Do you have a backpack for your dog?

1 

UGH!  Sorry about that, I was interrupted....

As I was saying... Monroe has a great pack that straps on like a harness and then the packs actually velcroe on with a safety clip.  When we take a break or he wants to take a dip in the stream we can take it off easily.  He has carried his own food, water and bowls when we go camping.

Morrison doesn't have one...yet.  I've been waiting for full growth so that I don't hurt him with any extra weight.  We have put the harness part of Monroe's on him, just to get used to it.

 Yes, but I don't like it. I am looking for a better one - just haven't put the money in to it yet

 2. No.  Maybe if we get more serious about hiking I will, but I'm not sure even then.  I'll end up tossing her stuff in MY backpack I'd imagine.

No.  We don't hike so I've never felt a need for one. Maybe I can train him to carry my purse.

Joyce

 Yup - have one for Mags, will eventually get one for Z.  I loooove Maggie's, but we don't use it a whole ton right now due to the heat; once it cools off again I think we'll start using it again more.  She generally carries trail snacks and any poop they leave in her pack.

I think backpacks are a bad idea if you have not had your dog fully checked out physically for demanding exercise.  Plus, there are other forms of exercise that don't put strain on backs and hips - even if a dog has no outward symptoms, you don't know whether he's dysplastic or not without having been x-rayed, nor do most people check their dogs for such things as slipped hocks, etc.  A tiny pack for keys, etc. is one thing, but the Cesar Millan idea of putting weight on the dog to tire it is not something that anyone should do without knowing for sure that the dog's musculature, skeletal and cardiovascular system can handle it.  Worse vet bills down the road if you ignore that.  Just as with people, check with the doc before beginning a strenuous exercise program. 

 I have one but we don't use it much it's too big.  I think it is from Outdoor products.  I put things like the neighborhood Christmas cards in it and we deliver them and he has carried water on summer walks.  B loves to wear his with a little weight in it he clearly thinks he's working.  And i don't worry about 5-10lbs in it as B is a HUGE strong dog

I think Monroe's is the Ruffwear pack I am considering getting one of those for B

And yes I think it is good to ensure your dog can carry it safely and I understand that 25% of their weight is max - you don't just sling that on you need to work them up to it if you really want to have them wear a loaded pack.

 I've considered it, but really I'd rather have a sled.  They can keep what they need in there. 

Yes for all 3. We use them all the time. 

Honor has one, which she seems to enjoy carrying (maybe she thinks it's like pulling a sled?).  I had to modify some of its strapping due to her stature, and she carries at most 10% of her body weight.  This usually consists of poop bags and treats.  

I've actually considered getting Nike a backpack, mainly because he seems more self-assured when he's wearing a harness.  I was wondering if a backpack might make him more confident on walks.  We'll see how it goes, I'll ask the vet if he's healthy for one at his appointment next month. 

 ollie's got one my mom made him.. it usually holds poop bags, and two small water bottles (one on either side... its more like saddlebags than a backpack)

3. gonna get one!

when I get my next BC, I'm going to invest in once. No free rides at my house!(LOL, ok, just for the little dogs and puppies)

If I were you, I'd wait. Not that it wouldn't be Ok for him to get used to it now, but you'd have to buy a new backpack every few months until he's fully grown, and that'd be quite a bit of money to put into doggie backpacks. Personaly, wait until he's about 9 or 10 months....he'd be a lot closer to his full size then.