Dog Backpacks - The Ultimate in Hiking Geer!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, nowadays they even make dog backpacks. Pet owners are enjoying backpacks for dogs in a range of styles and sizes. You know your dog loves to go where you go, so how about taking him or her hiking? That's right, hiking. There are two kinds of dog packs to choose from. You can get dog carriers that let you strap your dog to your back (or front) like a canine papoose. Pekingese and Chihuahuas are unlikely to get far before you have to carry them, and have you seen how short the legs are on most Dachshunds? This style works very well for smaller pups who may have a hard time keeping up or when they get tuckered out. For the bigger breeds you can get the type of dog back pack that your dog wears on his or her own back! Medium and larger breed dogs benefit most from this style however they do make them for itty bitty dogs as well.

Buy dog back packs

Buying a doggie back pack is a great way to ensure you get your dog out into the wide-open spaces. The good thing is you don't even need to worry about carrying extra water and food for your canine hiking companion in your own pack. With these snazzy little bags you strap to your dog's back they can carry their own. Think of them as miniature saddlebags without the saddle, although if you have a pet monkey you can... nope, won't even go there.

In any case, your standard backpacks for dogs include space for an extra water bottle and even a Milkbone or favorite chew toy. Dogs are not pack mules and shouldn't be used as such - so make sure you do not overload their pack in any way. Your dog may not like wearing his or hers at first, but they'll get used to it and eventually look forward to having it put on. Soon they will associate their bag with going for a hike -- just like when you get the leash it means they're going for a walk.

Practice makes perfect

Teaching your dog to enjoy wearing his new pooch backpack should be a slow process that works best with constant praise and rewards. Put the empty pack on him and start him off slowly by walking him around the living room - reward him for a job well done. Try it again later but this time walk him around the yard, then down the block. You get the idea. The worst thing you can do is buy a pack, load it up and expect to take your dog hiking with no practice whatsoever. Doing so would be the equivalent of a David Letterman "stupid human trick". Use good judgment; after all, you know your dog better than anyone else.

A pack for every pooch

Not surprisingly, hiking is not for every dog. Some undisciplined dogs may become easily distracted and are likely to run off and get lost or chase off after other critters. If this describes your dogs you might want to keep them on a leash or not bring them at all. If on the other hand yours is a well-trained pup and will stay with you, by all means take them along. Otherwise, most of the limitations are imposed by the size and stamina of the breed. Most dog packs come equipped with quick releases, so they're easy to get off in a hurry. If after several attempts your dog just does not like wearing his new back pack - please don't force him to wear it just because it pleases you.

The next time you and your significant other grab your camping gear and set off into the wild blue yonder, there's no reason to leave the family pet boarded at a kennel while you gallivant through the countryside. After all, every day you're gone is a week in dog years, and you know your canine baby will miss you terribly.