Any size or shape of dog can enjoy backing. There are several things to consider before you engage in this great new activity:
· Choosing the right pack for your dog 
· Conditioning yourself and your dog for exercise
· Getting the items you will need to carry in your pack
· Keeping a log of your miles hiked
Choosing the right pack for your dog
Dogs can carry a good deal of weight on their backs, which is helpful in
If your dog's pack is loaded, and he is doing any kind of climbing, uphill walking or pulling, you will want to be sure to have a non-restrictive harness on your pack. Non-restrictive means that the dog's shoulder movement (point of shoulder) is not impeded by any kind of horizontal strap across the front. A non-restrictive pack would have a harness hook-up which goes over the dog's head like a sledding harness, comes to a "V" at the hyoid bone, and continues down between the dog's front legs. This allows the pulling pressure to go on the middle of the dog’s chest, and not on the forelegs, which would restrict his movement. Get a pack which is non-restrictive.
Whether you want padding or not on your pack depends on the weight and the amount of pulling your dog will do. It will also depend on what type of coat your dog has. A short coated breed would benefit more from a padded harness if there will be a lot of rubbing of the pack. Padding is usually in the form of polar fleece or fake lamb's wool. Some packs are padded under the saddlebags, and some are padded around the neck and chest areas of the harness.
Color is a matter of personal preference, but remember that your dog will be in the woods, and a high visibility color, like orange, yellow, or red will help you (and others) spot your dog from a distance, without mistaking him for a game animal.
Packs should be made from a light-weight, water-proof material, with adjustable nylon web straps and quick-snap buckles for ease in getting on and off.
You can order a Dog Scout backpack from Dog Scouts of America. This is a non-restrictive, adjustable, light-weight pack, which has removable saddlebags. Kelty packs are also available in the Dog Scout store and are non-restrictive and light weight.
Conditioning yourself and your dog for exercise
Just like any other physical activity, you will want to prepare yourself and your dog for the new strain on the muscles which may not have been used regularly. Start out slowly, walking only a mile or less the first day. Slowly build on the distance you will cover on your hikes. Remember to stretch your muscles (your dog's too) before exercising. When you start having your dog carry his pack, start with it empty, and add weight gradually each trip.
Getting the items you need for your pack
There are various clubs which offer titles for backpacking. Some are breed clubs for specific dogs (like Malamutes). Each one has different requirements as to what must be carried in your pack and what percentage of the dog's total body weight must be carried to qualify for their titles. If your breed has a backpacking title program, contact your national breed club for rules and requirements. I will outline the requirements for attaining titles on all breeds (and mixes) through Dog Scouts of America. This organization will confer titles on your dog, provided you pack along the necessary items in your dog's backpack. These Items include: first aid kit, water, bowl, spare collar and leash, matches, knife, at least three baggies (for clean-up), compass, flashlight, owner's I.D. , a signal device (mirror, whistle or cell phone) and map of the area (if needed).
Logging your miles – Pack dog titles
If you are registered with a DSA Competition Registration Number (CRN) you can earn PackDog titles on your dog. Each time you pack a mile or more with your dog, keep track of the distance, location and date. You will also need to have your hiking buddy (if you have one) sign your log sheet. If you don’t hike with a buddy, then you should notify someone that cares about you that you are going on a walk. Tell them exactly what route you plan to take and when you are expected to return. Then notify them when you return. This person should attempt to contact you or send out a search party if you do not contact them after your walk. This person can sign your log sheet for the hikes you did alone (while accompanied by your dog of course). While you are logging 50 miles with your dog carrying his backpack with all of the required items, you can do a check-out hike, which is a 5-mile hike. A forest ranger, Dog Scout Camp Director, Dog Scout backpacking evaluator or other official needs to sign your log sheet for the 5 mile hike. Then you will be eligible to receive the Pack Dog title from Dog Scouts of America. Once your log is checked and approved, your dog can use the title of Pack Dog (the initials PD after the dog’s name.)
For the next level of the title, the dog needs to carry his loaded pack for an additional 50 miles (at least one mile at a time). The check-out hike for this level is 10 miles (within 10 hours). Once the log is checked and approved, the dog can use the title of Pack Dog Excellent (the letters PDX after the dog’s name).
The final level is an additional 100 miles (200 total miles plus the check out hikes). The check out for this level is two separate 10 mile hikes (each completed within 10 hours). Once the log is checked and approved, the dog can use the title Utility Pack Dog (the letters UPD after the dog’s name.)
Please visit the Competition and Titling Page for more info about the "TrailDog" program and how to submit your log sheets to DSA to earn your titles.
Note: DSA does allow small dogs to be carried when needed. Handlers that are not able to walk the required distances can use alternate means as long as it is safe for the dog to move alongside (the dog still needs to do the hiking). A golf cart, 4 wheeler, or powered wheel chair are examples of “alternate means”. Since it is the dog that is getting the title, substitute handlers are allowed.
