Dogpacking is a fun, interesting way to exercise and interact with your canine friend. With proper training, your dog can haul part of your backpacking load or carry leashes, bowls, and water to the park or to the beach. Learn how to select a pack, fit it for your dog, and acclimate your pet to this physically and mentally engaging pastime.
Dogs need exercise. People have busy lives. When these two facts collide, the canine need for physical activity often takes second place to the human pressures of work, family, and other commitments. Experts recommend an hour of daily physical exertion to keep a dog healthy, but many working dog owners have large, powerful breeds: they can’t simply toss a dog toy around the living room if they want to have any furniture left afterward.
Dogpacking is a fun, easy way to provide a mental and physical workout for your dog, even as he helps in return. Imagine your dog carrying leashes, teaching tools, dog toys, and cleanup bags to your next training session, or bringing along lunch and drinks on day-long outings. Trips to the grocery store could be more fun and beneficial to the dog if he carried home some of the weight, and backcountry expeditions will enjoy the canine companionship and an extra hand (paw?) to carry the gear.
With proper training and conditioning, a healthy dog can safely carry up to a quarter of their weight in specially designed dog packs. Working breeds, especially those bred for draft work, can carry a third of their weight or more. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is in proper shape before beginning a dogpacking regimen.