Tools: The BackPack

How many times have you seen an over-enthusiastic dog with a pack on?
That's right, not very often.  That's because he is focusing his mind on something other than jumping around and acting the fool.  Not to mention, it can be a great way to add intensity and more work to a dog's walk:  It wears him out faster.

Now, not all dogs are cut out for wearing a pack and carrying their belongings around.  Some breeds, such as the long-backed Dachshund or the light of bone Italian Greyhound, may wind up with injuries from attempting such a thing.  But some, like the Labrador, or the Bernese Mtn. Dog, and your uber-strong bully breeds, are just made for this activity.

But, like any Tool, you get what you pay for. 
Some packs are made out of materials that would wear out too quickly, or do not fit correctly.  So let's look at some of the finer points to choosing a good pack for your pet.

The first step in getting some gear for your guy is to measure him.

It is important to measure these three points in order to pick the correct size for your dog.  A pack that is too large, or slides around while walking, will not be comfortable. 

The idea is to make this a fun activity; something you both can enjoy.  If you've ever tried to go for a walk in shoes that are too big for you, you can guess how uncomfortable an ill-fitting strap or three would be. Chaffing and sores are not fun.

The fourth place to measure is the chest of your dog.  Some packs that seem right around the girth (make sure you are not measuring behind the ribs; rather just behind the forelegs) may not fit across the chest.  Finding a chest strap that properly fits a thick-bodied dog, can be challenging. 

Look for a pack that offers a lot of adjustability, or search for one that comes in "custom sizes," if you are running into this issue.

Not the proper fit at all.  Notice the pack is waaaay far back, and the chest strap digs into the dog, due to it not having a "y" connection.  While this pack has a handle, it would be very uncomfortable for the dog.

The second thing to take into the 'fitting' account, is how big the saddle bags are.  Ideally, the bags should not extend past the ribcage on the dog (long ways), and should not hang more than an inch below the elbow.  Should this be the case, it will restrict the dogs' freedom to move, and/or the weight can cause spinal issues.

Speaking of weight, please do not overload your pup.  Start with an empty pack.  Let the dog get comfortable wearing this contraption, well before you go loading it up with weight.  Dogs are much stronger pullers, than they are capable of carrying on their backs.  No more than 15-20% of their total body weight should ever be loaded into the packs saddlebags.

Keeping the weight evenly distributed is also important.  If you have an imbalanced pack, the pack will be pulled to one side.

Look for a backpack that offers a "Y" shaped chest piece. This helps with fit, and also keeps the pack more centered on the dog's body.  Again, you get what you pay for here. 

Other features of a good pack will most likely include the option to remove the saddlebags, leaving the harness piece on the dog.  Also, a strong handle on the harness piece.  This makes it easier for you to lift your dog, should he get himself in a bind.
A good pack will have padding.  This padding should be on the straps as well as the harness part of the pack.  The more cheaply made products will not only fit weird, but also will not be padded and your pup will not appreciate carrying things in that. 

Think of the money you invest in good hiking and camping equipment for yourself.  Why would you be satisfied with anything less for your best friend?