Increased intensity means more walk in less time! The walk is part of the responsibility of a pack leader. For those people who find it difficult to fit an hour-long walk into their busy schedules, a canine backpack can squeeze the workout benefits of an hour into 30 minutes.

You’re giving your dog a job! By giving your dog something to pull or carry, you are providing her with a sense of purpose which will help to fulfill her psychologically. And having that sense of purpose has another, related benefit…

You’re keeping your dog focused! With a task to focus on, your dog is much less likely to be distracted by people, objects, and other dogs on the walk. This is especially helpful to keep in mind if your dog exhibits signs of fear, fixation, or obsession issues.

Many backpacks engineered for dogs come pre-packaged with specially designed weights, but you should also be able to use books, water bottles, or other similar items. Generally, the weight should be roughly 10 to 20 percent of the dog’s body weight, but you must take into account your dog’s specific energy level, general physical health, and other special needs such as joint, leg, or back problems. Always discuss matters with your veterinarian before embarking on ANY new exercise program!