Small Dog Backpack Review - Do Not Buy a Doggie Backpack Before Reading This

As you probably already know, if you take canine friends along for a hike you have to take all your stuff... and all your dog's supplies too (food, water, waste bags, maybe a toy).

In my family, I believe in everyone pulling their own weight.

So, when we go camping or hiking, everyone has their own pack. Even Buster and Molly.

I'm not going to tell you what breed of dog Buster or Molly is, because I do not want to turn this review into a breed-specific hub (which is usually what happens, if you mention a particular breed).

The small dog backpacks I'm going to be talking about will work with any breed.

Let's just say that Molly is about 9 pounds and Buster is about 18 pounds.

So, when we went shopping for a small dog backpack for each of them, we had to keep in mind that "small" can vary from dog to dog.

After a lot of research, reading reviews, and calling small dog backpack manufacturers, we finally decided on two different brands:

List Price:  $34.99

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For Molly, we chose the Kyjen Outward Hound Urban Adventure Small Dog Backpack.

Since Molly weighed less than 10 pounds, we ordered the X-Small Dog Backpack first.

After taking a look at it, and then trying it on Molly, we decided that it would have to go back. The pack fit her well enough, but the pack was just not big enough to carry anything but a cell-phone and maybe a chew toy... and Molly didn't need either on a hike.

So, we sent it back and ordered the "Small" Dog Backpack.

This time, the straps were loose at first, but a quick adjustment and the small dog backpack fit Molly like a glove. This pack could carry a water bottle and some food. The pack also had Velcro straps for waste baggies.

So, if you have a dog that is close to 10 pounds, you should go for the size "Small" dog backpack, instead of the "X-Small".

When reading the reviews at Amazon, it's apparent that most of the people who gave it a low star rating did not choose a size before clicking "Add to Shopping Cart". Don't make that mistake. If you get the right size, you will be very happy with this small dog backpack.

List Price:  $50.00

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For Buster, we chose the Mountainsmith "Small" Dog Backpack.

This was an excellent choice, considering that Buster is a slightly larger dog (about 20 pounds) and could carry a little more.

Buster's small dog backpack could easily carry two small water bottles, more food, and a small first-aid kit. This was perfect.

The fleece lined straps on the Mountainsmith assured that Buster was comfortable carrying this much weight. After we gradually got Buster accustomed to the weight, he didn't seem to even notice it was on.

I also think the reflective trim on this pack is great. Although I've never had to use the reflective trim to locate Buster, and we don't hike near a road, it's a nice feature that I'm sure some will like.

All in all, the Mountainsmith small dog backpack is well-built and perfect for dogs a little larger (in the 20 or more pounds category). Again, it's important to make sure you click on the size you want BEFORE clicking on the "Add to Shopping Cart Link". Otherwise, you may get the wrong size for your dog.

Many dog owners make the mistake of putting a pack on their dog for the first time only minutes before a hike, loading it up with stuff, and then expecting the dog to be comfortable happy.

The important thing to remember when using your small dog backpack for the first time is that your dog will probably not want to wear it.

This is natural. So, some patience is required here. It's a little bit like "breaking" a horse for the first time.

Give your dog a few days (at least) of practice first. Here's how:

The first day, put the pack on your dog without the tightening the straps too much. They should be tight enough that your pet cannot get it off, but not as tight as it would need to be if had to bear weight. It will certainly help to praise your dog for wearing it. Lots of loving attention helps. Leave it on for a few hours and then take it off.

The second day should be a repeat of the first, but put the small dog backpack on a little tighter this time. Keep the straps loose enough for 3 fingers to slide under the straps easily. However, you should be able to pull down on the pockets a little without the backpack sliding around too much.

The third day should be a repeat of the second day, except this time, the small dog backpack will have some weight in it. Try a couple of water bottles (half filled) or some kibble (in a ziplock bag).

The fourth day should be the same as the third day, but this day will be a full weight day. The small dog backpack should be left on for about an hour this time. This is to get your pet accustomed to the weight.

That's it! Your best friend should be ready for a hike with a full pack. If you think that a fifth day is necessary, feel free to leave the full pack on longer on that day.

It goes without saying that the more you practice with either small dog back, the happier your dog will be on the hike. So practice makes perfect. If you walk your dog on a leash, it may help to make wearing the small dog backpack part of the ritual.

Good luck!