Backpacks for Dogs as a Training Tool

All dog breeds need mental and physical exercise to relieve pent up stress and to stay in shape. Different dog breeds have different daily exercise requirements, and each breed differs in the types of activities it needs to do in order to stay physically and mentally challenged. Some breeds, in addition to their daily exercise, use a backpack in their training regiment to satisfy their needs.

  1. Why Dog Backpacks are Useful

    • Dogs can typically only focus on doing one thing at a time. If the dog needs to be walking well on a leash but pulls instead, putting a backpack on him will shift the focus from pulling on the leash to packing a bag. This helps a dog "work" and feel satisfied, helping him to be calmer.

    Types of Backpacks

    • Dog backpacks vary in their overall design, but all of them allow for weight to be evenly distributed over the dog's back and shoulder area to keep the dog as safe as possible. Dog backpacks come in different styles, strap configurations and lengths. Measure your dog from the base of his neck to the beginning of the tail to determine the dog's back length before buying a backpack. Check with your vet to make sure your dog is healthy enough to pack any kind of weight in a backpack before introducing your dog to new weight in the backpack.

    Introducing the Backpack

    • Fit the backpack over the dog and secure it so that it's snug but not overly tight. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the dog backpack and the straps. Make sure it sits over the shoulders and hangs on both sides evenly. Treat the dog or otherwise praise her for wearing the backpack. Remove it after a few minutes and try it again later in the day, treating and praising each time the dog wears the empty backpack without trying to tear it off. If your dog already does not mind carrying a backpack, slowly add weight to both sides, up to 10 percent to 20 percent of the dog's total weight.

    Ways to Use the Backpack When Training

    • Because a dog will expend more energy on a walk wearing a backpack with weight in it verses without weight, a simple way of incorporating the backpack is to have the dog wear it each time you go out for a walk. Put the backpack on properly before each walk and the dog will begin associating the backpack with "work." If you take the dog outdoors to dog parks, hiking or other similar activities, have the dog at least wear the backpack to associate it with mental stimulation, even if there is no weight in it. The dog can pack its own treats, collapsible water bowl, your water or its food. Have the dog perform activities it already knows while wearing the backpack such as sit, stay and down. The longer the dog will be carrying the backpack during the day, the less weight it should contain.