Every dog is unique. Each dog has its own character and many of them immediately enjoy being carried around in their new dog carrier backpack from TARIGS. They sniff the wind or poke their head in and enjoy the well-deserved break. Others first have to get used to being carried or sitting still. It’s especially easy when your dog knows his limits and shows you that he or she is tired.
Put your dog in the backpack and he will immediately understand and appreciate the added value of the backpack. Tarig, the Westie, is just such a dog. As soon as the backpack was on the ground and he wanted to be carried, he immediately ran towards it. If he was not put in immediately, he tried to crawl into the backpack. If the backpack was closed, the terrier came out. But what do you do if your dog is not like Tarig? And why do you need a dog carrier backpack at all?
There are many reasons why a dog backpack is extremely useful. Even if your dog does not know its own limits and therefore a little training is necessary to get your dog used to the new dog carrier backpack. Because if these limits are exceeded, this can lead to serious health problems in the short, medium or long term.
For example, as a rule of thumb, puppies should walk 1 minute per week age. Much too little for a walk. Also, only full-grown and healthy dogs are supposed to run when riding a bike. Also, health conditions, such as a heart defect, may mean you have to take it easy on your dog. And if you’re traveling by train, a little relaxation is definitely nice, too. By the way, you are often allowed to take your dog with you on buses & trains free of charge, as long as you carry it in your backpack.
Get dog used to the dog carrier backpack
We realize that a dog backpack can seem scary or uncomfortable for puppies and adult dogs who have never seen a dog backpack or dog bag before. However, with a little preparation and (lots of) practice, most dogs will love relaxing in the backpack. They can be everywhere, watching everything or taking a restful nap.
This is how easy it is to get your dog used to the backpack! Depending on whether your dog already knows clicker training, you can adapt the training accordingly.
1. Get familiar with the backpack
Your dog must first become familiar with his new backpack. Let him sniff it and give him time to get to know the new object and process everything. Only then should you think about letting your dog run into the backpack. It is not uncommon for dogs to be skeptical or fearful of new, different looking and strange smelling things.
2. Walk into the backpack
Open your dog carrier backpack and position it so that your dog can walk into it by itself. The PeakStone Backpack and similar models can be opened particularly wide and placed horizontally or vertically. This allows you to get your dog used to the backpack in very small steps. You can lay the MountainRock Backpack flat on the floor so that your dog can walk into it. Lay a trail of treats so that your dog walks into the backpack. Start with small steps. If your dog is very fearful, you may want to start with more distance from the backpack. Never push your dog into the backpack. Put their favourite blanket or toy inside. This will help them feel comfortable in the backpack more quickly and accept it as a safe home.
3. Close the backpack
If you have the PeakStone Backpack (or a similar model), your dog should already be sitting or lying in the backpack.
With the MountainRock Backpack, you can proceed as follows: as soon as your dog voluntarily enters the backpack in a lying position, carefully stand it up and gently place your dog inside from above.
With all models, you can roll up and secure the windows. This allows your dog to look out in a relaxed manner and gives you the opportunity to reward them directly from the outside. Dogs that feel safe with the MountainRock Backpack can theoretically also climb in through the window on their own, provided this is done on command and not independently. However, as this is not suitable for every dog, it is better for some animals to continue to be placed in the backpack from above.
Now you can close the backpack. Important: Make sure that your dog’s fur and ears do not get caught in the zip.
Depending on the type of dog, it is advisable not to put the backpack on straight away at the beginning. On the contrary: it is best to open it again immediately after closing it briefly.
Make sure that your dog does not get out on its own, but waits for your signal. This way, you can gradually increase the time spent in the closed backpack. Dogs that feel safe with the backpack can theoretically also get in through the window on their own, provided this is done on command and not independently. However, this is not suitable for every dog. For some dogs, it is better to put them in the rucksack or let them walk in themselves. Is your dog sitting safely and relaxed in the backpack? Then you are ready for the next step.
4. Put on the backpack
Slowly place the backpack on your back. For the first training sessions, it is recommended to place the backpack on a table or other elevated object and to put it on your back from there. Alternatively, a second person can help you put the backpack on. Start with short walks and steadily increase the time spent in the backpack. In the long run, put the backpack on like a “normal” trekking backpack. First put it on the right bent knee. Grasp the handle with your left hand and the right shoulder strap with your right hand. Put the backpack on your back over your right shoulder. Of course, you can also place the backpack over the left shoulder. Reverse right and left accordingly.
A common mistake that we often see in Instagram Stories is that the treat is held in front of the dog’s nose from the outside. However, the treat is so far away that the dog has to stretch out to reach it. This way you train your dog to climb out of the backpack on his own and lean out. Because (only) in this way he reaches the treat and is also rewarded for his unwanted behavior.
Important: The training can take several days or weeks, depending on the dog. In exceptional cases even longer. Rather make small steps and pay attention to the right timing.
Secure your dog to the harness
We always recommend that you attach your dog to the harness in the backpack. However, this does not replace the training and is not suitable for carrying the weight of your dog permanently.
And do not forget: Tag us on your adventures! #tarigs