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A dog backpack is worth buying. For around $80, there are several brands and styles. I went with the Ruff Wear backpack, but there are plenty of other brands out there to choose from. I like Ruff Wear’s gear because it seems to favor usefulness and durability over style. But I also liked the look of the pack, and my mutt doesn’t mind wearing it. It fits him comfortably and doesn’t slide around. The packs come in several sizes and have adjustable straps. Anyone with an active dog should buy a dog backpack. Here’s why:

1. Your dog will get more exercise.
A tired dog is a good dog. But let’s face it, how often are our dogs actually tired? Whether you go for an hour run or a 15-minute walk, you will get tired faster than your dog. If you want him to get rid of some extra energy, slip his backpack on him and add some weight to the pockets. I put cans of soup or books in the sides, but you could use anything. Bags of sand would work well. Just be careful not to add too much weight, especially in the beginning. Work up to more weight. My mutt weights about 60 pounds, and he probably carries about 6-10 pounds in his pack, depending on the intensity of our workout.

2. Your dog can carry his own stuff.
When you travel, it will be handy to load up all your dog’s stuff in his own bag. When I travel with my mutt, I put his food, toys, bowls and whatever else he needs in his backpack. It’s just less stuff for me to carry, and his stuff is all in one spot.

3. He can carry your stuff, too.
The Ruff Wear pack has plenty of room in the pockets for more stuff than my mutt can possibly need. So guess what? He is often stuck carrying some of my stuff or my cat’s stuff.

4. It makes a good water/beer carrier.
When you’re out on a run, but don’t want to carry water along, just put a bottle or two in your dog’s backpack. He won’t mind. Put a bowl in there and he can have a drink as well. This also works for carrying beer. If you fill the pack with ice, you might have one good beer bitch.

5. He can carry his own doggy bags.
I don’t know about your dog, but when I’m out on a long run with my mutt, he tends to stop and poop three or four times. There aren’t always trash cans or Dumpsters handy, and I don’t like to leave it behind. So, I pick it up, double or triple bag it, and have my mutt carry his own poop. This is kind of embarrassing if someone sees you, but it’s better than running with a poop bag in each hand.

6. Carrying a backpack gives your dog a job to do.
A lot of dogs need a purpose. Carrying his own pack will give your dog a job. Not only will it help eliminate extra physical energy, but it will also give him a mental challenge. This will also help to get rid of pent up energy.

7. He will not be as focused on pulling.
If your dog is focused on carrying his own pack, he will be less focused on pulling, being first and getting over excited about other dogs and people.

8. Your dog can go on more trips.
I like to bring my mutt on as many outdoors activities as possible. When I go camping or backpacking, he carries his own gear and then some. It really comes in handy to have him along, and he loves it.

9. It’s easier to see your dog.
The Ruff Wear pack has reflective strips on the side, so it’s easier for me to see my black dog in the dark. Since his pack is bright red, it would be easier for me or someone else to find him if he were to get lost in the woods. I also run at night with my dog, so it is an extra safety precaution having a reflective pack.

10. The backpack will last a long time.
The pack is very durable, and I expect it to last for Ace’s lifetime.

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