camping backpack for dogs image
shelter
I'm trying to make a good one for my high energy dogs, can you please share yours?
Also, where do you buy dog backpacks? Also can breeds that weren't bred to pull sleds or carts enjoy something like that? (like a jack russell/beagle and border collie/retriever)
I'm just trying to find jobs for them to exercise them ENOUGH lol. I got some good tips so far to use the backpacks on walks, just looking for more, thank you!
Answer
Well, my 'high energy' border collie is a lazy couch warmer. So, I can't offer much in the way of suggestions from personal experience on that. I do take him on daily jogs, but he wouldn't chase after a ball or frisby to save his life! Lazy dog!
But as for the dog backpacks... I bought one for my border from RuffWear. They sell three sizes and two styles. I bought a medium Palisades II pack, which we use when hiking and camping.
I also hear excellent things about the packs from WolfPacks. I considered buying from them, but opted for the RuffWear because the Palisades pack can be detached from the harness & had a built in water reservoir, too. I sometimes use the harness alone on long trips to seatbelt him into the truck.
After some practice time (and lots of treats!) Zappa learned that his pack meant we were going to do something fun! He loves running around in the woods with it and carries his own food & snacks on the trail.
Just be careful not to overload your dog or put too much weight on too quickly. Work up to it in stages. I started off with an empty pack, then a few light items, balanced equally on both sides.. then moved up to a can or two of beans on each side. It takes some time for the dog to understand he can still walk & run & jump with the pack, and also to realize that he is /wider/ with the pack. (Zappa still occasionally gets stuck between branches with his pack if he hasn't gauged it right.)
The WolfPacks website has some excellent tips on dogpacking and how to estimate how much weight is acceptable.
It's a lot of fun, especially if you're interested in camping with your dog! Good luck!
Well, my 'high energy' border collie is a lazy couch warmer. So, I can't offer much in the way of suggestions from personal experience on that. I do take him on daily jogs, but he wouldn't chase after a ball or frisby to save his life! Lazy dog!
But as for the dog backpacks... I bought one for my border from RuffWear. They sell three sizes and two styles. I bought a medium Palisades II pack, which we use when hiking and camping.
I also hear excellent things about the packs from WolfPacks. I considered buying from them, but opted for the RuffWear because the Palisades pack can be detached from the harness & had a built in water reservoir, too. I sometimes use the harness alone on long trips to seatbelt him into the truck.
After some practice time (and lots of treats!) Zappa learned that his pack meant we were going to do something fun! He loves running around in the woods with it and carries his own food & snacks on the trail.
Just be careful not to overload your dog or put too much weight on too quickly. Work up to it in stages. I started off with an empty pack, then a few light items, balanced equally on both sides.. then moved up to a can or two of beans on each side. It takes some time for the dog to understand he can still walk & run & jump with the pack, and also to realize that he is /wider/ with the pack. (Zappa still occasionally gets stuck between branches with his pack if he hasn't gauged it right.)
The WolfPacks website has some excellent tips on dogpacking and how to estimate how much weight is acceptable.
It's a lot of fun, especially if you're interested in camping with your dog! Good luck!
Suggestions on a breed of dog for me?
ash
I'm fairly active outdoors love to camp/hike/backpack etc... I want a smaller dog that can easily fit in my tent backpacking that is fairly obedient and trainable. So I need a dog with stamina to keep up but I don't want a super hyper dog when we're at home resting. Of course ill exercise my dog on off days but i dont want it to be destructive with furniture while I'm at work. Also needs to be good with children and hopefully other pets.
I'm looking to adopt so I figured I could ask the good folks here experienced with dogs to give me an idea on breeds to look for at rescues. Thanks
Answer
By smaller dog, do you mean toy sized, or is a small-scaled medium size OK?
Depending on a few factors such as climate, housing, and grooming care, here are a few breeds you might look into. I am including only dogs that are easily trained, toy-medium sized, easy to controll, good for streneous excersize, dog friendly, and good with kids over the age of five.
Alaskan klee-kai: Rare and a bit expensive, but they look and act a lot like a normal siberian. They are typically a bit milder mannered, though and less destructive. Come in three size varieties. You may have trouble's with noise controll.
Papillion: Smaller sized dogs with big dog attitudes. This little guy is pretty much a mini-border collie and easy to train. However, they are not to be left alone with larger dogs, cats, and very young children as they break easily.
Boxer: Can be small and large, smart, loyal, all around friendly. They want to participate in whatever activity you are doing, even if it's just snoozing on the couch or climbing Mnt. Everest.
Female boxers are typicaly on the small side of "medium", and I've seen some that are less then 40 pounds. However, the typical boxer is borderline "large" dog area. I'm only including them because they make near perfect dogs for anything, and if you're going to a rescue, you might be interested in smaller mixes of boxers.
Staffordshire terrier: Generally all around friendly, but a bit more stubborn then the boxer. Training them is a challenge, but in the end it's worth it! Once again, their size is just as varrying as boxers, but they tend to be smaller.
Italian greyhound: Smart and loyal. They don't have a lot of stamina, though, so don't expect to go for long jogs. They are very fast for short distances and should not be trusted off leash even if they are well trained.
Beagle: Arguably the nosiest dog ever bred, they tend to be very friendly towards people and have a lot of energy. However, they are easily distracted which can make training a bit of a challenge at first. Once you get their attention, though, you can teach them amazing things.
Poodle (toy and medium): Just as smart as their standard version but with a more manageable size. A very friendly in public, but can be territorial towards strangers in the home. they make excellent outdoor dogs provided no eagles are around. Training is a breeze!
Spaniel: Easy to train, but not quiet as smart as the poodle. They need early socialization as they easily develop a dislike towards strangers in general.
There are many more, but this is just a short list, and I fear I'm running out of room.
I really don't suggest having your heart set on a breed. Rather, get a generalized idea of what you are looking for and head to a shelter or rescue. Not only are the dogs cheaper, but they are usually evaluated and have begun basic training, but they are healthy. If the rescue fosters out dogs, you can know exactly what you're getting into by asking the foster about the dogs individual personality.
Just don't look for a specific breed so much as a specific personality.
By smaller dog, do you mean toy sized, or is a small-scaled medium size OK?
Depending on a few factors such as climate, housing, and grooming care, here are a few breeds you might look into. I am including only dogs that are easily trained, toy-medium sized, easy to controll, good for streneous excersize, dog friendly, and good with kids over the age of five.
Alaskan klee-kai: Rare and a bit expensive, but they look and act a lot like a normal siberian. They are typically a bit milder mannered, though and less destructive. Come in three size varieties. You may have trouble's with noise controll.
Papillion: Smaller sized dogs with big dog attitudes. This little guy is pretty much a mini-border collie and easy to train. However, they are not to be left alone with larger dogs, cats, and very young children as they break easily.
Boxer: Can be small and large, smart, loyal, all around friendly. They want to participate in whatever activity you are doing, even if it's just snoozing on the couch or climbing Mnt. Everest.
Female boxers are typicaly on the small side of "medium", and I've seen some that are less then 40 pounds. However, the typical boxer is borderline "large" dog area. I'm only including them because they make near perfect dogs for anything, and if you're going to a rescue, you might be interested in smaller mixes of boxers.
Staffordshire terrier: Generally all around friendly, but a bit more stubborn then the boxer. Training them is a challenge, but in the end it's worth it! Once again, their size is just as varrying as boxers, but they tend to be smaller.
Italian greyhound: Smart and loyal. They don't have a lot of stamina, though, so don't expect to go for long jogs. They are very fast for short distances and should not be trusted off leash even if they are well trained.
Beagle: Arguably the nosiest dog ever bred, they tend to be very friendly towards people and have a lot of energy. However, they are easily distracted which can make training a bit of a challenge at first. Once you get their attention, though, you can teach them amazing things.
Poodle (toy and medium): Just as smart as their standard version but with a more manageable size. A very friendly in public, but can be territorial towards strangers in the home. they make excellent outdoor dogs provided no eagles are around. Training is a breeze!
Spaniel: Easy to train, but not quiet as smart as the poodle. They need early socialization as they easily develop a dislike towards strangers in general.
There are many more, but this is just a short list, and I fear I'm running out of room.
I really don't suggest having your heart set on a breed. Rather, get a generalized idea of what you are looking for and head to a shelter or rescue. Not only are the dogs cheaper, but they are usually evaluated and have begun basic training, but they are healthy. If the rescue fosters out dogs, you can know exactly what you're getting into by asking the foster about the dogs individual personality.
Just don't look for a specific breed so much as a specific personality.
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