Dog Pack

[+Chuy!]

I'm shopping for a dog pack for my golden to carry her own stuff (i.e. H2O, snacks, etc...). Please let me know which are good and which to stay away from.

 

This one looks sturdy: JanddP

This one has nice features but appears to sit too wide (middle): Palisades

More promising models: Mountainsmith; Kelty Sherpa

 

I think 2 feature I must have are removal bags and a chest strap.

[+Og's outfit]

We bought the Kelty sherpa for our dog. It has removeable bags and a chest strap. It's very comfortable for the dog. He adjusted to it in no time.

 

I wish I had a better picture. BTW, Chief is a 100lb lab mix.

 

[+aka Monkey]

You're in luck.

[Lesbaru]

Try Wolf Packs (www.wolfpacks.com). They make a wide range of dog equipment (hiking packs, service dog packs, "capes", harnesses, etc) and seem to be very careful about fit and comfort for the dog. Ruff Wear also makes nice packs, but they're a bit more expensive. I'm getting the basic reflective Wolf Pack for my mutt-beast once he stops growing.

 

You might find the book "Hiking With Dogs" by Linda B. Mullally useful. It's inexpensive, too. ($6.95.)

 

There is a backpacking dog club on the internet (Canine Backpackers) that has a lot of good resources.

[+The Blind Acorn]

I've seen the kelty packs at a local outdoors shop. The look like they would be "easy" on the dog. Seems like they have the right idea with padding etc.

[4x4luv]

I have a wiener dog try to find one for her

[Lesbaru]

Ruff Wear makes XXSmall packs. Here's a link to a cute little Westie (?) wearing a little bitty pack. http://www.ruffwear.com/products/approachII/

 

I kinda wonder if the ground clearance would be adequate for a pack!

 

My gf wants a doxie. Maybe my Monster Mutt could carry her doxie in HIS pack. We've been looking on the shelter-search website for a doxie mix that needs a home.

[+ChrisCindy]

We used to take The Ugly Puppy backpacking when she was younger. The packs with handles on the backs are handy. TUP has that set up on her life vest and it makes it easier to pull her into the boat. I can imagine it would be helpful to help get them over some obstacles.

[+carleenp]

I can tell you what NOT to get. Don't buy the cheapest ones that do not have padded straps. I bought one of these once and it got tossed pretty quick. It never adjusted right and the dog found it uncomfortable.

 

I now have one (Sorry don't remember the brand) that has padded straps, including the chest strap.

[+Chuy!]

Thanks all for your suggestions. I went with the Granite Gear Ruff Rider. BackpackGearTest.org gave it good reviews and, thanks to Indiana Cajones, I found it on sale at REI.

[+MoonHerb]

I apologise for sounding a little sceptical, but, what do you make your dog carry ??

[+carleenp]

I apologise for sounding a little sceptical, but, what do you make your dog carry ??

 

Usually people have the dog carry its own water and lunch etc. The packs can be quite useful for longer hikes.

[+Doc-Dean]

I have a wiener dog try to find one for her

A big bun will work, no??

[+Chuy!]

I apologise for sounding a little sceptical, but, what do you make your dog carry ??

 

Usually people have the dog carry its own water and lunch etc. The packs can be quite useful for longer hikes.

 

Also, her leach and/or extra leaches, a small water bowl, toys, first aid kit, etc..., and of course, a my-handler-is-lost card of sorts with my name and number. The pack will take some weight off myself as I already carry stuff for my daughters (6&8 yrs old).

 

Additionally, my golden is only 8monts old; I'm hoping the bags will prevent her from dashing into thick brush where she could get hurt or run into other animals (i.e. snakes).

 

The general rule of thumb is dog should not carry more than 1/3 their wieght. I will be starting out much less with our golden.

[+Mastifflover]

Wow if I got a pack for Hannibal I would'nt neet to carry one. One third of his weight is like 56 lbs. Seriously though how long does it take for a dog to get used to carrying a pack?

[+Chuy!]

One website I looked at said a well condition sled dog can carry 50% his/her weight!

This site has good general info, GORP.com

 

I am no expert - I only just ordered a dog pack yesterday, but I have done some research. Naturally younger dogs will be easier to accostume them to wear a pack. Some dogs will not flinch when a pack is put on; others may bite at the straps; and yet others will struggle to get the pack off. For these last two groups the key is to get them used to wearing something on their back. My golden was wearing cutesy dog shirts at 5mos; she seemed uncomfortable at first, but after a couple of hours she was her usual self.

 

When my pack arrives, I intend on putting it on empty and taking short walks in the neighborhood. I will slowy introduce weight. Eventually, she sill equate the dog pack with hiking/taking a walk, something most dogs love to do. When I first put on a harness on our golden, she fought me as I put it on. Now, when I break out the harness, she drops what she is doing and runs over to me; if I hesitate to lift her paw to slip the harness on, she will lift it herself. Sometimes, she falls on the ground with both paws in the air. I have no doubts the pack will eventually produce the same results.