caroline.rose@ymail.com Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 I've heard that putting a backpack on your husky during walks is a great thing because it gives him a "job" to do, and it also helps to tire them out faster. Has anyone here tried this? What's your experience been, and is there any particular brand that you'd recommend? I'm thinking about trying this, but I'd want one that's reasonably priced (since I'd have to buy 2) and also very comfortable for my dog to wear. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rathian Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 I would be interested to know your thoughts on this too for when the little mudsky grows up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 I think Anne (or Rose) on here use a backpack. I have been thinking about getting one then they can carry their own poo bags, am hoping that it will also calm them slightly whilst on walks and make them less bouncy ...sigh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISDW Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 I've got a couple of backpacks, but we haven't used them that much, I really want to get the dogs wearing them a lot more. Diesel was actually used as a model for one for a company here in Ireland There is a proper 'sport' of backpacking with dogs. You can get a working title in it, I believe you and the dog have to cover 40kms over a certain time, including camping out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 What do you put in them Karen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISDW Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Just for going out for a walk, you could put a collapsible water bowl in there, and a small bottle of water. Poo bags obviously and just gradually put more and more stuff in as the dog gets used to it. You can always put your doggie first aid kit in it, so that you're always prepared and just anything that bulks it out a bit and adds weight to it, without it being too heavy obviously. If you're doing the working title, proper trekking, the dogs food would be in it, water and whatever you'd need for the dog to walk for a couple of days and sleep out. This is a link to a kennel that backpacks with the dogs and I think its got good info on it. dogstarkennel backpacking This is info from a Canadian site, with what is needed to get a working title: Working Pack Dog WPD Requirements For a Working Pack Dog title, the packing requirements must be spread out over at least two trips, and must be on natural terrain, such as hiking trails or cross-country. The dog must carry a weight equal to at least 30% of its own weight. You can choose between a total distance of 30 miles, including one overnight campout, or 40 miles, with each trip a minimum of 10 miles, as outlined below. The dog must carry a daily initial weight equal to a minimum of 30% of its own weight. This weight shall not decrease except by normal consumption of items such as food or water. Option 1: The dog must pack for a minimum of 30 miles. Each trip must be at least 10 miles per day or an overnight camp out with a 5 miles in and 5 miles out. At least one trip must include an overnight camp out. Option 2: The dog must pack for a minimum of 40 miles. Each trip must be at least 10 miles per day. Elevation gain may be substituted for mileage at the rate of 1,000 feet of elevation being equivalent to 1 mile of flat terrain. Elevation gain will be calculated as the difference between the highest and lowest points of the trip. Packing requirements shall be spread out over a minimum of 2 trips. An impartial witness must sign the form, verifying proof of distance and dog(s) competing. Owners of dogs wishing to earn a working title in backpacking can click here to obtain the appropriate application form Dog Excellent (WDX) Program: For dogs and owners who are looking for a little more challenge, the HELP League also has a Working Dog Excellent (WDX) Program, consisting of the same areas of endeavour but with more exacting requirements in each. The titles are WTDX, WLDX, WWPDX and WPDX. The WD level requires some training and conditioning but should be attainable by any sound and healthy dog. The WDX was created to recognize a significantly higher level of achievement and would not be possible for a dog who does not possess a good attitude and physical abilities. For information on the WDX requirements, click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Thanks Karen, added to rep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valkyries Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 maybe some of us could do the walking camp out in summer sarah see how the dogs go, just one for our selves to test the dogs ??????? could work out a route ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewbacca_&_me Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Wow, wish I had thought to get some doggie backpacks before I bought my bike, lol. Biking is great and I love it but when Solo gets here Ill have to walk again, hehehe. Thats ok though maybe a backpack will be a good choice for chewy while Solo is growing a bit. Chewy is about 65 pounds now any suggestions on weight limit for his backpack?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 20, 2009 Report Share Posted November 20, 2009 it said on the link up to 30% of their body weight but i think to start maybe just a small bottle of water and the poo bags and build up gradually? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewbacca_&_me Posted November 20, 2009 Report Share Posted November 20, 2009 Ok yeah, sorry asked then started reading the article, lol. Researching stuff to buy soon for christmas and wasnt paying attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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