Crazy Daisy: He does really well with the pack. I started him very slow, just giving him treats when he acted curious about it. Once he was totally comfortable with it just laying around, I gradually got him used to wearing it.
A doghouse: I've heard that about beagles and their backs...hmmm, hopefully his mix of beagle and shepherd will help him avoid those genetics. Luckily he's a very strong and active boy. Incidentally, he has had x-rays before (trying to diagnose a stomach problem shortly after I adopted him) and my vet checked out his back very closely, being aware of the that tendency in beagles. Got the all clear to keep up the backpack work! If he ever had problems I'd have to find him a new job; he has a very unique personality, laid back and sweet like a hound, but he can be very focused and loves to work like a shepherd might. It's neat.