Backpack for 14 month old?

[Puppypeoplenj]

Orca just started a "terrible teens" training class that I am BEYOND excited about. The trainer is great, with a wonderful reputation and she knows exactly how to communicate with Orca.

She recommended increasing exercise for all the dogs, and suggested that they wear a backpack, even if it only includes a water bottle. How much weight safe for a Newf just over a year old? Any recommendations for sizing? I have no idea how to measure a dog but I guess I could try it. He's just over 130# now. I know that Ruffwear makes one but I'm looking to stay in the $30 range if possible.

 

[CathyC.]

We bought the largest size one at pet smart and it fits fine with room for growth. We don't put much weight in it to start. A couple of water bottles does the trick. Keep the weight balanced. The first few times we didn't put any additional weight in it so obi could get used to the feeling. We haven't had the chance to use it that much but he seems to like it. It has a handle on it that is a good height for me so sometimes I use it so obi helps me up hills. We got it on sale and it was near your price range.

http://www.petsmart.com/dog/backpac...LmctuN_6OIMQRl?var_id=36-7323&_t=pfm=category

 

[R Taft]

The reason we use the back-pack in training for some dogs is that it works a little bit like a thundershirt.anxiety and exitability are not that different.

And it works......We use about 2 bottle of water, one on each side......

 

[DAWNMERIE]

We used the back pack also, I think I started out with 2 water bottles and then increased up to 6 bottles on our walks. We lightened the load on the way back (they had water...we had water) I think I even added other stuff that we needed for longer walks. I did it to work Zeke, he always loved to work (still does) and always required a game of hide n seek late at night on the lawn, so I tried to wear him down a bit...NEVER WORKED. Myra was always a bit quirky with the pack on and she's not the working type I probably should have pushed more, but....she's the baby

 

[fall3n-ang3l]

Bernie has been wearing a harness and I've bought him a backpack, so hoping its not going to be to much trouble adjusting to this one, like the other ladies have said, iam going to put a small bottle of water in each pack and see how he goes

 

[Capri]

I personally would NOT put weights on a 14m. I would wait until closer to 2yrs.

 

[dreamchaser456]

All I have to do is get the backpack out and put it on to see a difference with mine! It's like it signals the brain that they are now "working". As long as you don't put more than a 12 oz bottle in each side you should be fine on weight at that age. I started with just the pack, then the tiny water bottles and worked up to the 12 oz size. I was quite shocked at the difference just the backpack made in attention.