Articles about American Pit Bull Terrier
...to start reading this article from the beginning please click on here...Packing the backpack
Be sure that the backpack is balanced. The packs should weigh equally much, or they will move around on the dog, or it will carry it crooked. (not good!) The safest it to weigh the backpacks before putting them on. You can also balance the backpack by putting it over your thigh, but this is not as accurate. The best backbacks are already pretty stable when put on correctly and small differences in weight won’t really matter that much. Put clothes or something soft closest to the dogs body. Sharp edges should not be packed close to the dog. The heaviest items should be placed in front and at the bottom of the pack. Don’t pack items that you need on the hike, all the weighing and balancing will be all for nothing. Put items that are not waterproof in plastic bags. Items that can’t withhold a push or a shove (or water for that matter) should be carried in your own backpack. In other words, carry your own sleepingbag and camera.
Getting used to the backpack
You can get your dog used to the backpack pretty early. A puppy of 7-8 months can practice by carrying an empty backpack, but should not carry weight. You could fill it with newspapers or light clothing to fill it out. It is not crucial to get the dog used to it at an early age. Most dogs get used to the backpack pretty quickly, and don’t really need a lot of time. A couple of treats and praise is good, as in most other dogtraining. When a untrained dog figures out how to not squeeze it’s way through two large stones, but that he actually needs to move over them, deserves praise. It will also motivate your dog to work harder later when it has difficulties. Let the dog walk normally with the lead either attached to it’s collar or on the backpack (backpacks have D-rings on the back). Don’t let the pull. When going downhill, you need to attach the lead to the backpack, so the load on the front of the dog doesn’t get too heavy. Some prefer a waistbelt and an elastic lead then they go backpacking. The lead is always attached to the backpack itself, not the collar. That way one have both hands free, and it’s a comfortable way to hike...to continue reading this article please click on here...
