EliNHunter said:
What's up with backpacks for dogs unless you have a mountain dog that was bred to pack? I don't get it. If I put a backpack on Hunter, he'd be PISSED 
Backpacks for Dogs
- Thread starter Boxer*Mom
- Start date
Dogs actually like to have jobs and feel useful. I taught my rott/husky mix how pull. Sometimes, if we were on picnics, I'd hitch him to a red wagon and let him pull the ice chests, baskets, etc. Oh, he loved it! His head would go up, his tail would go up, and he would almost be prancing. It was cute to watch. He was so proud and full of himself, yet he tried so hard to maintain an "all business" attitude.
Wow, I paid about $60.00 for Lyric's...just got it recently. We do a lot of hiking in the mountain trails around here and I like to take water and maybe a sandwich, dog treats etc. It is a good thing for a dog to have a little job while he's taking a hike or anywhere....keeps his mind working more while he's doing other things. (multitasking?) We won't be using it every time, but sometimes. That's the main reaon I got it. It's not too heavy at all for him and it is easily removable (just the pack part) with velcro so you don't have to do up all the straps again if you want to give the dog some freedom and a rest. If I get hot, I can tuck my jacket into these criss crossed laces on the back of it. It does have a strap across the chest, but that does not interfer with his front leg movement. I would think there would have to be a chest strap or it would slide back when he'd go up hills or even if not, even with the girth straps. You want it up as close to on top of the withers as possible. That's the strong place on an animal's back. And of course...not to over load. You can tell when the dog moves if he's over encumbered. And watch that all the buckled places are padded underneath. Mine has one place where it doesn't have a padding, so I will probably have to fix that up myself with something. And I will be checking to make sure nothing is rubbing or making the dog sore anywhere.
In my line of work we use them alot for carrying basic doggy essentials, and also for identification of the fact that they are working dogs. We get them donated by a company so I am not sure what the retail cost would be for one from the company that supplies us, but they are made VERY durable and can come customized to what you are looking for, I can inquire about it and get back to you.
Our dog is going to be going on a lot of back country / cross country ski trips with us, and we'll have MORE than enough stuff of our own to carry. So, he'll have to carry his own water, food, bowl, and that's about it. Good for him, and he'll get exercise, and still be able to romp around like a dog.
Good for him, and he'll get exercise, and still be able to romp around like a dog.
that is true, you do need something to hold the pack in place, but for me the Y-shaped straps have always worked much better than the one that just goes straight across the chest from one side to the other. it gives more freedom of movement, since the "intersection" of the straps at the middle of the Y is centered on the chest and the other strap goes around the midsection of the dog. it's kind of hard to explain, but here's a pic.
Last edited:
Boxer*Mom said:
That's the pack from REI right? He makes a very nice model!!
even if you don't buy a pack at a store, i'd recommend at least trying it on to determine fit and size. a friend of mine for example was all excited about getting an outward hound pack for really cheap, but she has a hard time balancing weight correctly so it stays on straight and doesn't slide to one side or the other after just a few steps.
i love outward hound and own many pieces of equipment of that brand, it's good quality and all, but i passed on the pack for that reason.
and thank you - quigley loves wearing his pack, he always looks really self important when it's on. lol