Re: [PyrNet-L] Indiana Pyr

[Rodney Brandt <rlbrandt@concentric.net>]

Hi!
Thanks for the advice. Our Newfoundland has a cart and backpacks that she
doesn't use anymore as we try to take it easy on her hips. We put the backpack
on Napoleon last night, empty of course, to see what he would do. We had let him
smell them inside and out first, laid it on his back without the straps, etc.
(Reminded me of breaking ponies when I was a girl!) Anyhow, after everyone told
him how good he was, etc. I put the pack on with the straps to see how he would
do. He literally fell over into my lap as I sat on the floor next to him. He was
so shocked at the feel of the straps on his stomach that he didn't know what to
do with himself. I had him stand, reassured him and then after about five
minutes, we took it all off and let it lay on the floor for him to sniff all
over again. I think I will continue this process until the pack feels less
strange to him and he learns the command 'Stand' which is how we taught our Newf
keep still for straps, etc. Later, he can take on a light load but I don't want
him to 'freak' on me and then develop a negative attitude about it all. If you
think I'm way off, please let me know! I understand my Newfoundland very well
and we are really in sync. I am hoping to get to know this fella just as well in
time.
Candace Brandt

Warrick Wilson wrote:

> Hi,
>
> The dog-play.com web site at http://www.dog-play.com has a page on hiking
> and backpacking at http://www.dog-play.com/hike.html
>
> You can also get some carting information at our page below.  The best thing
> would be to let your dog get used to wearing the packs around the house at
> first, and then gradually try some short walks with the packs on, and work
> up to extended walks and using the packs on hikes.  You will need to read
> your dog very carefully, and always make sure to take things as gradually as
> your dog wants.  Some dogs take naturally to it, as if they say "Well, you
> finally figured out what I'm supposed to do!", and other dogs want to run
> screaming from the contraption in your hand.  The problem is that if you
> push a dog too far too quickly, you have a TREMENDOUSLY hard time reversing
> that damage and winning the trust back.  So err on the side of too little
> and take more time to ensure that things go smoothly.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Warrick
>
> Colette and Warrick Wilson
> Carting with Your Dog
> mailto:warrickw@bond.net
> http://www.bond.net/~warrickw/carting.html
>
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