15 February 2018

Backpacking



Rick had a special delivery from Amazon this morning – a Canine Backpack Harness. I think the delivery lady was a bit fazed by his barking because she literally threw the parcel at Paul when he opened the door and then literally ran back to her van.  I guess she doesn't like dogs.

Paul takes Rick to doggy school every Tuesday and he excels - walking to heel, sitting, seek and find, double cartwheels and handstands.  (Rick is quite good at those tricks too!)  However, walking him around the estate is another matter.  Sometimes he behaves himself and doesn’t attack every car or bicycle in sight but he hates walking to heel.  He is a very strong dog and at the end of an hour’s walk I am exhausted by all his pulling. 

We have tried all types of different leashes but nothing seems to make much difference.  Bea, our dog trainer, has suggested we try the backpack harness.  The idea is that he will think he is working and carrying something and this will restrain his behaviour. 

Paul has just set off with him.  Rick has two full bottles of water in his backpack.  I have to admit I’m rather sceptical but it’s certainly worth a try.





15 comments:

  1. Whether it works or not he looks quite stylish in it.

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  2. Replies
    1. Early days but at least he can carry his own water bottle.

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  3. You'll need a bigger backpack than that if you expect Rick to carry the weekly grocery shopping back from Aldi.

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  4. Sally uses a halter harness that goes across the dog's nose and stops all pulling without hurting the dog at all. It just applies pressure on the nose which they don't like and the only way to stop it is to stop pulling . May take a while to stop him pulling without it on as he is an older dog but might be worth a try. I know walking with a dog that pulls you along is not fun. Let me know if you would like a link, I'm sure she bought hers on the Internet.

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    1. Yes I've seen those halter leads. Might have to try that next if the harness doesn't work.

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    2. I think you mean a Halti? I have one that I've used on dogs in the past, with varying success.

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  5. If the 2 bottles of water don't work, try wine.

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    1. Well yes! If it doesn't work I can just sit down and drink the wine.

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  6. He looks proud to wear it so I hope it works. Good luck.
    Greetings Maria x

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  7. What a good idea. Not something I've seen before, but he does look proud. You will be able to train him to fetch your gin, and a bit of shopping. Just give him the money wrapped up in your list and send him on his way ! It should work well, as long as you don't send him to the butcher's for sausages !

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