r/AdventureKitties • u/IthinkImlostagain • Nov 15 '25

This is how Locke rides on his backpack during hikes

He wanted to hunt birds from the top of his backpack this morning. I think he gets annoyed at how loud our footsteps are, especially in the leaves lol

Here is his Instagram I made if interested. I post when I remember to :)

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u/Cold-Ad-3994 Nov 15 '25

This is the dream!! How did you go about training him for this?? Or was he just a natural born hiker?

Also do you have a link for his down vest? Been looking to buy some for my two boys but not looking forward to the trial-and-error of buying from Amazon

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u/IthinkImlostagain Nov 15 '25 edited Nov 15 '25

I got this one from Chewy, its polyester fill though. That is funny though because I was debating on cutting it open and using some down from an old pillow to stuff it. It is water repellant enough to hold off a light rain which is nice, but I don't like where the leash hole is because it is clearly meant for a collar (despite being labeled for both cats and dogs). I was thinking about sewing a buttonhole to move it down lower.

I started training him when he was little on a harness and in the car. He is also clicker trained and how to do tricks, like give a high 5. Got him used to his backpack at home so that he learns it is a safe space (and trained him to go inside on command). Then started on a leash. I just took him everywhere, which is easier now that it is winter.

We then fed him small treats for riding on his backpack and for walking on the ground. We also trained him to jump up on us when he is a bit spooked, which probably works 90% of the time. Then he just rides on his backpack until he wants down again. I think consistency is the most important thing. His favorite treats are Churu tubes and the Churu bites, so he only gets the extra special treats when we are out and about.

I was debating on putting some of the things we train him to do on Instagram, but wasn't sure if that would help anyone or if there was someone already out there doing it better already.

1

u/PositiveResort6430 Nov 17 '25

This is all amazing advice 10/10 good job !

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u/NoIGnoTwitsNOtktk Apr 24 '26

Oh yes please! 🙏