Backpack or carrier

[TazTalk]

I would like to find some type of backpack, sling or carrier for Taz. He is not as "hearty" of a hiker compared to our other 2 cairns and he tires out when we go for hikes. We end up carrying him part of the time in our arms which is tough - he weighs about 20 lbs.

I searched online - but most items seem to be for dogs under 15 lbs.

Has anyone had success with this?

PS - Taz has requested a Gator like Dempsey has to get around, but that ain't happening!

[Dempsy's Mom]

Dempsy wouldn't be much at very long hikes either. Dempsy is sorry, Taz, that a Gator isn't in your future but Demps would love company if you were closer.

You may have to rig up something yourself. I have never seen anything for a backpack for dogs our size. Until then you will just have to take lots of short breaks. ?

Enjoy your summer Taz & family!

[FL Frey]

We are going on vacation in September, and I'm also looking for a carrier. I've not heard of a "Gator", can you post website?

Thanks

Kim

[TazTalk]

The Gator comment was a little forum humor ... it's a reference to the "motorized" 4-wheeler that Dempsey's mom has. It's not a carrier at all.

There was a video post of Dempsey riding on the Gator and it looked really fun.

[tomatosandwich]

Awww, come one, just get a Gator!!

I am NOT a good sewer, but I was able to make a pouch sling for my kids when they were babies. I could see one working for a pup. You'd sit him up on his hind legs with his front paws kind of hanging up the front edge. I think I have a sling around here somewhere; I'll have to try it with Divot and let you know what I think. My husband will flip, lol!

Edited for crazy typos. I better lay off of the gin and tonic.

[janis]

I sympathize! Kirby is 20# also and when he doesn't want to go where I do and I have to carry him it's awful. If we could teach him to wrap his paws around my neck and be still it would be better, but he is of course uncairnoperative! (I made that word up! But you get the pic!) Also I was in Phoenix the other day, carrying a Cairn in that heat should win you a prize!

[TazTalk]

Janis, We do not hike here in the Phoenix area this time of year. 110 today! During summer peak time, we barely walk more than 5 minutes in the early am in our neighborhood. We like to go a couple hours away to a higher elevation to escape the heat to hike.

Tomatosandwich, I may have to look into the sling idea, with a modification (like a tail opening!?!). Thanks for the creative thought. Now pass me a gin and tonic, would you?

[janis]

Taz, I promise not to complain about 80 with 80% humidity for at least a week!

[sanford]

I would like to find some type of backpack, sling or carrier for Taz - but most items seem to be for dogs under 15 lbs.

Has anyone had success with this?

I made the same search and couldn't come up with anything. Most seem to be for dogs 15 Lbs. or under. The few I tried wouldn't even accommodate Carrington, who was 15 Lbs. I guess the manufacturers figure that we won't want to carry our dogs if they're more that 15 Lbs. They are wrong, but what can you do?

[utgaard]

When researching long distance walking in the UK, I came across a picture of a Westie with just his head sticking out of the back of a day pack. I know this wouldn't work for my Zeus, he always wants to be looking the direction we are walking. I did a Google search for that original picture, though, and found several of dogs riding in backpack style child carriers. They had a good view over the head of the person, plenty of room to sit up and watch, maybe even lie down for a nap, plus it is designed to take the weight of toddlers so it should be comfortable for longer walks/carries.

[TazTalk]

I guess the manufacturers figure that we won't want to carry our dogs if they're more that 15 Lbs. They are wrong, but what can you do?

I think that's exactly right. The manufacturers figure people wouldn't want to carry a "heavier" dog. But us crazy Cairn owners do.

Without a carrier, we are limited to what we can do with Taz. We love to hike and want to be able to take Taz more often, especially in the summer when the in-town walking is not happening.

I'll be researching more this weekend. Thanks Utgaard for the child carrier idea.

Will let you know if I get something that really works out.

Temps are climbing -- 113 this weekend. UGH!

[josie&holly]

My next door neighbour's Westie has health problems and canot walk far so they are using a carrier for a baby/toddler and Cleo sits in it - looking over the shoulder at where they are going - looks very cute!

[oscar's mom]

This is a child carrier, that is very versital in the way you carry your child: front back and side hip. They are very expensive but you can carry up to 35-40lbs.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ergo-Baby-Carrier-Black-/270770120866?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0b2828a2

This is the cheapest i found on ebay. I bought one when my little boy came into my life. Now i'm thinking about keeping for when Oscar gets old. Thanks for the idea.

[Sam I Am]

Janis, We do not hike here in the Phoenix area this time of year. 110 today! During summer peak time, we barely walk more than 5 minutes in the early am in our neighborhood. We like to go a couple hours away to a higher elevation to escape the heat to hike.

Oh Lord... that is as bad as our winters here -40.

[kjwarnold]

A friend just found an Outward Hound sling type carrier at T.J. Maxx. I think it's on their website under "Carriers and Slings for Small Dogs." She said hers would carry dogs up to 20 lbs. She's a forum member, so maybe she'll pop in and tell you how she likes it.

[janis]

I saw the Outward Hound carrier at a pet store in Franklin the other day. It looked sturdy, well made. Seemed reasonably priced. Kirby is a little long - don't think it would work for him, but I believe it showed a Westie on the label..... should work for a correctly sized Cairn.