Backpacking With Your Dog
– Article and images: Sandy Koch, Windchill Dog Gear Backpacking is an enjoyable activity for you and your dog, whether it be a long hiking trip or just a walk to the shops for some supplies. Anyone can have a go at hiking with their dog as long as the dog is in good health, is reasonably fit and you have the right equipment.
Backpacks can also be put to good use when you and your dog have a bit of shopping to carry home.
Training your dog
Training should begin with walking you dog with an empty or lightly loaded pack to get him or her used to the feel of it, and to ensure that the pack is The only specialised equipment you’ll need is a fitted correctly and is comfortable for the dog. It is canine backpack for your dog. You’ll also require a sturdy lead (6 – 8 feet long is ideal) and comfortable advisable to load the saddle bags with light bulky collar, dog-towel (if conditions are wet), food, water padding so that they are full and sit correctly on the dog. and water bowl for your dog, and a basic first aid kit as well as your own requirements. Be aware Once the dog is used to wearing the pack, gradually that Malamutes and Huskies are breeds that must increase the weight and the distance of your walks. be walked on lead at all times – wildlife will almost By building up the weight in this way, any problems certainly be encountered on your hike and will with your dog or the backpack should become often pose an irresistible temptation to even the apparent before you find yourself miles from most obedient Malamutes and Huskies! anywhere participating in a long distance hike. If you are just interested in hiking with your dog for fun, you can put items such as food, drink and clothing in his pack – as much or as little as you like, keeping in mind that the dog should not carry more than 30% of his body weight.
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DOG WORLD August 2022
Any reasonably fit, healthy, sound and mature dog should be able to carry a loaded backpack on a long hike. Having said that, it is always advisable to take your dog to a vet and/or veterinary chiropractor before you embark on any
