BACK PACKS: A NEW JOB FOR YOUR DOG 

                                                  by: Twilla R. Boyce

   Wearing a backpack during outdoor migratory walks and treadmill time causes the dog's mind to switch into working mode. This intensifies the mental effort of the exercise, thereby providing the much needed 'job' every dog longs for. As with any new activity, introduce the item in a calm manner.

   Some dogs are happy-go-lucky or laid back and show little to no concern when fitted with a back pack. Dogs of this personality type can sport their new attire on a walk without hesitation. Dogs that are timid, fearful or cautious to one degree or another will benefit from a more gradual approach. Begin slowly, ensure you and the environment are calm and you do not put a time restriction on the progress.

    Once your dog is wearing his back pack on regular walks, you can begin to add weight (work) to the pack. I'm not a big fan of using food as weight (rice/beans/etc) in the beginning. Remember, we must set your dog up for success and dogs can be horribly distracted by the constant scent of food. I prefer water bottles(200-500ml) depending on the size of the back pack. If your dog is a small breed, you can use any item that will fit as long as you are careful to increase the weight of the items gradually. NOTE: Ensure you use the same item/fill the bottles equally for each side pocket. This will keep the pack balanced and prevent discomfort to your dog.

   As with any new exercise, you must build up to your ultimate goal. Over time, you can increase the amount of water you put in the bottles. What your dog can carry is limited only by the dog's stature and individual strength and current condition. The goal is to offer a job to your dog and allow him to work. We are not trying to develop canine strong men. Carrying a back pack is as much a mental exercise as a physical one. 

   Cesar Millan had Daddy haul old tractor tires up the craggy California hillsides when the dog was in his youth but you can be assured Cesar would not have offered that type of work to a standard poodle or a greyhound. Daddy is a pit bull and has been kept in top physical/athletic condition and although he is now in his senior years and unable to keep up with the younger members of the pack, Daddy is still respectfully given suitable jobs and the opportunity to work.

   Once your dog has mastered the back pack, you can increase the challenge by having him carry noisy items (a plastic container filled with coins or jingle bells, etc) and enticing foods (cheese or beef jerky wrapped in tissue). This will add a to the psychological challenge, immensely.

One of my clients is an avid outdoors-man and hikes for days up in the mountains. Just like a true outdoors-y type, his dog carries his own supplies: high energy food, collapsable water bowl, mini telescopic shovel (used to dig holes to bury feces), NASA thermal blanket and the like. He is a Boxer, well past the growing stage* and absolutely loves going with his pack leader on these excursions.

A Westie standing 10-11"at the shoulder and weighing 15-22lbs can carry more than a poodle of the same height as the Westie has a greater muscle mass and broader build.Outward hound makes a 'hiking' version of the backpack with expandable pouches.

I recommend consulting your vet to see what weight is appropriate for your dog to carry as it will greatly depend on the size - weight - muscle mass - spine length of his breed/body type. A Greyhound is a large dog but has a slighter build with a longish spine so should not carry as much as the far more bulky Rottweiler who can be every bit as large but has a far greater muscle mass that can support heavier items.