So I'm looking at another, completely different sport to go with our Obedience stuff. The first Working Pack Dog title requires you and your dog to hike 64kms over 2 or more trips, with each trip to be a minimum of 16kms. Plus, the dog must carry 30% of their body weight (so 7.5kgs for Ella). They can carry their food and water so the weight can actually reduce during the hike. The distance doesn't worry me (we both need to increase our fitness a little but we're quite used to doing 8-10kms) but the weight carry does. I'm wondering if I build up her fitness first and then begin to, train her by increasing the weight very slowly add weight, she may build up the necessary muscle and fitness. Thoughts? The second title sounds pretty cool as it involves hiking 193kms in 1-3trips with minimum daily hikes of 16kms. It must be rough terrain with no facilities and involves bush camping and hikes for multiple days. Sounds great!
Mmmm.....I'm not a big fan of the idea of dogs carrying stuff. It's not even great for horses, and they have been bred to do it. Dogs haven't...and even a few extra lbs we know puts pressure on their joints. It's just not something I'd ask a dog to do. I'd certainly not go anywhere near 30% of body weight - that seems ridiculous.
The idea sounds great, the hiking and the camping in the bush, but I would be very concerned about my dog carrying anything, let alone 30% of their body weight. The walking itself will be taxing for the dog (and you ) as it is rough terrain, without carrying a load. Have you spoken to a vet about the possible damage carrying weights could do to the dog's skeleton, I would be concerned about the spine in particularly. Otherwise it sounds a splendid adventure.
Wow! What an adventure, just being at one with nature and your dog, sounds bliss...as long as you can factor in all those bugs, snakes and creepy crawlies... I agree with you though..I would feel a bit uncomfortable with my dog carrying anything, especially over such rough terrain.
I agree, I wouldn’t ask a dog to carry anything, but my biggest concern would be overheating from the backpack contraption they’d need to wear. Otherwise, the hiking sounds like great fun!
So interesting, have not heard of this at all till now. 30% of body weight is a guideline we used for ourselves when canoeing. It's a lot of weight when you are not used to it and for us it was only on portages.
I would say no to a dog carrying extra weight, after all - don't we keep them on the slim side to protect their joints? Even worrying about an excess 500g-1kg?
