Review on Quick Release Dog Backpack by Outward Hound Kyjen by Jackie Shallenberger

I was a little confused at first about which size to go, but I'm glad I went small over medium. My dog is 26 pounds but has a 22" bust so is technically classified as medium, but he is quite a short guy (25" long x 16" tall) so the small size is actually perfect for him. Fits: The small backpack ends in the middle of his back (about 9 inches from his neck) so it doesn't add much weight for those special moments when he likes to leave me gifts. And that leaves enough room for his bait and tackle to jingle. He's a hairy guy so I'm glad they added round pads to protect his hair from buckles and of course from rubbing. It was ridiculously easy to adapt. I thought my dog would be nervous and move around a lot, but the adjustment was so quick and easy it only took a minute before he was ready to walk out the door. Despite other reviews, I had no trouble shifting. I hold him tight, but not too tight where it interferes with his breathing. We take long walks around the neighborhood and although he hobbles as he walks, he manages to stay centered in his spine. every side. While it's great for most, it doesn't leave much room for anything else. I wish they had added a little more depth to the bag so I can store a few bags of poo and some goodies. Although there are some stretchable mesh pockets on the outside, I find them inadequate as they are too loose/too stretchy to hold on to. Rating: 4.5 Quality: The backpack looks quite robust. I've noticed that some people have commented on the plastic buckles, but I think they're enough for walking around town. Despite my dog rubbing against concrete curbs, paths and a few stumps, everything has held up perfectly. I feel if they were used in a rockier/hillier environment they wouldn't stand up to scratches and dents. Rating: 5.0 Functionality / Use: I think the backpack is very well made. It definitely slowed my energetic dog down to a more reasonable walking speed. However, it didn't drain him as much energy as I had hoped. Maybe I'll add some heavier dumbbells to this guy: Maybe I'll add sandbag weights from my strength vest to his backpack! Overall: 5.0.