Dogs wearing Back Packs

[smurfchops]

The best way I can describe it. I have seen a couple of labradors recently wearing a pack on either side of their back, with pockets in. What are they for ? Do they weigh the dog down to keep their weight down ?? Or do they keep their owners' shopping in them ?!

[RATTER15]

Maybe both!

I know Ceasar Milan (dog Whisperer) recommends them for excited bored dogs to give the dog a sense of purpose when out with their owner.

they will also be useful for carrying light loads, I wouldn't have a problem as long as they weren't overloaded.

[jules77]

Service dogs wear them, they usually carry medical supplies, and the dogs own supply of water.

[Clanad]

Many dogs were originally bred for work... even to the extent of pulling light loads or as pack dogs. The genetic predispostion for heavy exercise is still there but suppressed by civilization. Many of the behavioral problems seen in dogs are a result of to little good, hard and sustained work. The packs help supply that need in such dogs.
Ceasar has addressed this numerous times in his programs but my father explained the concept to me years ago in relation to the same concept with mules and horses here in the western U.S. Many mules and horses have a bad temper unless worked appropriately...

[woofgang]

Dead right Clanad. We have always had gundogs (HPR) we don't shoot but give them a working life...free running where there is loads of wildlife, rabbits and pheasants mainly, scent games. None of ours are keen retrievers, the Weimaraner attitude to retrieving non living things seems to be "you threw it, you get it" They also love to point on squirrels and pigeons in the garden. The result is a quiet life (mostly lol) in the house and no wreckage when left home alone.

[lankeela]

These are extreme ones, but you can get cheaper ones from places like Pets at Home. They are used to carry food and water, and maybe a waterproof coat for the dog when hiking etc.

http://www.muddypaws....ackpacks/cat_159.html

[lankeela]

http://www.trainingli...tdoor-dogs-652-0.html

[slinkycat]

Well I never knew that you could get so much stuff for dogs, stuff that you didn't realise you needed! Pmsl at the pet-a-roo carrier Lankeela:-)