Why A Dog Backpack Is Such A Great Idea

Exploring the great outdoors is an experience that is equally enjoyed by both dogs and their owners - there is just something about it that takes you back to a simpler time where nothing but the natural world existed. The trouble is, however, hitting the trail for a long hike calls for a lot of supplies - water bottles, poop bags, doggy snacks and the list goes on. Wouldn't it be great if your dog could help carry the load?

A dog backpack is just the answer. Not only does it free up your hands, but it also gives your dog quite an important job to do. And if you've ever seen a working dog in action you will know that they love having a job to do. The majority of dogs aren't so lucky, however, and given that the great majority of them were bred for some form of work it's a constant challenge for owners to meet their needs for physical and mental stimulation.

A dog backpack ticks the boxes on both accounts - it exercises their mind by allowing them to focus on carrying their load rather than other distractions, and this heavier burden also exercises them more physically. And you shouldn't worry about them being cruel to use - your dog will love it once they become comfortable wearing it, and it's certainly a far better alternative than the millions of dogs who are left at home every day without enough exercise.

Dog backpacks are much like saddlebags for horses - they typically feature two large pockets that sit either side of a dog's body and these can be used for storing any useful items that you will need to access quickly on your adventures. Of course, you wouldn't want to put too much in there - that could be potentially cruel - but just enough to keep your dog happy and make them feel like they're helping you out.

Before you and your dog can start hitting the trail and having fun with your chosen dog backpack, you need to have them trained to love wearing it. The first time you put it on them they'll likely freeze in fear or confusion - the best thing you can do is start by taking them outside straight away so they instantly associate their new accessory with going on adventures.

Don't worry about loading it up just yet, but simply allow your dog to get comfortable wearing it on their back and walking around. Once they realize their new dog backpack means long walks and lots of fun, they'll start to get really excited whenever you pull it out. At this stage, you might try gradually adding more items for your dog to carry until soon enough you and your dog are both ready to start using it for what it's meant for.

HeartMyDog.com is an online magazine written by dog lovers for dog lovers that covers a wide variety of topics including dog backpack information.