Guest guest Posted December 6, 2009 Report Share Posted December 6, 2009 > > I guess the big question here would be why? I don’t really see a need for backpacks due to us having so many other exercise choices. Furthermore I’m not real sure if it would help. I don’t really know many dogs besides maybe the occasional service dog or the hiking dog that would need this type of exercise/ conditioning, it's not specific to any real life movments (SAID prinible). Also in my experience rehabbing ortho patients many tend to already have some low back/ lower core pain from compensation from their initial injury. It’s never been an exercise that I have felt that would be useful in the 12 years I have done this… > Robby >  J Porter III, VT, LMT, CCRP > Animal Rehabilitation Center > Mandeville, LA > 70448 > > > > > > ________________________________ > > To: VetRehab > Sent: Fri, December 4, 2009 1:40:40 PM > Subject: backpacks > >  > Hello group, > I have a question about using backpacks to add weight during walking or jogging. A colleague of mine has always advised against it and thinks it puts unnecessary extra stress on dogs' backs and joints. Please share your thoughts/experience with using backpacks during doggy exercise programs. > > Thanks for you input, > > Rawson, DVM, ACVS > Interesting question, ....one that a client approached me about just yesterday. My thought....and, yes, this could depend on the circumstance with a service dog...is that I work very hard to get owners to comply with keeping a dog in a fit body condition. Part of what we discuss is that the added weight is a problem for the joints. I would hate to be the one to put backpack weights on the finally-a-good-BCS-Labrador and have him tear a cruciate! And as the hip bone is connected to the knee bone (or however that song goes), not thinking it a good idea. For what its worth, my personal trainer does not approve of any weights being used during walking/jogging/etc....only for use in specific exercises...then unstrap them before other activities. She cited the weight shifting and stress to joints and spine as well. Riner Ensley, DVM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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