Dan is your dog trained for something. What are the packs he is wearing? Very interesting. I had my German Shepard trained well but she never liked being dressed up I don’t think she would have liked carrying anything
She carries her own gear, mainly her food, treats, dog bug spray if necessary, fleece jacket, leash, and bowl. It's a bit bulky, but not too heavy. For a three-night trip like we just did, her starting weight was about 5 pounds, which is less than 10% of her body weight. If we go out for more than 4 nights, I carry some of her stuff at first.
They get used to carrying the pack pretty easily. Our dogs have all carried their own gear. The Boxers will do anything you ask them to do. The Ridgebacks make a fuss at first and try to roll it off, but if you distract them with something, they forget about it pretty quickly. She loves to wear her fleece (photo below).
The biggest issue with the pack is that the straps can chafe her a bit under her arms, especially if she is full of herself, chasing after every little animal. I apply ointment twice a day wear the straps can rub, and it does a pretty good job.
I find that really cool. For a minute I thought maybe you were involved in search and rescue or something but the fact you have your dog carrying its gear is very impressive. Must be a lot of fun. Not to put a bummer on the topic but years back I was a regular camper. My buddy slept walk off our site and fell 90ft. We were in the boondocks and a medical helicopter was the only way to get him out. He was paralyzed by the fall, fortunately he “only” lost use of his legs. To end on a happy note today he owns a car body shop and is doing very well. I am so glad he was able to grab hold of a positive attitude and do all the things he had done. So I still camp but don’t climb to much anymore, there is something so peaceful about laying out under the stars. As long as weather permits I prefer not using a tent but I have woken up with a snake in my bag more than once. Must be cool to bring dogs along we never did that.
lovely fleece by the way
I don't like to hear stories like that, that must have been terrifying. I do a lot of solo backpacking, and I'm not oblivious to the danger, but I try not to think too much about it.
I find that really cool. For a minute I thought maybe you were involved in search and rescue or something but the fact you have your dog carrying its gear is very impressive. Must be a lot of fun. Not to put a bummer on the topic but years back I was a regular camper. My buddy slept walk off our site and fell 90ft. We were in the boondocks and a medical helicopter was the only way to get him out. He was paralyzed by the fall, fortunately he “only” lost use of his legs. To end on a happy note today he owns a car body shop and is doing very well. I am so glad he was able to grab hold of a positive attitude and do all the things he had done. So I still camp but don’t climb to much anymore, there is something so peaceful about laying out under the stars. As long as weather permits I prefer not using a tent but I have woken up with a snake in my bag more than once. Must be cool to bring dogs along we never did that.
lovely fleece by the way
Sometimes I read something and it brings back a memory, not always pleasant ones. Perhaps I need to adjust my filter.