About Backpack for Dogs

Cesar Millan, the dog trainer known to the world as The Dog Whisperer, recommends that dogs, especially those with lots of energy, carry backpacks on their daily walks. Your dog can also carry a back pack when you go hiking to carry his own water, food and bowls. Here's how to choose the right back pack for your dog.

  1. Sizing

    • Any size dog can wear a backpack, from the smallest Dachshund to the largest Newfoundland. Select the proper size for your dog based on the backpack manufacturer's directions. Make sure the backpack has straps that are long or short enough so that they can close under the dog's belly with a single finger space between the strap and the dog's skin. Chest straps should tighten so that you can fit two fingers between the strap and the dog's chest when you pull the strap away from his chest.

    Fit

    • The backpack itself should rest over your dog's shoulders, not his back. His shoulders are built to pull and carry weight, so that's where the packs should go. If your dog has short hair all year 'round, you may want to get some padding to go under the pack where it rests on his shoulders. Long-haired dogs usually have enough fur to prevent the back pack from irritating their skin, but if they are shaved for the summer, consider using a pad then.

    Weight

    • Most dogs can carry up to 25 percent of their body weight. Therefore, a dog that weights 40 pounds should be able to carry up to 10 pounds. However, if your dog is overweight, underweight or otherwise out of shape, you should build up the amount of weight he carries gradually. Start with a small bottle of water and add weight from there as he gains muscle mass and energy. Never ask your dog to carry more than 25 percent of his weight.

    Design

    • Other than having good solid adjustable straps and putting the packs on your dog's shoulders, it doesn't really matter what kind of design you get. If you do a lot of walking or hiking in rural areas or at night, consider getting a backpack with reflective sides. If you plan to do long hikes or walks with your dog, look for backpacks that carry multiple water bottles or have extra pockets for food and collapsible bowls. A good back pack will allow for equal distribution of weight on each side of the pack.