While most hounds can safely carry a pack, always consult with your vet before you purchase a pack if you are concerned about your dog carrying extra weight, particularly if it is a senior or has any health issues.
The weight any hound can carry varies from individual to individual and depends on factors such as your hound's age, breed, fitness, energy levels and health. While the average young, fit hound could carry up to 25% of its own weight, some will be able to carry more and others will need to carry much less. Even carrying an empty pack can have great mental health benefits for your hound.
It is advisable to start small and build up the weight of the pack as your hound becomes accustomed to carrying it and builds up fitness to carry heavier loads. If you have any questions about your hound's particular needs, please ask your vet.
Our packs allow your hound to work while adventuring. They can carry their toys, poop bags, water, treats or anything else you may need on the trail.
Remember, our Scout Pack is quick drying but is not water proof so best not have your hound carry your valuables/electronics, especially if they like to swim on adventures!
Make sure what ever you pack is not sharp or may cause discomfort to your hound.
Always remember balance the weight equally on both sides of the backpack for your hound's comfort, health and to stop the pack slipping to the side.
Water is a particularly great item for medium to large hounds to carry and you can adjust the amount of water you pack to build up to your hound's target carrying weight.
Slowly.
Any new gear may be strange for many hounds while others may take to it immediately.
Let your hound see, sniff and touch the gear while positively rewarding them according to your training style.
Once your hound is properly interested, get them used to wearing it for short periods, starting at home and slowly venturing further. Be sure to positively reward with feeding, praise or treats according to your training style. You want to associate the gear with good things.
Again, slowly.
A new pack may be strange for many hounds while others may take to it immediately.
Let your hound see, sniff and touch the pack while positively rewarding them according to your training style.
Once your hound is properly interested, get them used to wearing it without any weight. Do this a number of times for short periods, starting at home and slowly venturing further. Be sure to positively reward with feeding, praise or treats according to your training style. You want to associate the pack with good things.
Once this is going well, you can start to increase the weight you allow your hound to carry in the pack. Small increments are important for your hounds health and comfort.
Your hound will need time to build up fitness and strength for carrying additional weight. A good rule of thumb is that 15-minute's walking with a weighted pack is equal to a 30-minute walking without, so bear in this mind and start with shorter adventures while your hound gets stronger and builds the muscles to carry. You can build up to longer adventures.
If at any stage you are concerned about your hound's wellbeing, you should remove the pack and consult your vet.
Do not wash your Scout Pack or Cape Coat in a washing machine or dry it in a dryer.
You can spot clean your pack or coat using lukewarm (not hot) water and a soft sponge or brush, so you don't harm the protective coatings.
For stubborn marks/dirt use a tech wash and avoid harsh soaps.
Hang your pack or coat to dry in the shade or indoors, but avoid direct sunlight.
