Pack Dogs

[stoneguide]

Not wanting to hi jack blackfords thread so here is my question. I know some guys here have used pack dogs before. I was wondering what breed of dog most guys use or what breed is considered the best for packing?
Any help would be great. Thanks
SG

[kootenayelkslayer]

I've worked with a lab/hound cross that did well. But I think you'll find there won't be any one breed that is best, but rather look for a dog with a bunch of important attributes. Tough feet is a big one, good sized build, strong, obedient... just to name a few.

[leadpillproductions]

I will be takin my lab this aug, she will carry her own food and little of mine (cookstove fuel) .

[BromBones]

My dog has put a couple hundred miles on packing gear for me on different hunts/hiking trips. He's an 80lb rottweiler/mastiff cross. I don't think the breed is as important as using a dog that is well trained in basic commands and obedient.

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/Huntin%20stuff/the%20dog/pack1.jpg

I know guys who use labs, huskies, akitas, rotties, etc., I don't think any one is better than the next. You have to get the dog in good shape and use to the pack. Also, feet are important - you have to toughen them up by taking the dog hiking in rough terrain before a hunt, or you'll have a lame pup 2 or 3 days into the trip if you're up in the rocks.

Short haired breeds are more sensitive to being rubbed from pack straps than long hairs, and don't handle cold weather as well. I use one of those neoprene vests for my dog when we're on the trapline in the winter, and throw his pack over that. Works well.

You also have to think about the size of the dog. A big dog can pack more, but he'll need more food and more water to keep him going. I think a medium sized dog (say 60-80 lbs) in top shape is optimum for the amount of work you get out of them versus the amount of food and water consumed.

I'm still learning on packing with the dog, but I enjoy it and I don't think you can top having a good dog along for a hunting partner.

[stoneguide]

Thanks for the info guys!
BromBones can I ask where you got your pack?
SG

[BromBones]

www.wolfpacks.com (http://www.wolfpacks.com)

Company based out of Oregon. Good sturdy pack, fits well, and still looks new other than faded colors. Not waterproof, but you can buy a raincover for a medium sized daypack and it'll fit nice.

One of the biggest reasons I chose it was the fact that it didn't use a strap behind the front legs, which apparently is a bad spot for rubbing, especially on a short haired breed.

[stoneguide]

www.wolfpacks.com (http://www.wolfpacks.com)

Company based out of Oregon. Good sturdy pack, fits well, and still looks new other than faded colors. Not waterproof, but you can buy a raincover for a medium sized daypack and it'll fit nice.

One of the biggest reasons I chose it was the fact that it didn't use a strap behind the front legs, which apparently is a bad spot for rubbing, especially on a short haired breed.

Cool thanks man! Looking forward to getting into this. The family wants a yellow Lab so thats probably the way I will go.
Thanks for your help.
SG

[yukon john]

talk to 325wsm he knows pack dogs like nobody else

[stoneguide]

thanks John!

[leadpillproductions]

i was looking at these they look good
http://www.ezydog.com/fxstore/product/774/Summit-Backpack.aspx

[325 wsm]

talk to 325wsm he knows pack dogs like nobody else

well I must have fooled someone somewhere....
I did get extremely lucky with 1 dog
Here are some key points I would look for.
A breed that doesn't bark (and scare game away)
Big enough to pack 30lbs anywhere
Small enough to sit beside you in the back seat of a Supercub
A confident dog
Fur long enough to keep you warm at night when you don't make it back to the tent
A dog that won't stray (Akita's are bad for that)
Quite a few of the better dogs I have seen have been retrievers\labs but I think that crossing one with a husky or malemute would work great.

Most importantly of all is not the dog but the owner. You need to spend countless hours with your dog everywhere you go. Get it used to animals(domestic and wild ) without scaring them away and used to guns going off.Also take in the great pointers other people have already posted on this thread,
good luck....325 wsm

[stoneguide]

well I must have fooled someone somewhere....
I did get extremely lucky with 1 dog
Here are some key points I would look for.
A breed that doesn't bark (and scare game away)
Big enough to pack 30lbs anywhere
Small enough to sit beside you in the back seat of a Supercub
A confident dog
Fur long enough to keep you warm at night when you don't make it back to the tent
A dog that won't stray (Akita's are bad for that)
Quite a few of the better dogs I have seen have been retrievers\labs but I think that crossing one with a husky or malemute would work great.

Most importantly of all is not the dog but the owner. You need to spend countless hours with your dog everywhere you go. Get it used to animals(domestic and wild ) without scaring them away and used to guns going off.Also take in the great pointers other people have already posted on this thread,
good luck....325 wsm

Thanks 325wsm! I appreciate the help and everyones suggestions.
Hope to hear more.
SG

[KB90]

Hey Stone Guide, I don't have one yet, but when I'm done school I will be getting one. (A member on HBC has one pm me if you'd like)

They are worth a look. Big dog, video refers to them as a poor mans horse.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Heres a video about them. http://animal.discovery.com/videos/breed-all-about-it-greater-swiss-mountain-dog.html
Picture: http://www.breederretriever.com/photopost/data/704/medium/greater_swiss.JPG

I can't wait! Should be able to pack lots of my stuff :)


Cheers Kyle

[hunter7413]

try wilderness wanderer i have 3 pack dog and they make a great pack and they are made in kamloops

[Mishka]

Here's a pic of my younger one, he's a rottie/husky cross. I picked up this pack pretty cheap just to see how he would take to it. It doesn't seem to bother him at all. He's about 100lbs and can carry quite a bit. I grew up with malamutes and huskies so I wasn't sure about the rottie in him when I adopted him. I now have to say that the rottie characteristics is what makes him so wonderful. When it's time, I'll definitely be looking for a similar cross breed.


http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/DawsonYukon/IMG_1025.jpg

[Maxx]

Hey Stone Guide, I don't have one yet, but when I'm done school I will be getting one. (A member on HBC has one pm me if you'd like)

They are worth a look. Big dog, video refers to them as a poor mans horse.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Heres a video about them. http://animal.discovery.com/videos/breed-all-about-it-greater-swiss-mountain-dog.html
Picture: http://www.breederretriever.com/photopost/data/704/medium/greater_swiss.JPG

I can't wait! Should be able to pack lots of my stuff :)


Cheers Kyle


Some nice dogs posted here, Brom Bones I really like the looks of your dog.

I have a smaller dog that packs with me, she is an Entlebucher, which is the smallest of the swiss mountain dogs. She is 45 pounds, agile, has tough feet and is stays close to me. As stated, good basic training is a must. She carry's her own food, plus a little more. She obviously cannot pack even close to what the larger dogs can.

good luck

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz333/altai1977/DSC02581.jpg

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz333/altai1977/DSC04548.jpg

[Kody94]

Hey Stone Guide, I don't have one yet, but when I'm done school I will be getting one. (A member on HBC has one pm me if you'd like)

They are worth a look. Big dog, video refers to them as a poor mans horse.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Heres a video about them. http://animal.discovery.com/videos/breed-all-about-it-greater-swiss-mountain-dog.html
Picture: http://www.breederretriever.com/photopost/data/704/medium/greater_swiss.JPG

I can't wait! Should be able to pack lots of my stuff


Cheers Kyle


That breed should definitely be able to pack a load!! Would be interested to know if they handle the heat well, but with that coat I expect they'd be just fine.

[Kody94]

well I must have fooled someone somewhere....
I did get extremely lucky with 1 dog
Here are some key points I would look for.
A breed that doesn't bark (and scare game away)
Big enough to pack 30lbs anywhere
Small enough to sit beside you in the back seat of a Supercub
A confident dog
Fur long enough to keep you warm at night when you don't make it back to the tent
A dog that won't stray (Akita's are bad for that)
Quite a few of the better dogs I have seen have been retrievers\labs but I think that crossing one with a husky or malemute would work great.

Most importantly of all is not the dog but the owner. You need to spend countless hours with your dog everywhere you go. Get it used to animals(domestic and wild ) without scaring them away and used to guns going off.Also take in the great pointers other people have already posted on this thread,
good luck....325 wsm

325WSM: You pretty much have it nailed there, IMHO.

Stoneguide: My old pack dog was a big male chocolate lab (105lbs when at his "fighting weight"). He did pretty darn good. Here are a few pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Kody/Kody_1995_crop_autocorrect.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Backpacking/redtail3a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Backpacking/redtail2a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Backpacking/1999_10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Backpacking/wigwam1.jpg

[stoneguide]

Great pics kody94!!! Thats what im looking forward to. May be picking up a male yellow lab in the next couple days so my work will be starting. Just had to put my old dog of 11 years down right before Xmas so its been a couple years since ive done any training so it could be fun for they dog and I.
Thanks guys. Ill try and post some pics as we go.
One question... can i start the packing before he is fully grow(getting a pup)? Or should I wait till he fully develops.
SG

[Kody94]

Great pics kody!!! Thats what im looking forward to. May be picking up a male yellow lab in the next couple days so my work will be starting. Just had to put my old dog of 11 years down right before Xmas so its been a couple years since ive done any training so it could be fun for they dog and I.
Thanks guys. Ill try and post some pics as we go.
One question... can i start the packing before he is fully grow(getting a pup)? Or should I wait till he fully develops.
SG

Don't put any significant weight on him until he fully develops (12 months at least, while the period of most rapid growth is still occuring), but depending on your pack (some will have more adjustment than others, so you don't have to wait until they are full grown to buy it) you can start him/her pretty early and just fill the pack with towels so that they get used to having it on, and learn to walk around stuff instead of bumping into it! (like the back of your leg for instance..lol)

[stoneguide]

Awesome thanks again. Looking forward to the adventure. Im sure ill have more questions as we go.
Darcy

[Kody94]

Since you got me started, here are a few more of my favorite pics of my old K9 companion...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Kody/Chris_Kody_StoneSheep_1999_resize3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Kody/1999_Sheep_Kody5_crop2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Kody/Kody_forsythe_resize.jpg

[stoneguide]

Great pics. Thanks for sharing them!

[BromBones]

Was hopin SSSSter would chime in with a few pics. Those are awesome.:-D

Couple more of mine from the past season -

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/klappan07.jpg

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/ozz1.jpg

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/ozz2.jpg

[Maxx]

Lots of fantastic pictures Kody and BBones, those must bring back great memories!

[one-shot-wonder]

I got a pack for my Chessie for christmas and even though he is only 9 months old (70 pounds) I still took him up the mountain behind the house today to get a feel for the pack and he did great (besides needing to learn his new boundaries).

His demeanor seemed to change from an excited pup roaming around retrieving sticks and what not, to a work attitude who stayed on the trail but seemed to enjoy himself nonetheless. I will keep him loaded light (1 water bottle for now) while he is still a pup but come this summer we will see how he can perform in anticipation for the coming fall!

Good thread guys, love the pics!

[GoatGuy]

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/10077kaza.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/dogtired.jpg

She's the runt. 60 lbs max, can fit on the floor in a vehicle stuffed in the back of the plane. Packs her food and a few extras, makes for a great bear alarm and watchdog when meat is down. Comes hunting for everything except wt's.

[Kody94]

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/10077kaza.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/dogtired.jpg
LOL I love it!! One thing packdogs have in common with sleddogs....as soon as you stop, they sleep!!

[MattB]

Nice pics guys! What % of a dogs body weight can they pack max? My dog will be coming to the bush everyday with me so he's going to be in great shape. I'm just wondering what the most weight an 80lb lab/chesapeake could pack if it had to. Don't worry, I won't be throwing max loads on him. I'm gonna start him off light and gradually work into heavier and heavier loads.

[Kody94]

Nice pics guys! What % of a dogs body weight can they pack max? My dog will be coming to the bush everyday with me so he's going to be in great shape. I'm just wondering what the most weight an 80lb lab/chesapeake could pack if it had to. Don't worry, I won't be throwing max loads on him. I'm gonna start him off light and gradually work into heavier and heavier loads.

30 to 35% is a good rule of thumb for MAX weight. You will want to work up to that fairly slowly though. Some dogs are just going to be able to carry more than others, so keep an eye on them.

I normally kept my 105 lb male lab's pack around 25 lbs, but he would pack 30 lbs all day when necessary. The heaviest pack I ever weighed of his was 37 lbs...coming out of Connor's Lake, 13 kms, with a goat hind quarter shoved in each pack bag, and a sleeping bag strapped to the top. He had no apparent trouble with it, but he was definitely working!

[325 wsm]

while using the 30 -35% rule of thumb also take into account the terrain. Steep downhills can be the toughest for a dog as all the weight goes on their front legs.

[Kody94]

while using the 30 -35% rule of thumb also take into account the terrain. Steep downhills can be the toughest for a dog as all the weight goes on their front legs.

True dat...excellent point. Steep downhills can be tough on them even without weight in their pack!

Not to mention the pack wanting to come forward on them.

[BromBones]

One of the hardest obstacles for a pack dog I found is crossing windfall when going down a steep hill. The dog will try to jump the log and can end up going for a tumble when they hit the low side, not to mention the stress on their front end if they manage to land it.

A few loops of rope tied across the pack works good for a handle to lift the dog over an obstacle, or hook the leash on to help hold the dog back when going down hill. Some packs come with a handle built in which is a smart option.

[325 wsm]

Couple pics of my old dog Benny
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st041.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st037.jpg http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/CharlotteIslandHunt05067.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st044.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st071.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st105.jpg

probably went on 100 or more hunts with me in the 12 yrs he came along with me.
feel free to post up these links if your more computer literate than me.

[Kody94]

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st041.jpg

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st037.jpg

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/CharlotteIslandHunt05067.jpg

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st044.jpg

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st071.jpg

[Kody94]

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st105.jpg


Great pics 325WSM! Thanks for sharing. That moose is unreal. Loved watching Benny in your video too, by the way.

[Kody94]

Since you guys are getting me all sentimental, here are a couple more of Kody...

http://www.accuratereloading.com/sdog.jpg

http://www.accuratereloading.com/sdog2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Kody/redtail4a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Staggerino/Kody/Kodytouque.jpg

[MattB]

Thanks for the info guys! Nice pictures guys, the live dall and dead stone are awesome!

[325 wsm]

Cool...awesome ram in the 1st pic Kody...hopefully some others will post some pack dog pics

[GoatGuy]

Bear we had had quite a few problems with. Used to dog to push it out of the way to keep things safe on the way out. Funny to watch on the big screen with her pack bags flapping in the wind. One our way out the bear came back a bit, stopped at 40 yards and bedded down.

Buddy would have had a good picture as it was following us but it woofed at him and all he got was a streak across the sky. :mrgreen:

The sound kinda effed up.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4dXOrLnQhI

[Kody94]

She definitely put the run on that bear! Neat vid!

[Maxx]

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz333/altai1977/DSC02065.jpg

Here is a few more of mine, getting her sniff on this bou.



http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz333/altai1977/DSC02579.jpg


My partner decided to have a nap, so did my dog...

GG - nice run on that bear.

My dog got beat up pretty bad by a group of coyotes here at the house just before xmas, took 100 stitches to close her up. It sucks to see any pet in that condition, but she is healing now. Can't wait to see the next coyote....

[BromBones]

Some pretty awesome pics here. Good to see guys takin the old dogs along.

One or two more -


http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/stuff0049.jpg

One of my favorites, sundown at one of my bear huntin camps in the valley bottom -

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/stuff0528.jpg

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/klappan03.jpg

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/klappan10.jpg

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad344/ursusarctos/klappan05.jpg

[stoneguide]

Love the pics guys. Hope to see more!
SG

[stoneguide]

Well my new guy is here now. Picked him up a couple days ago. Cant wait till he grows and we can start packing and touring around. His name is Scout and is a big hit with the family after having to put the old dog down right before X-Mas.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN2524.JPG

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN2526.JPG

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN2527.JPG

[Kody94]

Well my new guy is here now. Picked him up a couple days ago. Cant wait till he grows and we can start packing and touring around. His name is Scout and is a big hit with the family after having to put the old dog down right before X-Mas.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN2524.JPG

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN2526.JPG

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/DSCN2527.JPG

Congrats on your new arrival! He's a cute one alright. Hope he turns into a big strapping workhorse buddy for ya too! I like his head already. Good and blocky.

Did you get him from a breeder?

[stoneguide]

No got him from a couple that just has a couple labs and has the occasional litter of pups.
SG

[Ponderosa]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/thumbs/Clints_iphone_100_edited-1.jpgthought I would throw in a pic of our new up an comming pack dog, can't wait till he grows up so he can start packing more than an empty pack! He is 6 1/2 months old in this picture and it was his first time with the pack on, by the time he grows up he should be an excellant hunting companion.love everyones pics of their dogs, I love having ours along with us when we are out in the bush.

[sir_brady]

Couple pics of my old dog Benny
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st041.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st037.jpg http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/CharlotteIslandHunt05067.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st044.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st071.jpg
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq293/mountaindog68/1st105.jpg

probably went on 100 or more hunts with me in the 12 yrs he came along with me.
feel free to post up these links if your more computer literate than me.

I loved watching your movie, and watching benny go and guard the sheep! definatly would love to get my dog trained to carry a pack, but she doesnt listen very well. also loves chasing deers. so i think other than maybe bear hunting she's useless. she's great for taking out hiking though. always stays about 20 feet in front of me and at every split in the trail she'll stop and look back for which fork to take.