Backpacking is one of our favourite working activities. We were keen hikers long before we owned our first dogs and after acquiring a pack of Malamutes our hobby has grown and developed. On a multiday hiking excursion Fredrik and I will both carry backpacks. In addition we will bring two or three dogs that will each carry a dog pack. Being able to divide our supplies and gear into five packs rather than just two, we have plenty of room for all the food and extra gear that our dogs require during the trip. It means we don't have to cut down too much on our own supplies but can enjoy a multiday hiking trip together with our friends in full comfort.
Below are some
notes on how we prepare for a multiday hike with our
dogs. After a couple of backpacking trips, everyone develops their own routine. This is what works for us.
Top tip: Wash and groom your dog before setting out on a hike and also make sure the dog pack is clean and in good condition. Hiking in summer can be a hot and humid experience, by bringing a clean and groomed dog that carries a clean pack you will minimize the risk of your dog developing a hot spot or rash out on the trail.
Choose the right dog pack
Go for the best quality and fit when choosing a pack for your dog. A backpack must always be comfortable, also when it is loaded with gear. Choose a backpack of the proper size and fit for your dog.
A too large bag is just as wrong as a bag that is too small. The pack should be fitted to the dog before the load is packed.
IMPORTANT: the backpack shall be carried over the shoulders and not across the dog's
back. The shoulders are built to carry weight - the spine is not. The pack's position is controlled by means of the front (sternum) strap. When fastening the straps, make sure you can slide two fingers between the strap and the dog. If the bag is too loose it will move around and if it's fitted too tight it can cause "saddle sores".
Safety tip!
Choose a backpack with reflective tape on it and/or of a
bright colour. This way your dog can't be mistaken for game by a hunter.
Getting accustomed to the backpack
Use an empty pack when you start your dog's training. Encourage your dog to carry the empty pack on your regular walks, to the shop and in the forest. If your dog is a bit reluctant to trying new things, make sure not to make a fuss when you put on the bag the first time. Pretend that you are putting on an ordinary collar or harness and as soon as it's on, start the walk. Remember to praise and reward the right behaviour. After a couple of outings with an empty bag, place some items in each pack and build up weight gradually. Make sure your dog is in good physical condition before you place a too heavy load in the bag. Conditioning is just as important for backpacking, as it is for sledding and skijoring.
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| Training and conditioning is crucial before setting out on a multiday excursion. |
How to pack
Learning how to pack your dog's backpack correctly is crucial prior to a multiday hike and requires
some careful consideration. Here are my top tips:
1) When packing the gear, make sure you distribute the weight evenly on both
sides. It is uncomfortable for the dog to have a lopsided pack.
Both sides of the pack must weigh exactly the same amount.
2) Pack heavier items toward the dog's
shoulder and lighter items in the back.
3) Pack softer items on the side of the pack that is closer to the dog. These items will act as extra padding.
4) Extra space in the bags means that items can move around and cause discomfort for your dog.
Use soft, lightweight items, such as a jumper and an extra towel, to fill any empty spaces in the pack.
How much should a dog carry?
First of all, only a dog that
is physically healthy and in lean condition should go on a packing trip. A dog that has dysplasia or other joint problems, that is overweight or otherwise
unfit, should not pack. Carrying a
full backpack causes as much strain on a dog as skijoring or sledding
and will only be a pleasure for the dog if he/she is healthy and in good
working condition. Be careful with young dogs that are still growing. They can come along for the hike but shouldn't carry too much weight.
As with every new sport, the key to backpacking is to do things gradually. When starting out, begin packing about 5-10% of your
dog's weight in the dog pack.
Make sure to actually weigh your dog first so you know his/her
current weight. If the training is going well, and your dog seems happy,
gradually increase to about 20-30% of your dog's weight. If you are going on
an AMCA WPD/WPDX-hike with your Malamute, your dog
must carry a daily initial weight equal to a minimum of 30% of his/her
weight.
This weight shall not decrease except by normal consumption of items
such as
food or water.
Thunder and Tuisku hiking without dog packs in 2006 - not every hike needs to be a working hike.
When your dog is still young, hiking should be all about having fun!
Distributing weight evenly
As soon as your dog begins to carry more weight in his backpack you need to start planning the packing more carefully. Keep an eye on
the backpack and make sure both sides are weighted equally. A lopsided bag can cause both
discomfort and harm to your dog, as it will put him off balance which can strain muscles and spoil the fun.
Hands-free
I always hike with my hands free. On a multiday mountain hike this is the only safe way to travel. When backpacking I use the same equipment that I use for skijoring - my dog is secured to me through a bungee cord attached to my waistbelt. This means I can use both my hands for balance, for taking photos and for drinking and, best of all, I don't get an aching shoulder when my dog pulls on his lead. If I handle two dogs I use a two dog line with a built-in shock absorber placed at my end of the lead.
Training hikes
Before setting out on a multiday hike, make sure to go on many fun training hikes near home. About a month prior to a multiday hike our dogs will begin carrying dog packs with weights on our walks in a varied terrain about 2-3 times a week. This way they will build the appropriate muscles and will be completely used to their bags when we set out on a more extensive mountain trip. The training walks are an excellent opportunity to practise on your packing routine, making sure you can easily pack a backpack that does not end up lopsided or too heavy for your dog.
Water stops - avoiding heat stroke
Stop every hour or so to allow your dog to drink. A dog that's drinking enough water will have clear urine. A dog that stops marking or urinating during a hike probably needs more water. Some dogs will not immediately drink the water they are offered, even
when they are thirsty. If you sit down to relax for ten minutes, with
the water available to your dog, chances are he or she will drink before
your break is over. It's important to learn how to identify signs of dehydration in a dog before you set out on a hike as heat stroke can be life threatening. If your dog is showing signs of overheating, quickly get in the shade and remove the pack. Let your dog cool down in a stream or lake or pour all the bottled water you have over him. If his condition does not improve quickly - send for qualified help.
Safety tip!
Before going on a hike, find out where water is available along the trail so
you know where will be the best place to set up camp. Bring a detailed topographical map and keep it handy during the hike.
Crossing a suspension bridge is worth training with your dog before you set out on a wilderness hike.
Useful things to train near home:
1) Crossing hanging bridges of metal or wood. You may encounter these along the trail and they can turn out to be a stressful obstacle for a dog who has never experienced a hanging bridge before.
2) Crossing a brook or stream with backpack on.
3) Have your dog walk in front of you and behind you. When negotiating steep downhills it's safer if your dog knows the command "behind".
4) Drinking water from other (safe) sources than your tap at home. Is your dog happy to drink water that tastes a little differently?
5) Drinking from a water bottle - this will make your refresh stops easier for everyone.
6) If you are feeding fresh food at home and are bringing kibble on your hike, make sure your dog is accustomed to the new food well before the hike.
7) Wearing booties - make sure your dog is fully comfortable wearing booties before departing on a longer hike.
8) Sleeping quietly out of doors.
Safety tip!
Be careful when letting your dog drink from streams or lakes along the trail. Although natural water sources may be plentiful near a campsite, the water may
be contaminated with parasites or harmful bacteria. In areas where
giardia is a problem you should not allow your dog to drink from streams or
lakes. Don't allow your dog to drink any water that you wouldn't drink yourself.
What to pack
What to pack on a hiking trip is very individual and depends on where you will be staying at night, how long you'll be away and in what season you're making the trip. Below are some general pointers that can be useful when planning a trip with your dog.
- Canine first aid kit (including help against diarrhea).
- Dog booties.
- Water bowl (foldable or plastic).
- Duct tape - never go anywhere without duct tape!
- Extra collar and extra lead.
- Dog identification - make sure your dog has your name and phone number and the phone number to someone at home, plus his/her own call-name, attached to the collar.
- Daily dog meals packed in plastic bags (one bag per meal). Remember that your dog needs more food and energy when out on the trail. Always bring food for at least two extra days - should you get stuck somewhere along the trail.
- Easy to digest dog treats.
- Vaseline, or another dog paw care product.
- No matter how friendly your dog is, bring a muzzle. If your dog is injured, he may
need the muzzle to prevent him from biting you or others trying to give him
first aid.
- Bags to clean up after your dog in areas where this is required.
- Water containers + water filter for hikes in areas where water cannot be consumed naturally.
- Stakeout.
- Insect repellent (you may want to apply flea dip before leaving home).
Safety tip!
Always know where the nearest veterinarian is located and carry the phone number on you.
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| Duct tape is ideal for repairing broken items (such as boots or bags) on the trail. If you are going on a WPD/WPDX-hike and need suitable items to increase the weight of the dog pack with - bring two full rolls of duct tape and place one in each pocket of the dog pack in order to distribute weight evenly. |
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Have fun and respect your dog
Above all, packing should be a fun activity for you and your dog. Don't attempt hikes just to gain working merits - go on hikes to experience the joy of exploring the wilderness in the company of your best friend. If the hike does not turn out as planned, make it shorter and enjoy the time spent staying in a wilderness camp instead. Your dog will be just as happy camping out for a few days and going on short day hikes, as he is completing the mileage that is required for the WPDX-title. We have been hiking with our dogs since they were youngsters but some of them are now 6-7 years of age and have still not completed their WPDX-titles (our goal this summer). By not pushing our dogs too hard when they are young we're hoping they'll be able to go on many enjoyable hikes as they grow older.
Happy Trails!
