While I believe a weighted backpack may help some dogs drain energy and settle, I do agree that stress on the joints should be considered. People watch the dog whisperer, throw a cheap, heavy pack on their dog, and take them rollerblading (triple disaster waiting to happen, in my mind).

Dogs are not built to carry things on their backs. Their bone structure is quite different from a horse (no canon bone for one). Native Americans used 'travois', pulled by the dog to transport gear. Dogs can pull much more efficiently than they can carry.

The ability of a dog to carry a pack and the potential damage to joints depends strongly on the dog's build, weight of the pack, and quality of the pack. It should be used with caution. When we're hiking the White Mountains my dogs are leaping from rock to rock up and down steep grades. I do not expect them to carry a pack for a variety of reasons. I only carry about 5-10 lbs myself.

I've also seen a large malumute pack out most of a dressed deer by himself over flat, muddy terrain.

It's case specific. A well muscled, wide-stance, heavier boned, prime of life, structurally healthy dog, with training, should be OK with up to 25% of their body weight. In general, I would avoid having long bodied dogs like corgis or dachunds, dogs prone to hip problems like GSDs and lightly built dogs like greyhounds carry much if any weight.

I know this doesn't address the spinning issue, but I've had quite a bit of experience backpacking with dogs and have seen joint related issues especially shoulder soreness from dog packs. Thought it might be useful for other readers.

Kiersten, I appreciate your input on the backpacks and their effects on dog!

I would agree with the backpack usage. I understand the concern with the added stress on the dogs body, but the backpack shouldnt be worn for long periods of time. And even with something as simple as a backpack I would start light, and stay short. Build the dog up gradually, and allow ample time to not be "working". This shouldnt harm a dog with acceptable hips and elbows. Wouldnt hurt to add suplements if your concerned. To me, in my expirence, often times hectic behavior is all the pent up energy comming out. Once the dog has a job or activity, and expends the energy, s/he shouldnt spin. Unless it has became a created/ established behavior.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

Lisa, I wondered about this earlier on and asked when it happened, was it realated to coming home, etc...

When did your dog show this behavior? Was it completely random or related to anything you could identify?

Chatter did this spinning thing when she got really excited or stressed about something. (She was a sheltie, so at times that was fairly frequent lol). It never interferred with her working ability, at least, not until she hit her teen years and she was partially retired at that point.
In her case, mostly stress, she would do it at the vet and at my mom's house or when my ex and I were having issues.
She did have a job and I think that helped with keeping her calm and tired.
More mental exercise might help Fritz. It seemed to help her.