A dog sling carrier suits small dogs who tire quickly, get overwhelmed in crowds, or simply love to ride along. Put it on before your dog goes in, support their bottom as you lower them in, and keep their head out where they can see and breathe easily.
It's a simple bit of kit, but a few habits make it far more comfortable for both of you. Here's who it's for and how to use one well.
Which dogs is a sling carrier good for?
A sling is made for small dogs. Ours are worn across the body and come in one size, with a roomy pouch for little dogs who like to be close. If you're not sure your dog will fit, send us a message with their weight and length and we'll tell you honestly.
A sling makes the most sense for:
- Small dogs with short legs. Long walks, hot pavement or a busy afternoon can wear them out long before you're done.
- Senior dogs. An older dog can walk part of the way and ride the rest.
- Puppies. Handy for getting a young pup out and about, and used to new sights, before they can manage a full walk.
- Nervous dogs. Some small dogs feel safer at your height than at ankle height in a crowd.
- Markets, shows and travel. Crowds, feet and long days are hard on a tiny dog. Carrying them keeps them out from under people.
It's not a good fit for a dog who's too big to sit comfortably in the pouch, or one who wriggles hard to get out. If your dog is recovering from surgery or has a back problem, ask your vet how they should be carried first.
How do you put a dog in a sling carrier?
Get the sling on yourself first, then add the dog. Trying to do both at once is how dogs get dropped.
- Put the sling on across your body. The strap goes over one shoulder and the pouch sits at your opposite hip or front.
- Check the height. The pouch should sit high enough that you can rest a hand on your dog without stretching.
- Pick your dog up properly. One hand under the chest, one under the bottom.
- Lower them in bottom first. Keep a hand under them until they're settled and sitting or lying in the pouch.
- Leave the head out. Your dog should be able to see out, and air should move freely round their face.
To take your dog out, reverse it. Hand under the bottom, lift, and put them down before you take the sling off.
Bend at the knees, not the waist. Leaning forward with a dog in a sling tips them toward the opening. If you need to pick something up, squat and keep a hand on your dog.
How do you keep your dog safe in a sling?
A sling is close and cosy, which is the point. It also means you need to keep an eye on a few things.
- Keep a collar or harness on, with ID. If your dog does jump out, they'll still be wearing their name and your number. Our embroidered collars put both on the strap at $2 a letter.
- Stay hands-free, but not hands-off. Rest a hand on your dog when you're on stairs, in crowds or getting in and out of the car.
- Watch the heat. Your body warms the pouch. On a hot day, carry your dog for shorter stretches, find shade and offer water often.
- Watch the breathing. Flat-faced breeds like pugs and Frenchies can struggle in a snug pouch on a warm day. Take them out at the first sign of heavy panting.
- Never leave your dog in the sling unattended. Not hung on a chair, not on the floor. It's a carrier for when they're with you.
- Don't clip a leash to the collar while they ride. A leash dangling from a dog in a sling can catch on a door or a stall table. Keep it in your pocket for when they're back on the ground.
It's also worth swapping shoulders now and then on a long day. Your back will thank you.
How do you get your dog used to a sling?
Most small dogs take to a sling quickly, but the first time should be at home, not in the middle of a market.
- Let them sniff it first. Leave the sling on the floor with a treat or two inside.
- Start with short rides. Pop your dog in for a minute or two while you walk round the house. Treat, praise, take them out.
- Build up slowly. A few minutes longer each day, then a short trip outside, then somewhere busier.
- Stop if they panic. Struggling, whining and trying to climb out mean you've gone too fast. Go back a step.
This is much the same approach as introducing a new collar. Our guide to getting your dog used to a new collar has more on keeping each step short and happy.
Is a sling better than a stroller?
They do different jobs. A sling keeps your dog against you and your hands free, and it packs down small. It suits small dogs, shorter trips and places where a stroller would be awkward, like a crowded market aisle.
A stroller carries the weight for you, so it suits longer days, heavier dogs and owners who'd rather not carry anything on their shoulder. We don't have strollers in stock right now, so for today a sling is what we can offer.
Ready to carry your dog in style?
Our pet sling carriers are $35 each and come in prints including Tree Camo, Aztec, Blue Bandanna, Butterfly, Purple Medallion and Rainbow Puppies. Pick one to match your dog's collar from our apparel collection.
FAQ
How big a dog can go in a sling carrier?
Slings are made for small dogs. Our carriers are one size with a roomy pouch. Send us your dog's weight and length and we'll tell you if it's a good fit.
Can my dog stay in a sling all day?
Not without breaks. Take your dog out every so often to stretch, sniff, drink and go to the toilet. On a hot day, keep each stretch in the sling short.
Should my dog wear a collar in a sling carrier?
Yes. Keep a collar or harness with ID on in case your dog jumps out. Just keep the leash unclipped while they're riding so it can't snag.
Want the sling to match the rest of the outfit? Browse our collar and leash sets.