Wibu to carry my dog in backpack?

[WillyNilly00]

I have a large dog that used to love long walks but unfortunately due to her age and arthritis she can no longer manage them. I took on a very small shih tzu who also can only manage short walks but would love some of the places I go!

So wibu to carry the little one in a dog backpack like this? Would I seem cruel or crazy?

Also I would love to know if you use one yourself or have seen anyone use them.

I had a large handbag and used to put my puppy in there when she was tired or I was in a rush to get to a shop before it closed
Maybe a rucksack doesn't sound right but I can't picture it
I liked the handbag as she was under my arm

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I wouldn't feel safe as anyone could grab her - how about a sling if it's a smaller dog?

Look at Andrew Ditton's YouTube channel. He has a special backpack he transports his dog in. His channel is about Travelling but features his dog extensively.

I have a pet carrier which has several options. It has:
a) an extendable handle Which I think was not attached when it arrived so can be used without it, and wheels so can be used like a trolley
b) straps to wear as a rucksack, I believe can also be worn on the front of the body but not tried either the backpack or front wearing as I use the trolley function.
c) can be worn on the shoulder.

I think it is made by Trixie but not sure what it is called. I have also seen some that are just for front wearing. I would never wear my pet on my back in case of theft.

I use a normal backpack for my Morkie dog, she comes cycling and on hikes with us. She absolutely loves it and she's attached on the inside of the bag so she's safe.
It's also pretty cute and we get a lot of people pointing and cooing

Me and my very happy doggie

Depends on the dog’s reaction like with anything. You’ll know if they are happy in there if you try it once. How they feel tired may be more chilled about it to pre walking. I have a friend with a cocker whose shoulder can go so she has one in case he needs a lift back.

Why can your dog only manage very short walks? If it has limb or joint problems then they could be exacerbated by the carrier.

Quadrupeds such as dogs are anatomically designed to have their bodies parallel to the ground. These backpacks cause spinal issues and muscle spasms as their bodies attempt to compensate. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news as you are doing your best. A stroller/buggy (with plenty of gentle desensitisation and positive reinforcement) is a good solution for large and small dogs.

A handbag (for tiny dogs) is seen as silly by some but actually better in terms of allowing the dog a normal body position, provided they don’t have to strain their neck to have their head out.

@SenoraSurf aw she looks so happy!
@BarbariansMum no issues for the little one, she is just very tiny and walking takes it out of her, any grass higher than 6 inches and she can't manage.

Thank you everyone, I will look around for the best option.

I often have small elderly dogs with me on walks and carry a small ordinary backpack with a cushion in the bottom of it. It’s easy to make one that fits exactly. When they get tired I pop them into it and carry it on my front. The bag takes the weight, the wee dog is in a natural sitting position and I can talk to and cuddle her/him on the rest of the walk. I don’t like to ones that position them in the weird ‘begging’ position, as they don’t look comfortable.

Ive had a business for years&use a variety of these packs after first ahem'adapting'a large solid bottom back pack after it went so well..i cycle wearing them with a Cairn Terrier and a Pug(separately!)..i consider it a fabulous way to allow dogs to continue to be outdoorsy if the spirit is willing but the body unable..