When your dog is your best friend, you hate to leave him alone for even a split second. Sitting with your pooch at an outdoor cafe can help you to spend quality time together on your outings, but you’ll still need to watch your pet and keep him tethered to your chair. Then there’s the issue of shopping. Unless you are absolutely certain that you’ll be able to walk into your favorite store with your dog on a leash, you’re going to get weird looks and quite possibly be asked to leave. If you love shopping and you want your best friend to come along for the ride, try out the best dog backpacks on the market. When you want to take your furbaby along on your next shopping trip, here’s how you can browse the racks with both your hands and keep your pet well secured.
Buy a Dog Stroller
Normally, when you walk up to a stroller and peer inside, you find a small baby inside, cooing and looking up intently. Dog strollers are good for miniature to medium sized dogs with a calm and exceedingly friendly demeanor. Since most stores have aisles that are wide enough to accommodate baby strollers, you can shop as a pair with your pet, as well as have somewhere to hang all of your bags. Many dog strollers also have storage compartments so that you can bring pet snacks and toys to help keep your pooch occupied during your shopping excursions. When you own a dog who you love to take with you everywhere, dog strollers enable you to walk at a comfortable speed and prevent your pet from getting into any kind of trouble.
Meet the Dog Backpack
Walking your dog on a leash through the park can be relaxing and allow you and your pet to go along at a comfortable pace. Unfortunately, taking a pet on a leash inside of a shopping mall isn’t practical or advisable for several reasons. Keeping your pooch contained in an environment where you have complete control over who your dog comes in contact with makes for easier shopping trips. For the reasons listed above, you’ve got to make sure your next shopping trip includes a dog backpack. By keeping your pet strapped close to your body, he is likely to stay calm and quiet, so there’s no risk of your dog making a scene. Even when you’re right next to other shoppers, no one will be bothered by your dog’s presence and you’ll even have a few people asking where you picked up your trendy dog carrier.
Carry a Dog Tote During Your Shopping Trip
Some call them dog purses and others prefer to refer to them as totes. Big enough to fit a lightweight dog, these convenient carriers will make your pet feel safe and secure, and at times, very well hidden. You may not be able to go out shopping all day while carrying your dog in a tote, but for a fast trip out to the drugstore or a short trip to the strip mall, these carriers are invaluable. Choose a dog tote that is creatively designed so that it cleverly doubles as a regular tote or even an overnight bag. When your dog gets used to riding along in your tote, he won’t try to jump out, and at times, you’ll find that he’s settled in for a nice, long nap. It’s a terrible idea to leave your precious pooch locked up in a hot car so that you can go shopping undisturbed; use a dog tote instead, so that you can run all of your important errands and shop on your own time schedule.
Use a Dog Sling
If you want to bond with your dog and still catch those last minute sales, a dog sling can be the best pet accessory you ever purchase. You can wear your pet sling on the front, back, or side, and your dog will always enjoy being an integral part of your world. When you use a pet sling you’ll still have a free arm to carry your purse as well as your shopping bags. Dog slings come with pockets and zippers so you will have lots of places to place valuables and keep them away from cunning crooks. Traveling with a pet isn’t the easiest thing you’ll ever do in life, but for trips to local stores. Dog slings are undeniably affordable and creative.
Try a Pet Carrier On Wheels
For shoppers who don’t want to carry around their beloved pets, there’s an option that comes with wheels. Pet carriers on wheels kind of look like rolling book bags, but they usually have an open top for your dog to sit in. These comfortable pet carriers are maneuverable, compact and easy on back muscles. If you know that you’re planning on shopping for a while and you have an obedient dog who will sit still for hours at a time, a wheeled pet carrier needs to be packed up in the trunk of your car for easy retrieval. You can push or pull a pet carrier on wheels, so decide if you want to keep your eyes on your dog at all times, or if you’d rather have your pet faithfully watch your back.
Walk into a department store with a pet on a leash who doesn’t qualify as a service dog and you probably won’t be able to stay long enough to make a purchase. Unfortunately, not everyone is a fan of pets and even having them on a leash on private property is rarely allowed. By contrast, keeping your furry friend well contained in a pet carrier, pet backpack or doggy tote will enable you and your best friend a lot more freedom. You’ll be able to get help from sales clerks more easily with your dog strapped to your back and your focus can stay on comparing prices instead of trying to keep your dog from getting lost in the clothing racks. For pet owners, these creative ways to go shopping with your dog tagging along can help you to build a better relationship with your closest companion.