About backpacking with your dog?
I've been thinking about trying back packing with my dog but I'm not 100% sure about some details.
She's still a pup, roughly 7 months old & around 60lbs..
Am I right in assuming I should wait until she is full grown?
What would be the weight limit & how would you go about increasing that as time went on?
Thanks everyone.
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I’m not an expert (no one here is, though!), but I think light trips with a 7 month old should be fine. I’m assuming your talking about a GSD (looks like it in your avatar), and with large breeds like that, too much stress early on can lead to joint problems. I would stick with light day trips for now with maybe a couple of water bottles in her pack for now. As she reaches her adult height and size (around a year) she should be in good shape to do real trips.
As for weight limits, I would follow your gut- if the ratio you’re giving her is more than you’d carry yourself, then maybe cut back; ie, a 10:1 ratio would be 10 lbs for a 100 lb person. You’d probably carry more than that, I usually max out at around 50 or 60 and I weigh 125, but you get the idea. I’m more conservative with my dog than I probably need- he carries his own supplies (some water and his food and treats) and maybe some small things like lighters and maps, and that’s all.
I’d just keep an eye on her- if it seems like she’s struggling with it, lighten her pack. If she seems happy, then she probably is.
Also, if you don’t have a backpack, I recommend this one for day trips. It’s cheap, made of high quality fabric, and is comfortable on my dog.
http://www. petmountain. com/product/dog-travel-gear/107667/outward-hound-quick-release-dog-backpack. html
I would definitely not take her on long hikes yet.
I do believe there is a formula for figuring how many miles is acceptable for that age, but it’s been so long since I’ve had a puppy in my house I honestly can’t remember it. Hopefully someone else can.
If you’re talking full day treks, that’s too much. BUT, I would definitely start hiking a mile or two with an empty pack now because the learning and conditioning part of it is plenty valuable. I would certainly not refrain from hiking altogether, just take the increases very gradually.
Add: Uhhh. . yes, some people here are experts in certain topics.
Bones too soft for even a serious hike, adding weight would be like taunting HD. . .
“I bet ya’ catch catch me!”
I’d wait until she was 2, some say 18m, I’d rather be safe than sorry :P