I have a 37 pound Australian Shepherd. He’s a little over a year old. We take him on hiking trips and until now we’ve been carrying his supplies; water, food, etc. I’ve ordered him a hiking pack and was wondering what would be a good weight, at max, he could carry. I want to start him gradually and not start with the full weight, but in the end what is a healthy and SAFE weight for him to carry.
March 16, 2010
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At max, if your dog is in GOOD condition, it can carry 25% of it’s weight in a pack… so 9.25 lbs in your dog’s case.
One of the things you need to be very careful of is pack placement. The bulk of the weight should be over the dog’s withers and NOT on the middle of the back… having a pack on the middle of the dog’s back is a common mistake novices make and it can make pack-hiking with your dog uncomfortable for him as well as leading to unnecessary structural injury to his spine.
Comment by Animal Artwork & Arctic Eyes — March 16, 2010 @ 2:07 am
I wouldn’t do more then 10 pounds, any more then that on long hikes could in the long term lead to arthritis.
however 10 pounds should be plenty for snacks, water, etc.
Comment by Robbie C — March 16, 2010 @ 2:07 am
australian shepherds are prone to hip problems, i would be careful with that
Comment by billhaverchuck — March 16, 2010 @ 2:07 am