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If you're going backpacking and want to take along your dog, don’t you think it would be a help if he could carry his own pack? It’s actually quite easy to train a dog to do carry a backpack. The only requirement is that the dog be healthy and fully mature. If your dog is still growing, don’t take him on treks that are very strenuous. You don’t want to injure growing bones and muscles.
The first step to training a dog to carry his own backpack is to get him used to having something on his back. This is simple to do. Just put a small towel on your dog’s back and lavish him with praise. The towel will fall off, of course, but your dog will get the idea that having something on his back is a good thing. Once he’s used to this then fit him with a pack appropriate to his size. You can buy specially made ones for dogs at pet stores or sometimes, outdoors suppliers. Start training your dog to wear the pack by putting it on when you’re taking him for a walk or doing something else fun. He’ll soon associate the pack with a good thing. Once he’s used to wearing the pack then gradually increase the weight and the length he wears it for. Also, if your dog is not used to going hiking, then start increasing the length of his walks so he’ll be conditioned for the hike, and Ttake him on different trails so he’ll learn how to handle things like logs and rocks. While you are training, check your dog’s paws for wear. If you see that there is some wear, then you may what to buy a pair of special dog boots to protect your dogs feet.
When you’re ready to leave for the hike or camping trip, strap the backpack on your dog, load it and check its size. The dog should be able to lie down easily with it own, and the straps should be snug but still leave room for a finger underneath. So what should your dog carry? Have him carry only unbreakable stuff, like his food, water dish, first aide kit, toys etc.
While on the trails keep your dog on leash or at a tight heel at all times. If you’re in cougar or bear country, do not let him run off of the trail. More than one dog has been killed by a cougar or has brought a bear back to its owners. Be sure you bring along water for both you and your dog, and if you see that he is beginning to tire then stop and rest – especially if he is new to backpacking. Also, trails are often shared with horse riders, so if you meet a horse while hiking, step off of the trail and let it pass. Also, keep your dog from going up to it as some horses are scared of dogs. One last tip is to pack out or bury all of your dogs dropping. This protects wildlife and hikers.
With the proper training your dog will not only be a fun companion but a helpful one too.
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