Most dogs will not object to a pack any more than to a collar. Don't, however, try putting the pack on your dog for the first time when you're at the trailhead beginning a six-day hike. Let her try out the empty pack at home, then on her normal walk, or a short day-hike. If your dog associates her pack with walks, she will doubtless be excited to wear it. But, if she objects violently to the pack, (I've seen dogs chew through the straps), you'll have to go a bit slower.

The Mountainsmith pack I use on Emma has to go over the head, but the one I use for Maggie fastens around the chest, making it easier to put on a dog that objects initially to the pack. I'm not against rewarding dogs with treats, and a bit of food that has to be obtained by placing the head through the pack often does wonders. (This also works well for introducing your dog to halters.)

Inspect your dog at least twice daily for sores caused by the pack. Poor fit, uneven balance, or improper strap tension (too tight or too loose) can cause abrasions. If a sore is developing, treat the sore and pad the area underneath the strap with something soft. Old pieces of synthetic fleece, like Synchilla, work well for this. If you let abrasion progress, you could be carrying your dog's pack as well as your own.

Many dogs enjoy lying down in streams or going for a spontaneous swim. Moreover, the low height of a dog puts his pack close to, or in the water when crossing streams. It is best to put items going in the pack inside two heavyweight plastic bags. If your dog likes to roll in vile, foul-smelling dead things, anything in the pack will be subject to this smell. These things usually make well-worn polypropylene smell like a bed of roses. Also, your dog might be sleeping in the tent—so be forewarned.