posted 06-15-2003 12:38 PM         

For the weight aspect, try to keep them "even" on both sides, as having more weight on one side can throw off their balance completely should they get into a situation where they need it. Also, in a pack, I'd look for something sturdy, but that could also be removed quickly/easily should the dog get hung up on something or need to have the pack removed in an emergency. Another thing to think about is heat being trapped under the pack, making the dog even hotter on a hot day, so you may want to try to find something with either just straps, or mesh type fabric on the underside of it (a lot of heat leaves dogs' bodies through their "armpits", chest, belly, and the insides of their legs, just about anywhere where there is thinner/less hair than the rest of them). Start by just acclimating them to the pack, put it on them for a few minutes at a time, a few times a day, while they do something fun to distract them from wearing the pack (go for a walk, or play, whatever), then work up to longer times when they seem comfortable with it. Be sure to check for any rubbing, or anything that MIGHT cause problems before you start doing any serious work, and fix the problem then, before it really becomes a problem.

On the distance aspect, it might be a good idea to get either booties, or to use a pad toughener ("tuff pad", "protect-a-pad" are two that I can think of) on them if you decide to do long distance hikes, as unless the dog is used to that type of terrain/distance, their pads may wear off very quickly.