The first two times I tried biking with Loki is was terrifying and I had many scrapes and bruises. After waiting a couple more months I have tried again. He did okay, I have to stop when i see other dogs or he tries to run to them. So we have gone about 4 times in the last two weeks, this morning I was in a surly mood and didnt want to run, so I put his backpack on (this is new, i put one 500ml water bottle in each side, any advice on wieghts would be great!) and set out for the longest one yet. He was AMAZING! It was already pretty warm out so I stopped to let him swim 3 times. He stayed right next to me except when he wanted to pick up the pace (which i did! ive been scared but he was so good!) He is getting used to the commands slow, left and right. we went by 2 dogs and he didnt bolt to them he sort of bunny hopped along next to me which is an improvement! I am so proud right now!!

My dogs are the exact same way when you put a backpack on them. They are pretty crazy until the backpack is on and then they are a dream to walk! I normally just stuff it with whatever I can find that will make it even. I put food, treats, water, kongs, I've even put other toys in there before just to add some weight. People make fun of me because I bring a lot of stuff in their bags just to go for a quick hike, but it really helps them and it saves me from carrying the water and stuff!

How old is your Loki? As for weights I say stick with water(but don't over do it water weighs 8.35lbs/gallon).

From what I've read, a good rule of thumb for weight is 10-15% of their body weight. Well conditioned dogs can carry up to about 25% of their body weight.

I just started back packing too and omg!! Micole loves it! She is soooo much better on a lesh and I don't have to walk her as much. I love it and don't know why I didn't start earlier!

amychuke wrote:

I just started back packing too and omg!! Micole loves it! She is soooo much better on a lesh and I don't have to walk her as much. I love it and don't know why I didn't start earlier!

i hope you dont have her carrying any weight, she is to young to be holding anything but poop bags. let her joints form so she can have a long life of packing with you and have no joint issue

No no no... nothing in it. Just trying to get her used to the fact something like that is on her. Yep only thing that goes in there is poop and a small plastic water bowl for her. That's it.