Saddle Bags for Dogs

Dog trainer Casar Milan believes in using saddlebag packs for dogs but not only for hiking. He says that giving a dog a job to do can help hyperactive and nervous dogs focus a little better. When hiking with his pack, Milan lets his dogs carry supplies in saddlebag packs. Sometimes they even carry the smaller dogs when the hike is long. Dogs have been helping humans carry and drag gear around for millennium. Water-repellent and lightweight fabrics outfit dogs with comfortable saddlebags.

  1. Purposes

    • Saddlebags are used by many active dogs. Service dogs may wear them to carry supplies for the person they aid. Hunting dogs and dogs who work out in the pastures or forest can carry their own kit and their owners' tools or supplies. Active dog owners enjoy letting their dog carry some of the load and dogs love helping out. Saddlebags can hold water and food and first aid supplies for the dog and humans. An outfitted dog, even out for a daily walk, can carry his treats, frisbee or ball, water and waste bags.

    Choices

    • Manufacturers offer saddlebags designed for short hikes and long camping trips. Some are created especially for service dogs and working dogs such as hunting or herding dogs. The bags are adjustable and most have reflective stripes or patches so dogs is visible in the dark. Padding built into the saddlebags keep them from rubbing against the shoulders or chest of the dog. They often have mesh panels on top to keep dogs cooler when hiking.

    Weight and Fit

    • Many dogs can carry between a quarter and a third of their body weight, but do not ask a dog to carry more than that. Too much weight on a dog can injure him. Weigh the items you want to pack in the pack. Don't assume it must be overfull to weigh too much. Choose a pack that is balanced and straps on without chafing or pinching. A long hike with a buckle or strap rubbing the dog can cause suffering and dogs don't always let you know they are in pain.

    Learning

    • Learning to wear the backpack should be a gradual process. Do not strap a loaded pack onto the dog and set out on a hike. Let her wear the pack empty or with one or two very light items, such as her treats and waste bags. Gradually add weight until you reach a comfortable load for your dog but don't exceed one third of her weight.