A tired dog is a happy dog – we all know this saying. But what many dog owners might not know is that physical exercise alone will not tire their dog out…it will simply condition it for more exercise. Adopting a Husky, I knew I’m signing up for a LOT of work, but I also knew that I will need to find ways of tiring him out physically and mentally. After all I can’t be running a marathon everyday! One of the best ways to get a dog mentally engaged is training, of course. But giving your dog a purpose, a task to perform will keep their mind engaged and fill them with a sense of purpose – a must for working dog breeds.
There are many benefits of a dog backpack:
– It’s great exercise. Start with an empty backpack, based on your dogs health and age, you can slowly add weight. Dogs can carry up to 10-20% of their body weight. A healthy, conditioned Husky can carry even up to 35%!! After the summer break (too hot for a backpack) Rocco is working at 5% and we are aiming to get him up to 25% by the end of spring. We’re using water bottles for weight, but beans or rice in a zip lock bag will work just as well.
– Makes your dog more focused. As your dog is working, they are less distracted, more focused and attuned to you. With a backpack Rocco is less interested in chasing squirrels and more focused on heeling.
– It gives them a sense of purpose and a job to do.
– Makes your dog more visible. This is especially important during hunting season. With a backpack it’s less likely a hunter will take your dog for a wolf or a coyote (something a Husky owner always has to keep in mind!)
Totally agree, a tired dog is happy. I have a back pack for Mollie, I balance it with our water bottles if we are going for just a walk. Normally it the park and hours of the ball, but it’s good just to walk sometimes.. xx00xx
Mollie and Alfie
Good info – thanks! I thought maybe a day-glow orange backpack for Rocco might be safe for him, considering his very handsome wolf-like appearance! Maybe the word “DOG” could be embroidered on the side?
Those are great suggestions! I’m looking to get a pulling harness and possibly a new backpack and I was thinking of putting Canine Epilepsy on it, but adding DOG to both sides is also a great idea. We just had an incident with a hunter killing his own dog by accident…sigh…
I carry a rucksack on hikes, they say it helps if I carry some of my water. I’m really pleased with myself if one of my bipeds puts their keys or phone in my rucksack.
What a great idea! Your pooch is very handsome by the way!
Rocco does look like he is ready to fall over. :>) What brand is the backpack you use? I have one I’ve had for awhile but never used as it’s too big for my Springer.
Hi Dawn, the brand is called EzyDog. I’m really happy with it, it’s very durable.
what size backpack is that?
Hi Paul, It is the large size. It’s always a challenge for us to fit him with the right backpack or harness, he’s medium sized (23kg), but because of his broad shoulders and thick neck (not to mention the coat), we end up getting the size up and tightening it well.