I'd like to look for a weight vest/pack to start using for the dogs for fall when the weather cools off a bit... Just the temperature is practically like a weight pack for them right now. I'd like to take them for longer jogs, but both time and route safety are problems (too many loose dogs for my comfort level).

Does anyone have a link to, or can you suggest some guidelines for how much weight to add how soon, etc? I just want to wear them out a bit more... We do a 1-1/2 mile jog in the morning before work right now, and some ball play in the late evenings. Too hot now to go out at lunch. They seem to like the spot just in front of the A/C unit all day long, lol I just don't want to go too fast, too soon and risk doing damage.

They're both GSD's (one probably mix) turning three at some point this summer, are 73 and 82 lbs, and are of a healthy weight. No joint problems that we know of.

Also, just a thought, but I just ordered each of them a travel harness from ruffrider. Has anyone had success rigging something up using a travel harness vs purchasing a specialized backpack? and if so could you post or pm me with details?

Thanks!

I don't know about weight vests, but when I started using packs with my Dobe, I started with two 16 to 20 oz. drinking water bottles (one on each side) and filled each one half way full of water. Now over a year later he can carry one full water bottle on each side, two snack bags each with dry kibble (one on each side), and small plastic bowls to hold the water. If I start to notice the dog getting tired, I can either let them drink some of the water or just simply pour it out. Now whenever we go on long walks or hikes, he carries his own water and a small snack if I choose to give him one (sometimes we find a good picnic area and stop for a bite). I don't know, however, if I would suggest jogging with a pack on. I would think the weight would cause the pack to bang against the dogs chest and become very uncomfortable. If my dogs do any kind of jogging or running, I always take their packs off first. It is a very good "job" for my Dobe, I will say, he walks very tall and seems very proud, almost like to say, "not now mom, I'm working". Alot of focus on what he is doing, and it seems very important to him. Anyway, I hope this helps.
Laura

Beast got a bit overweight by the time he hit four years old (152lb). His two favorite things in life are eating as much as possible and sleeping as much as possible. I was responsible and have since seen to it that he is as healthy as possible. He's about to turn six now and he's a muscular 131lb. The vet suggested a back-pack to help things along and it has worked great every since. I started off with a pack I picked up at REI and used it with great success until I found Ruff Wear.....Here's a link: http://www.ruffwear.com/Palisades-Pack?sc=2&category=13

Best pack EVER.

I fill the internal bladders with water and load both sides with everything from treats and a first aid kit to his favorite ball. It's great. Really something to check out if you are fine with going straight to the top of the line gear. I started him out with about 5-10lbs of gear and he can now easily carry 30lbs on long hikes (5-7mi.) I think the general rule is about 25% of their weight should be carried....maximum that is. I strapped approx 50lbs to him once just to see what would happen and he was fine. He loves the pack though. You can see it in his face when you put it on him....it's cool. Here's a glamour shot:



Just found this on the Ruff Wear site:

How much weight can a dog carry in a pack?
Typically we recommend that a dog carry 25%-30% of their own weight; but this is recommended for well-conditioned dogs. Consider throwing 30% of your weight on your back and that will give you a quick reality check. Start with lighter loads and work into the 25%-30% range. We work with a few sled dog teams in Alaska who can carry up to 50% of their weight in backpacks but keep in mind that these are extremely fit four legged athletes.