View Full Version : Anyone tried dog-packing?
Just bought this today, $25 on Ebay. He loves carrying it, and I figure he's easily good for 35 pounds, which is more than I normally carry myself.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c116/Oblio13/IMG_2985.jpg
scottishwolf
04-09-2009, 02:05
I've got a 'very' large bullmastiff/neopolitan cross and he usually carries his own gear (food, water, blanket and bowls) in a set of old bicycle panniers that I converted with some webbing and a few snap lock buckles etc (cheers filcon). Had one of the packs you pictured in your post from pets at home or somewhere similar for my old collie and she never bothered at all. Always carry my own gear but at least the dog can carry it's own food etc, plus whatever is foraged while out. Handy if you're away for more than a couple of days and especially seeing as mine eats nearly 2 kilos a day lol. :headbang:
Trappertje
04-09-2009, 07:32
I've two Golden Retrievers here, that love to go on two day hikes with me. And, as I can't carry everything for the three of us, they carry their drybeds and a few more light weight, but bulky items. I carry my things, plus their food and water.
The weight of the dog packs is max 1,5 kilo
http://www.truusenchaos.nl/images/chaos_rugzak_klein.jpg
http://www.truusenchaos.nl/images/truus_traint.jpg
... The weight of the dog packs is max 1,5 kilo
I've been reading 1/4 of the dog's weight, which would be 17 kilos for mine. A friend is a veterinarian, I'll ask him and post what he says later.
belzeebob23
04-09-2009, 18:06
hi
friend of mine has one for his dog
which dosent seem to borther him at all
untill he tries to chase bunnies
scott
Please remember though. As of 1855 Dogs in the UK can no longer be "Beasts of Burden" by law. What this means in a nutshell is this: The dog can carry it's own stuff, food, water, blanket etc but you cannot put your stuff in it's saddlebags, camera, binoculars, underpants, fridge freezers etc as this is unlawful;)
max 1,5 kilo
Just heard back from my veterinarian, who says that 20% of a dog's weight is a good safe load. My dog's a lean 150-160 pounds, so say 30.
Please remember though. As of 1855 Dogs in the UK can no longer be "Beasts of Burden" by law. What this means in a nutshell is this: The dog can carry it's own stuff, food, water, blanket etc but you cannot put your stuff in it's saddlebags, camera, binoculars, underpants, fridge freezers etc as this is unlawful;)
That sounds bizarre. I'm in the US, I don't think it's an issue here, at least not yet. It's probably not an enforceable law anyway, unless it's also illegal for a dog to own cameras, binoculars, etc. Why, I think I might buy my dog a rangefinder and a couple hundred rounds of ammo before our next trek.
max 1,5 kilo
Just heard back from my veterinarian, who says that 20% of a dog's weight is a good safe load. My dog's a lean 150-160 pounds, so say 30.
Please remember though. As of 1855 Dogs in the UK can no longer be "Beasts of Burden" by law. What this means in a nutshell is this: The dog can carry it's own stuff, food, water, blanket etc but you cannot put your stuff in it's saddlebags, camera, binoculars, underpants, fridge freezers etc as this is unlawful;)
That sounds bizarre. I'm in the US, I don't think it's an issue here, at least not yet. It's probably not an enforceable law anyway, unless it's also illegal for a dog to own cameras, binoculars, etc. Why, I think I might buy my dog a laser rangefinder and a couple hundred rounds of ammo before our next trek.
It's a brilliant method, however my Spring Spaniel RIP...chewed through his rather thoroughly
i dont think he had a problem with carrying it per se, or even had any discomfort, he just enjoyed being awkward bless him
helixpteron
05-09-2009, 01:59
I've seen pack animals (dogs and goats) on the Kifaru Forums, its an established method of hauling gear which in no way acts to the detriment of the animals.
The little beasties appear to enjoy it too. I'd never seen this method in use before, but it makes sense, and from a bushcraft perspective, the animals are participating just as they did for our ancestors.
Trappertje
11-09-2009, 14:55
Well, the packs of my dogs are now 1,5 kilo's. No need for me to pack up extra weight for them.
20% of 30 kilo dogs would mean max 6 kilo in their packs but I do prefer them to carry the bulky things like dry beds, that won't fit in my pack. I carry a 50 liters pack, as I am only small.
If going on longer trips, the only item I would give them extra is water. Don't think I would let them carry more than 1 liter (eq. 1 kilo).