How to Make a Dog Saddle

Dog saddles are not used for riding dogs, like horse saddles are used for riding horses. Dog saddles, instead, are a way for dogs to act more like pack animals or to carry things around for you. There are several ways to make an effective dog saddle, but one of the more popular ways involves procuring the pack portion of the saddle already made. Most pet stores carry premade dog saddles, but they also carry the supplies needed to make one and save money.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • 2 triglide sliders
  • 5 feet nylon webbing
  • 2 side-release buckles
  • Saddle-horn bag
  • Needle
  • Safety pins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two feet of the webbing, and weave it through the slider and male end of the buckle. Weave it under the buckle to ensure the hold, allowing the animal to carry more.

    • 2

      Sew the lower piece of the webbing to the pack so it is aligned with the flap seam on the front of the pack. Sew on the webbing with two to three inches of webbing attached to the pack. Fit the strap at your dog's sternum or slightly above so the strap does not cut into the dog's windpipe or throat.

    • 3

      Attach the female end of the buckle, which will be the permanent part and will need no adjusting, the same way on the other side. Run a piece of web, about four to six inches, through the eye of the female end and fold it over. Sew both pieces along the seam to ensure a tight hold.

    • 4

      Cut a piece of web and sew it onto the pack, as far back as possible, to make the belly band of the saddle. Fold the pack in half and line up the edges; this allows you to evenly put on the male end of the strap and sew it on the same way you did the chest straps. Cut the strap to about 10 inches for a medium-sized dog.