Backpacks for your dog

Have you ever even considered what a great idea backpacks for your dog are? If not, let's just think about it for a moment.

Do you have any idea just how many dogs are abandoned by their owners, given away or just sent to the pound each and every day because the dog is simply too "hyper" for the owner?

First of all, all dogs need exercise. It's just that simple.

Personally I prefer the dog backpacks that allow the pack to detach completely from the harness. These kinds of backpacks are great to take the weight off the dog quickly if you need to take a break but, best of all, you don't have to completely undo all of the buckles to get the pack off which is a great timesaver.

There are many things to consider if you are thinking about getting a few backpacks for your dog. First, you will need to build up the dogs time while wearing the backpack as well as the amount of weight carried in the backpack. Dogs can easily carry up to a quarter of their body weight but you don't want to start them off at this amount right in the beginning. You'll need to work them up to heavier loads over a long period of time.

It's truly astounding just how many dogs end up this way because the owner just doesn't know what to do with them. The remarkable thing is that most of these behavior problems stem from something as simple as lack of exercise.

Dogs do need physical exercise - some more than others. And German Shepherds are no different. Walking, working, playing, running, swimming, herding and chasing are all things dogs are made to do, either alone or in a pack.

To be completely happy all German Shepherds need some form of exercise and, most importantly, a job to be properly fulfilled. To be completely truthful even I have a hard time finding enough minutes in the day to properly exercise my girls sometimes.

This is why I finally made the decision to purchase a dog backpack and I suggest you do the same if at all possible. Not only does the dog backpack give your German Shepherd more exercise but it also gives him a new job to do which GSD's love.

Dog backpacks come in all shapes and sizes and colors and they are adjustable so that you can properly fit them on your individual German Shepherd. When buying dog backpacks you should do some research before you buy. Look at how they're made and how they actually attach to the dog.

Many dog backpacks are poorly designed with exposed buckles that can cause sore spots and rub the dogs skin. Other things to look for before you buy backpacks for your dog are the positioning of the buckles, drain holes in the bottom of the bags, and an open back to help keep the dog cool.

First things first, assuming you've gotten the pack on and it is properly fitted to your dog, put one water bottle in each of the bags and then go for a short walk around around your yard. In this way you can observe how your dog reacts with the new dog backpacks as well as see how the backpack is fitted to you dog as it moves and to make sure that the fit is correct so that it won't rub sores on the dog.

Keep in mind that putting more weight on the dogs back is also going to put more weight on the dog's feet which could lead to some minor sores in the beginning so keep an eye on this as well. Many hikers take their dogs along with them on hikes. If your dog is used to wearing a dog backpack you can now start making them carry their own gear when you're out on the trails. Now you're getting your exercise as well as your dog.

And even if you're not hiking, you and your dog can get great exercise simply walking around the neighborhood or the park. Best of all, when you do decide to take a break you know that refreshment is waiting for both of you in those little backpacks - a definite plus for any dog and dog owner who uses quick release dog backpacks.

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I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better." - George Bird Evans, "Troubles with Bird Dogs