added visibility.

Sizing

It may seem like common sense: If you have a small dog, you will need a small or extra small backpack. A large dog will require large saddlebags. However, backpacks and saddlebags need to comfortably wrap around your dog's back and chest, so you need to measure the body circumference as well. For example, tall but slender breeds, such as Dalmatians, may require a smaller size than you think.

Considerations

Before you strap a backpack or saddlebags full of all kinds of gear onto your dog, you need to get it used to the pack. Let your dog wear an empty backpack at first, then gradually increase the weight. Be careful not to overload your dog's backpack. Your dog should be able to carry about 20 or 25 percent of its body weight, so do some math before you fill the pack.

References

• Backpack Dogs: Dog Backpacks
• Fun Stuff for Dogs: Dog Backpack for Exercise and Energy Management
• Dog-BackPack: Doggie Backpacks

Resources

• Cesar's Way: Cesar's Way Challenge
• Wolf Packs: Our Dog Packs
• Dog-BackPack: Home Page