Backpacking With Your Dog :: The "How do I...? Questions Answered.

The idea of having your dog carry their own food and water is very appealing, but until now it was never so easy! The Dog Backpacks we offer are available in 2 models and a wide variety of sizes to accomadate the smallest or largest canine companion. With a little common sense, using the information provided here and by easing into it, you and your dogs will become inseparable traveling companions with stories and tales that will have your friends howling. Taking your dog along on your adventure is more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Here are some backpacking tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable!

Part 1 - Backpack Basics
Decide which pack and features are essential for a fun foray.

What size pack does my dog need for overnight trips?
This will depend on the climate, exposure to the elements and activities planed. Pack enough gear to make the experience comfortably enjoyable, but not so much that the gear becomes a burden. Excursions to a friend's house or to destinations in the mountains or desert will have a direct impact on the gear needed. Plan out the meals and activities down to the last biscuit, with a day or two worth of food for safety and you will not be burdened with extraneous goodies. The lighter load will allow you and your dog to move swiftly while avoiding injury.

What is an assistance handle and why does my dog pack need one?
The assistance handle is the handle on the back of Ruff Wear dog packs that allows you to hoist your dog like a gear bag. This is especially helpful when you are carrying your own backpack and your dog needs a little assistance over obstacles. The handle can also be used to restrain the dog from inspecting other hikers, animals or venturing where you would prefer they not go.

What features should I look for when shopping for dog packs?
Intended use is a good place to start. Will your adventures consist of multi-day forays or simply day hiking. Fit is most important, matching the pack to the dog's size is key. A harness system that keeps the pack secure without the need to over tighten cinch straps, proper padding between the dog and pack, and durable cloth with reinforcement in abrasion areas are just a few of the points to look for. Another key element is a full suspension breathable mesh back panel that disperses the load while providing ventilation. After the pack meets these points look for features that make it user friendly: gear retention cords, self-repairing coil zippers, easy to grab zipper pulls, attachment points for leads. A removable pack with a separate harness that allows the human to fit the dog without the bulk of the pack; additionally the saddlebags may be removed for adjustments to the load during water crossings and rest stops. Reflective trim allows you and others to see the dog in low light situations. There is a reason why hunters wear bright clothing; our four-legged critters running through the bush should be equally visible and not confused with wild game. Also, the reflective properties are reassuring where travels are near road crossings. Reinforced seams keep the gear where it belongs: in the pack. Zipper rainflies keep the dust, dirt and rain out of the bag and protect the zippers from ultra violet and abrasive exposure, reducing premature failure. Compression straps are key on large capacity packs for load stabilization. Get the pack that fits well and carries the load without a lot of unnecessary adjustments.

How tight is too tight when fitting a pack?
You should be able to get two to four fingers between the harness cinch straps and the dog. A properly designed harness and suspension system will allow the pack to rest on the dogs' back without the pack sliding forward or backward. There is occasionally some side to side movement but this is resolved by balancing the load. If your dog is getting sore or there are noticeable wear areas, the pack is either too tight or too loose.

Can my dog wear an overcoat with a backpack for winter trips?
Yes, all of Ruff Wear's gear may be layered and worn in conjunction with our other body items.

Part 2 - On the Trail
Packing your dog's pack for a happy and healthy hike.

How much weight can a dog carry in a pack?
Typically we recommend that a dog carry 25%-30% of their own weight; but this is recommended for well-conditioned dogs. Consider throwing 30% of your weight on your back and that will give you a quick reality check. Start with lighter loads and work into the 25%-30% range. We work with a few sled dog teams in Alaska who can carry up to 50% of their weight in backpacks but keep in mind that these are extremely fit four legged athletes.

How do I carry water for my dog?
By not carrying any at all! Allow the dogs to carry their own water in a water bladder within their pack. There are many choices of flexible plastic bladders that can carry and dispense a quantity of water without the bulk and discomfort produced by hard bottles or canteens stuffed in packs. Check out the Ruff Wear Palisades Pack!" II for an all-inclusive pack and hydration system.

How far can a dog walk with a loaded pack?
This will depend on the conditioning of your dog, the terrain and the environmental conditions. Typically if you are carrying 25%-30% of your body weight and your dog is carrying 25%-30% of their body weight, the dog will outlast you, paws down.

Besides food and water what else should my dog carry?
Energy snacks, bedding, leashes, collapsible bowls, first aid kit, booties, K-9 Overcoat (for colder climates). Think about bringing dog toys such as a Hovercraft or Stuffed Wear. Just as you might bring along a book to occupy your free time, you may want something for your pup's free time. Plan on providing shelter for your dog.

How do I pack food to keep it from getting wet?
Use two zip lock re-closeable bags. By doubling up on the bags it is less likely that food will become spoiled due to unplanned water crossings.

How can I keep critters from getting into the pack at night?
Just as you would hang and secure your food, you will want to consider this for your dog's food.

Can dogs overheat in warm weather while wearing a backpack?
Yes, exertion in hot or cold climates can overheat dogs. To safeguard against this condition the dog to carrying loads, make sure your pack uses a mesh back panel for ventilation and allow the dog access to plenty of water. Check our Quick Guide to Animal Emergencies that is included with our first aid kit for more information on heatstroke.

How do you get a dog used to wearing a backpack and training for long trips?
Start with an empty pack and fit your dog. Immediately engage in a fun activity that distracts your dog's attention away from this new thing on their back. By engaging in fun and positive experiences while wearing the pack, the dog will quickly make the connection that the pack is an indication of fun times to be had. Increase the load a little at a time to condition the dog. Like humans, some dogs take a little time to get comfortable with a pack, but most are eager to carry the load and step up to the task quickly. Most modern dogs have been bred to perform a task for humans. Pointers, retrievers, heelers, drovers, they all want to do something, by providing them with a pack you give them a task that they are eager to fulfill.

What are the essential items you need to bring along while traveling with your dog?

Food
Water
Recent Photo of Pup
Health Records & Vaccination records
Food & Water bowls for travel
Identification tags
Dog Collars & Leashes
Dog Seat Covers and Booster Safety Seat
Dog First Aid Kit
Dog Carriers & Totes
Dog Bed, Pads, Pillows, Crate Cushions
Training Aids & Toys
Life Jackets, Coats and Shoes for your Dog

How can you research whether your destination is dog friendly for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and other activities?
By knowing your dogs' athletic abilities, how they adapt to varying climates and the terrain you will be visiting, you are half way there. Just as you might research a destination and travel route for your personal needs, check the anticipated weather (www.accuweather.com) as well as accommodations with your pet in mind. National Parks and National Forests have specific rules and regulations regarding dogs. Becoming familiar with these rules before you arrive will reduce potential surprises or a spoiled trip.

How can I help my dog maintain a low profile and not annoy other travelers, campers or hikers?
The impact your dog has on others, the surrounding area and other animals will have a direct impact on your enjoyment. Keep in mind that your dog can hear, smell and sense things that you can't. A dog barking may be warning you of an approaching bear, a snake in the bush or perhaps a chipmunk dropping by. In any case the barking has an effect on other's experiences. Find the source of why the dog may be barking and address the cause not the response. Keep your dog under control and out of others spaces. While on the trail maintain control of your dog to reduce the potential of an unwanted greeting. Pick up dog waste. Do not allow your dog to chase other critters and remember other folks may not share the same appreciation you have for dogs. By following a few common courtesies we will all be able to continue to have positive experiences in our shared environment.