If you happen to have a high-energy dog like Alex used to be, and nowadays Bella, you certainly have to look for ways to drain their energy. In order to keep my sanity, I had to make sure that Alex walked, 1 – 1 1/2 hour twice a day, ran, twice a week, and do some training. Because of her injury, Alex now walks around 20 minutes once or twice a day when the weather is not too cold, but just when I thought I was about to get a break, Bella joined our family.
As you can see in the picture, Bella, like many siblings, gets her hand me downs from Alex which includes a backpack. Why do I use a backpack? For some dogs like Bella, a regular walk will just not do, therefore adding a backpack can give her a job to do and she will be tired by the time we get home.
Some dogs have to be eased into wearing a backpack. You can use treats to do that. Let her wear it for a couple of minutes while rewarding her. With Alex and Bella, it seemed like they’ve done this all their life. Go figure.
What do I put in her backpack? In order to make it even, I put the same amount of weigh on each side. Do Not make your dog wear a backpack while she is running. Some people put a bottle of water, wipes, keys, etc., in the backpack so the dog is really working by carrying her pet parents things.
What do I get from making Bella wear a backpack? A tired, relaxed dog, as you can see in the above picture. If you happen to have a high-energy dog like Bella, you need to drain that energy and fulfill her needs in order to enjoy her company rather than having a dog that can easily drive you crazy and frustrate you beyond words. What do you do with your dog to drain his/her energy?
AllMyCanineCompanions 
I love this. I have heard this a great idea. I am waiting for my 9 month old to finish growing (or at least slow down) before I buy one.
Great idea. Yes, certain things like a back pack and running should be done once your dog is fully grown.
What a terrific idea! I do not know if they make them small enough for Hubble, but that would be perfect for him-he already *herds* Anna in the backyard-this might give him something else to do as well!
Try Amazon and see if you can find that fits Hubble. When and if you buy a backpack, please do not make it too heavy, start slowly:-)
I bought a dog pack at the thrift store. It has a chest strap and one belly strap. It slides up his shoulders almost to his neck. Is this because it is not a well designed pack?
I am not sure, but the back packs I’ve seen so far have a total of 3 straps. One that goes around the neck, a second one that goes around the chest, and a third one that is around the belly to make sure it stays in place. I hope that helps.
A great idea. I give Ellie my hat to carry. Bob would never carry anything
Lol. Dogs, just like people, differ from one another.
I just thought of something does the extra weight wear on their joints. Would this be a concern
Yes, if you add too much weight and you do it very often. Everything in moderation is always the key and the road to having a balanced dog.
I bought one today. bottle of water, roll of paper towel and cloth collapsible water bowl, paper back book because I read to the elderly, treats for Fredrieka. She did not seemed bothered by it when I put it on her. She will only be wearing it on one occasion for the full hour the other 2 occasions only till we get settled down for the reading.. SO in and out of a building
Great. After a while of the backpack being used, let us know if you’d recommended it for other pet parents.
I will it sure will be handy as a therapy dog and the things she needs to take with
I so need to do this with Fred as a Therapy Dog I am suppose to carry certain items with me at all time .. THis will lessen my load and wear her out. Perfect I need to find one.
Lol. Yes, do some research about backpacks and get one of good quality and when you do please let us, pet parents, know what you think of that particular product. I bought one, the one Alex used to use which now Bella uses, but that was years ago and I don’t remember where I got it.
I walk them LONG every day. We are having terrible weather in Northeastern US, so we’ve been suffering through cabin fever. I played ball in the house after dinner tonight to introduce some fun!
Great. I am with you. We live in Maryland so the weather lately has been awful, to say the least. But I walk every chance I get.
Yes, I’m in PA! I feel bad for the dogs. We are usually so active!
You and me both. We had rain/ice this morning so I was not able to walk them until early afternoon. Can’t wait for Winter to be gone:-)
Me too! Winter doesn’t usually doesn’t bother me too much, but this one stinks 🙂
I lived in a tropical climate until I was almost 15 years old, and although I’ve lived most of my live in the US I still prefer warm weather. Perfect climate? San Diego, CA. I lived there for 2 years and it was gorgeous. I am actually thinking about moving back.