Hiking with your dog can be a wonderful activity and a great time to bond with your pet! Â Dogs love to work! Â Hiking not only allows them to explore and experience the outside, but it also gives them a purpose. Â There is only one thing that could make them even happier, giving them a job! Â Dog Backpacks are great for hiking! Â Most dogs have far more energy then you do, and having them carry a backpack not only gives them that job they want, it also helps exercise them a bit more then just a walk in the woods.
Here are a few tips to help you go backpacking with your dog!
First off, you need a backpack.  You can purchase one here !  These are the backpacks we use with our dogs, and we LOVE them!  They hold up very well, have a lot of space, a really nice harness, and they don’t slide all over the place on your dog!
After you get your backpack, you need to get your dog used to it. Â Remember, always praise your dog for doing good! Â Get a pocketful of treats and work with you dog, by letting them first check out the backpack, sniffing it, move it around, and reward them as they do. Â They will realize that the backpack means treats and fun!
Once they are used to it, go ahead and try it on. Â Take it slow and reward your dog as you clip the clips and adjust the pack. Â I would put it on and off a few times during this process. When your dog seems comfortable with the pack, go for a short walk. Â Don’t put anything into the backpack at this time, just have it empty and do a short walk, again, rewarding all the way.
Now it’s time to add some items to the pack! Â We always start off with two water bottles, and a travel dish. Â It’s not to heavy, but it gives the dog a feeling of what the pack will feel like and do while there are items in it. Reward, Reward, Reward! Â Start off with a few short hikes over the next few days, and you are well on your way!
As time goes on you can add more items to your dogs backpack. Â Our dogs have carried water bottles, snacks for us, snacks for them, camera equipment, toys, and many other items. The backpack gives your dog a job. Â It not only exercises their body, but also their mind! Â Both are very important to the health and well being of your dog!
We hope this helps you understand how to backpack with your dog! Â Have fun! Â Get out there, and get hiking! Â Stay Positive, Dream Big! Â See you soon!