Back Packs/Carry Packs

[Diva Satanica]

I did a search for threads about these, but mostly came up with threads comparing brands, etc. For those of you who use a back pack/carry pack with your dog, at what age did you start using one?

[kclinch]

Wehanna is a great pack.

A dog should not carry more than 10% to 15% of their body weight.

At least a year of age, and I would exray hips and elbows before packing with a dog.

[Diva Satanica]

The reason I ask, I was watching an episode of the Dog Whisperer and there was a woman who owned two rotti pups that she found under a bridge. Once Cesar worked with them, he determined that the male should have a backpack on when being walked. The pups were, I believe, 6 mths old and it just seemed young to me.

[maxcat]

I would think as long as the pack wasn't over loaded, it may be okay to just to get them used to having it on their backs. I saw that episode too, but I can't remember what he put in the pack. I've thought about putting the pack we have on our six month old, but with nothing in it so there is not weight on his back. I was just thinking that it would be nice if he got used to the feeling - even if the pack is empty. 6 months does seem way too young to put anything of substance in the pack.

[jlaack]

A dog should not carry more than 10% to 15% of their body weight.

At least a year of age, and I would exray hips and elbows before packing with a dog.

?? For a 100 pound Rottweiler that's 10 pounds... Most packs that will fit a Rottweiler weigh 3-5 pounds empty. My dogs pack, martingale and leash weigh just over 5 pounds.

When we were actively camping and backpacking my dogs carried about 25% of their total body weight. This was when they were in peak physical condition. I used to work for a company that manufactured dog gear (including backpacks). They gathered extensive advice from vets and the feedback was dogs in top physical condition without any health issues can easily carry 25-30% of their total body weight. I feel very comfortable with this estimate since when we were actively backpacking my pack was closer to the 35%-40% mark for my total body weight. Even my dog with HD carried a pack without any issues.

The only 'tip' I have is to make sure the pack fits properly and is snug on the dog. A poorly fitted/adjusted pack can cause serious problems.

[Diva Satanica]

Do you have any suggestions about the age to begin with, jlaack?

Maxcat, that episode had the dog carrying jars of pickles in either side of the pack.

[jlaack]

Do you have any suggestions about the age to begin with, jlaack?

My dogs didn't really start carrying weight in their packs until they were 5 yo and almost 2 yo, but I would wait to add weight until the dog is fully developed so you aren't adding any necessary strain to the joints. An empty pack now would probably be fine. 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. At first our dogs thought it was a little strange to have on, but as soon as the association between the pack and hours hiking in the woods was established they loved their packs!

[maxcat]

Originally Posted by Diva Satanica

Do you have any suggestions about the age to begin with, jlaack?

Maxcat, that episode had the dog carrying jars of pickles in either side of the pack.

Thank you for refreshing my memory. That does seem like too much weight for a developing puppy to carry.

[mikimm]

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.

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

[Diva Satanica]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

[JemarsSerena]

We started with an empty pack at 18 months on Serena. Since turning two and being in great physical condition we have started to weight it using can goods. Starting with one on each side and slowly increasing over the last month to two on each side. We are trying to get her muscled up for the spring shows. I love presenting a rottie in great shape next to those pudgy dogs the pros bring. I doubt we will ever go more than 4 cans per side for a total of about 16lbs to Serena's 84lbs.