Puppy backpack: The Perfect Solution for On-the-Go Pet Parents
As a dog owner, you want to take your furry friend with you wherever you go, but sometimes that can be a challenge. Enter the puppy backpack – a stylish and practical way to keep your pup close and comfortable during your adventures. Whether you're hiking, traveling, or just running errands, a puppy backpack can make life easier for both you and your dog.
7/21/20243 min read
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Dogs need exercise!
But how much exercise does your dog need? And how much exercise is healthy for a puppy? Puppies are not as resilient as healthy adult dogs. Just like human children, their bones are still soft and the growth plates are not yet closed. It's better to plan one too many rest breaks than one too few!
In general, smaller dog breeds are fully grown earlier than large dog breeds. They can therefore be put under more strain earlier. Small dogs are often fully grown at around eight months. Medium-sized dog breeds need a year for this. Large dogs are not fully grown until they are one and a half years old and giant breeds even need two years before they are fully grown.
How long to walk your puppy
The bigger the puppy gets later on, the longer it should be spared. This is because overloading can lead to misalignment of the joints and increase the risk of joint diseases and back problems. The following rule of thumb has therefore been established: A puppy should walk for a maximum of five minutes at a time per month of life.
So when you take your puppy or young dog for a walk, the rule is: less is more! Take regular breaks and do small training sessions along the way. So that you can still make progress, a dog can relax in a puppy backpack. Nose work is ideal for keeping puppies occupied. The natural exercise makes your puppy tired without putting him under any physical strain. You can simply lay a trail of treats or hide them. But be careful: some dog breeds need to "learn" to take a break. A lack of rest can lead to stress and restlessness.
Hiking with puppies
Puppies need to be trained and encouraged. They should get to know the world. And not be overwhelmed in the process. Not that easy! What happens if they get tired on the way or during a hike?
Small dogs are fit enough at around one year of age to be able to go on longer walks with appropriate breaks. The older the dog gets, the more it should only go on short hikes.
A hike with a dog should be planned carefully. Whether hiking with a young, adult or old dog: take plenty of breaks and take enough food with you. Cover kilometers while your puppy enjoys the view! What's more, you always have your hands free and can easily negotiate difficult sections such as stairs.
Cycling with puppies
Puppies and young dogs up to one and a half years of age are not allowed to ride a bike at all. The same applies to dogs with joint and cardiovascular diseases, senior citizens and heavy dog breeds.
Very small dogs find it difficult to keep up the pace when cycling. Be aware that the risk of heatstroke is very high with these dogs. And some dog breeds are not at all suitable for running on a bike. These include bulldogs, for example. Ask your vet to be on the safe side. Of course, your dog's individual fitness and the weather also play a role.
In general, only adult, healthy and fit dogs are suitable for running on bikes. For all other dogs, you should definitely have a dog backpack, dog basket or dog trailer with you. Dog backpacks have the advantage that they do not need to be assembled. The backpack can also be used for rental bikes on vacation without any problems. Thanks to its large volume, it can also be used as luggage instead of a bag or suitcase. Unfortunately, only a dog trailer is suitable for large dogs.