Backpack For Gsd

[tarope]

Hi Kamuzz,

As you may know we are told to keep our GSD's at the correct weight to avoid hip problems, so IMO I would not place a backpack on mine as I believe this might ad to the risk.

Both mine are 5yrs old and have good hips, my girl Tara is very Hyper and will be all her life but obedience training slows her a little. Ask Karen Hedburg I'm sure she will be able to help you.

[KitKat]

So large breed dogs should never wear backpacks?

Just saying that if a dog is fit and the backpack properly and well made (eg well balanced, fitted etc) and the dog is slowly trained/built up to carry weight then there is no problem. I wouldn't say hey go get one of those $20 packs from the markets and fit it with 5 KG's each side and go for a 20k walk - however i would say go get a decent pack, check out what people say about them before buying (i researched all over the net before deciding on the one i got), start the walks with the pack empty so dog is comfortable in it and it's well fitted. Slowly start putting weight in - with the pack i suggested it's easy as you can just put water in hte bladders - eg 200mls in each side to start with - easy to measure etc. Make sure dog is fit, comfortable and used to the weight before going up in stages.

This kinda thing is a sport for many breeds, not to mention O/S it's a sport/hobby for anyone who's interested!

Edited April 13, 2008 by KitKat

[Rusky]

Hi Kamuzz,

As you may know we are told to keep our GSD's at the correct weight to avoid hip problems, so IMO I would not place a backpack on mine as I believe this might ad to the risk.

Both mine are 5yrs old and have good hips, my girl Tara is very Hyper and will be all her life but obedience training slows her a little. Ask Karen Hedburg I'm sure she will be able to help you.

the dog has good hips