Small Dog Carriers??

[mulroony]

In preparation for our hopeful new rescue I have been thinking about how it would fit into our life. We do a lot of physical activities that I know to be out of the abilities of a small breed. (Hiking, running, etc) I was wondering if anyone here has tried/seen any of the dog carrier backpacks?? It seems like the best option for us (no all stroller can go over the terrain, nor keep up with us running) Any advice is appreciated.

pat

[Mufasas Mommy]

I have!! They are cute! I would see how they deal with being in it before you buy it. I've actually seen one girl with one that would ride her horse with her dog in a saddle bag before, quite unethical, but it works! I see no reason why a back pack sort of thing would work. But who knows!

[rmci]

wouldn't he/she bounce a lot?

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

I don't see how you could run and have the Yorkie comfortable (like RMCI said- bouncing!) unless it was in a stroller, and you mentioned that's not possible. Maybe it would be better to leave her home when you run and only take her hiking so you can use one of those backpack/front carriers? I've never heard of anyone that actually uses one of those, so I don't know what else to recommend. :-/

[calgal]

I don't know of any reason the Yorkie couldn't run and climb with you. After all they ARE "terriers" and that says a lot. Give it a try at least befor investing in a carrier.

[mulroony]

Thanks guys, I am thinking of a bag that has like a waist strap so it stays pretty solid against my back, and the dog is more sitting up w/ just her head sticking out I don't think the bouncing would be that bad.

Cal - When I say running I mean about 4 miles, pretty much non-stop, at about 7 minute miles. Shelby struggles to keep up as it is. We would allow her to hike, but again we go a few miles and I do not think she would be able to keep up the entire time.

[Carrie]

edit:
Oh, I read back...I see you said about 4 miles...hmmm, well running the whole way may be a little much for a tiny dog.

I hike just about every day....not so much when it's the hottest time of the year, but all the rest of the seasons. I don't know how far you're planning to hike, but I go anywhere from 1 to 4 miles, occasionally I've taken a longer hike, like a 9 mile trail (r.t) and this is on mountain, woodsy trails, hills, streams etc. My Doberman and my two Chihuahuas accompany me and now my newest addition, my son's dog. The little dogs keep right up with the big dogs, get no more tired than the big dogs it seems and just have a great time scampering up and down hills, over or under brush or logs, stop for a drink. They're quite sturdy and very enthusiasitic and run like crazy. Or sometimes they'll just stroll along closer to me for a while. They don't run the whole way. I insist that they either stay right close to the big dogs or close to me....not that they're by themselves. They've learned that and they know what "trail" means so if they stray into the woods a little ways, (which they can do) and I say, "trail" that means they're to get back on the trail. We've been doing this for over 5 years now where I live.

Occasionally, I've had one or both Chi's get a little tired because it was too hot to be doing this. So, we'd stop and sit for a few minutes or I'd carry one for a little ways. But 95% of the hikes we go on, they're just fine.

It helps when they're in shape. (of course) I took them just a while ago and they hadn't been on a hike of any distance for a while because of the heat and little Jose did get tired and dragged along for the last part of it. So, I need to avoid going so far when it's hot out. That day, it started out all cloudy and cool but then it changed. Grrrr.

So, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have a back pack in case your little one gets too tired but you could do some of your hike with him in it and some on his own. I agree that running wouldn't make a dog very comfy while in a back pack, so maybe a leash. (Unless you're one of those marathon runners who run a long long way.) LOL.

[Barrett]

I have a few backpack carriers that I use for the dachshunds so I can take them into stores or crowded street fairs and such. I have this one..http://www.sitstay.com/cgi-bin/sdisp...EQDG03a.lg.jpg and it would not be good for jogging. Lucy bounces up and down when we walk and it is uncomfortable for her for long distances, even with putting a pillow under her butt. I also have this one for Bailey and Harley http://www.celltei.com/pakopet1.html ( the active backpak ) These are very expensive but much more comfortable for the long haul. They are fully adjustable and comfy to wear too. But the dog would still bounce around really bad if you went jogging. I have a few other kinds but none of them would be comfortable for you or the dog when jogging. Both of the ones I mentioned above would be great for hiking though.