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I know people worry about their dog becomming used to a pack if not introduced at a young age but we didn't have any problems with that.
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I agree with Jlaack. I have used packs with my rescue dogs for years. They all accepted the pack without any issue right from the start. Just like they didn't mind a bandana or a t-shirt or whatever.
Just don't pack with weight until the pup is around 2 because you could put too much strain on developing joints. According to my vet, a dog that is healthy and in athletic condition can carry up to 50% of its weight. That means a dog that is working daily and in peak condition. And just like with any athlete, you don't start with that weight. You work up to it gradually. And if there are signs of injury, fatigue or any evidence that the dog isn't tolerating it (and with rotties these are subtle signs because they are so stoic) you back off and stop until the dog is ok again.
The pack weight should be well balanced with most of the weight forward over the shoulders. It shouldn't flop around when the dog is walking, or slip to one side or the other. And the dog should carry it with ease....not look like it's struggling or working hard because of the pack.
We use the Wenaha Explorer II pack. This
website has reviews of several types of pack.
When she was 2-5 yrs old and in her best condition, my 100lb rottie service dog, Lucy, could pack 40 lbs easily on flat terrain. She carried my books and supplies to graduate school 3-4 times a week.
Now, my 3 yr old Dane (125 lb) carries about a gallon of water and snacks for us all when we are out walking.
*Miki