There may be times where you have to carry your dog while you go hiking, walking or even on a bike ride. This can start off as a problem since it will be difficult to literally pick the dog up and carry them. When they wriggle around or are heavy it can quickly become a nightmare. Even lifting a 13kg dog will put a strain on your back after a few minutes, so how do you carry your dog whilst walking?

There are several approaches to carrying your dog whilst walking. You could get a dog walking bag such as a K9 Sports Sack designed for such adventures, but you could also try making your own sling or attempting to piggyback the dog. Whatever you do, though, ensure you pick up the dog properly, so you don’t hurt your furry friend.

How Do You Carry Your Dog Whilst Walking?

If your dog is sick, old or very small, going into the mountains or other type of harsh terrain can be torture. Although your pooch may love exploring the great outdoors, they may not be able to handle rockiness, steep hills or extreme distances. So, you’re going to have to come up with a way to make it easier on you both and you will need some kind of dog bag for walking.

Are Dog Backpacks Safe for Carrying Your Dog While Walking?

One of the most popular ways to carry your dog while walking is by using a dog walking backpack. Many dog owners attest to their safety, effectiveness and convenience. There are many on the market for you to explore but one of the best-selling models out there is the K9 Sport Sack Air Plus 2.

Snug Fit & Practical Design

A K9 dog walking bag is great for dogs because its design and engineering is all about comfort, safety and proper fit. The K9 Sport Sack Air Plus 2 has a nice wide base to accommodate your dog’s tail. It also has back cinch straps and an adjustable side that helps to ensure a snug fit. The adjustable collar enclosure keeps your pup safe and secure.

What Features do the K9 Dog Walking Bags Have?

There are also other fantastic features like a padded back panel, relieving shoulder straps and zipper security loops. These attach to your dog to keep it stable and sturdy while inside the backpack. This makes a great go-to solution for you and your dog’s outdoor adventures and exploring the world together.

Choosing a Dog Walking Backpack

Regardless of whichever brand of dog walking backpack you choose, there are some features you should ensure the backpack has. First and foremost, it should be durable, comfortable and have some pockets for storage. Then, there should be some sort of built-in support along with mechanisms for safety. These kinds of things will prevent the dog from falling or moving about too much during any hikes or other activities you do together.

Are There Any Limitations or Downsides to Using A Dog Walking Backpack?

There are a few limits to using a dog walking backpack that you should be aware of. First, understand that not all dogs are going to like being in the backpack and others will tolerate it for only a short period of time.

Some Dogs Won’t Like It

While there may be some pups that will have no problems being in it, some dogs will squirm, bark and bite while inside the backpack. This means it will be a matter of trial and error to see how well your dog fares. The most important thing is to take time when trying to get them into any dog walking bag. You should use persuasion techniques such as treats, show them it is a friendly place to be, also be patient and don’t try it just before running out the door on a holiday. There are also some excellent YouTube videos on how to get your dog used to the backpack. Patience is a must.

Not All Dogs Will Fit

Additionally, not all sizes of dogs will fit in even the largest models available. In the case of the K9 Sport Sack Air Plus, the maximum size of dog the backpack is capable of carrying is 20 to 23 inches long and up to 31 inches in girth. You’ll be able to put something like a Chihuahua or Poodle in it, however, the largest dog you’ll be able to carry is typically a French Bull Dog, Beagle or Sheltie. You won’t be able to put your Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler or Mastiff in it. For larger dogs, you should explore the K9 Sport Sack Rover 2..You will be very impressed with this backpack!

What Other Ways Can You Carry Your Dog While Walking?

It may seem an odd question but there are several reasons you will need to pick up and carry a dog and it isn’t always to put them in a backpack to go hiking! Have you ever tried to scoop up your dog to put them in a bathtub, place them outside in the garden or on the bed if they are injured or just lazy?

If a backpack is out of the question and hiking is not on the agenda, you can try a few other things to carry your dog when needed. The first thing you want to observe is safety when you pick up your dog, no matter what its size.

How to Pick Up a Dog

Of course, the size of your dog and any physical ailments it has will be a determining factor in how you pick it up. If you think is this going to be a frequent thing, it may be a good idea to create a command that signals to the dog you’re going to pick it up.

This is invaluable for dogs who are afraid of heights or ones that don’t like you picking it up. Another thing to keep in mind is, when you do plan to pick your dog up, make sure your grip and hold on the dog is secure, but not squeezing. You should have a firm, stable brace on it before you begin lifting.

• Small Dogs: Place your dog between your dominant arm and your body in such a way so that it’s under the dog’s chest between the front paws. Then, wrap the other arm around the belly near the rear.
• Large Dogs: Put one arm behind the back legs while placing the other around the chest. Make sure it stays close to your body and put the dog down the moment it squirms or wiggles around to avoid injury.
• Biting Dogs: Place a muzzle on your dog if it bites when you pick it up, especially if it’s an urgent situation. You can slowly train your dog to get accustomed to this activity. The moment you hear growling, or it starts fighting, put the dog down. You know your own dog best, so signs will be much easier for you to pick up on.

How to Use a Towel to Pick Up a Dog

One way to pick up a dog without lifting it, whether due to urgency or because you have a gentle giant, is by turning a towel or yoga mat into a sling. Fold it in half lengthwise twice and then put it under your pup’s stomach but near the rear hindquarters.

Get on the ground and bend your knees so as to avoid injury. Once secure around the dog's girth, lift the towel or mat at both ends. This is best executed if the dog is lying down. If you have enough length at the end of the towel or mat, you can brace the contraption around you, so your dog is up next to your body.

How to Carry a Puppy

Putting your puppy in a carrier is a great way to carry them whilst protecting them from the elements at such a young age.

A puppy carrier will provide an opportunity for them to see the world at a young age. Puppies come in all shapes and sizes but many of the small and medium sized puppies can be carried quite easily in a snuggle bag which you can carry using one shoulder or carefully to the side of you similar to a weekend bag obviously with an area for their head to pop out of.

You can find more information on carrying a puppy and how to socialize them here at pet-carrier.com.

Conclusion

One of the best and safest ways you can carry your dog while walking is by getting a backpack like the K9 Sport Sack. It’s comfortable, designed for carrying your dog and convenient. You can use it for leisure or emergency situations. Remember there are a range of K9 dog walking bags available including the Trainer as a basic bag, the K9 Air 2, the K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 which has an additional attached pouch for your accessories, the K9 Urban for city venturing, and the Knavigate and Rover 2 for the ultimate dog walking bag.