"Puppy" Purses? Carrying Solutions for 12 lbs dog?

Izzy (Bichon) loves to go everywhere with me - problem is due to her allergies I have to limit her exposure to things outside......like the ground. And especially in winter, I do not want her walking on unfamiliar grounds unless I am 100% sure there is no chemicals there.

She does have doggie boots - however I am also looking into a doggie purse or carry pouch.

I have looked at Daba Doo's Pooch Pack - but do not know how she would adjust to it.

Izzy weighs right about 12 lbs, so she isn't the "toy" sized that most "puppy purses" are aimed at. Like this bag I looked at - for dogs up to 12 lbs, which may or may not be big enough for her. And she's not a purse puppy, she's never been in one much. Well pretty much not at all really in the 2 years I've had her, so I am taking her comfort levels into consideration. She has been in some plastic/nylon carriers when transported places occasionally, so has some experience with them.

I'd appreciate any input, or if anyone has any experiences with any products that would be great. I'm not looking to make Izzy into a "purse puppy", but she wants so badly to go with me, yet she is literally afraid to walk in the grass outside in the summer due to her allergies. It's sad.

My friend has a small poodle that goes just about everywhere with her and she uses one of these baby slings.

http://mbeans.com/hotslings-baby-sling.html

She bought her used at a second hand store and loves it.

Originally Posted by snosrap5

My friend has a small poodle that goes just about everywhere with her and she uses one of these baby slings.

http://mbeans.com/hotslings-baby-sling.html

She bought her used at a second hand store and loves it.

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Do you know how big her Poodle is? I've gotten tons of suggestions from people I know, but they all have "true purse puppies" *gag*.....meaning they bought dogs explicitly with the intent of them not getting over 4 lbs full grown.

I've never considered a baby sling....might be the cheapest route to start with to see how it works.

I would say he's got to about 12 or 13 pounds. She says he's bigger than a normal toy poodle. He's petite built but leggy.

My Bella is 14 pounds and she would fit in the sling comfortably. You might be able to pick up one from a thrift shop for a few bucks.

I can check out our Second Chance store, it's a used clothes and toys for babies. If you can't find one let me know, I'm pretty sure I can find one there and it wouldn't cost but a few dollars to get it to you.

I'm wondering if you could convert a backpack.

What about a stroller?

Originally Posted by WELDRWOMN

What about a stroller?

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I've considered strollers, but would rather have something I can carry her in. There are times where she is utterly clingy/needy & I have to carry her around the house. I never quite understood why weight mattered so much to people until I've carried a 12 lb dog around for hours!

Gigi fit into most up to 12lbs ones ...

I and Gigi prefers baby resale snugglis ... many styles to choose from and at the resale shop I never spent over 10 $

Gabby is adapting to the snuggli well though I think a sling would work better for her... Mom will be sewing

I used to carry my old chihuahua around in a mostly zipped up backpack with just enough room for his head to stick out if he wanted.

Maybe I am cheap, but I got the backpack at Dollar General for 5 bucks and he loved being "held" while I did my chores.

I just can't see spending 40$ on something he may not be responsive to, not to mention it does look a little silly.

Not saying a chihuahua in a backpack didn't look silly...




I also would have worries about all the extra weight on the front putting a strain on your spine, similar to the problems that large chested women can develop.