Has anyone had to use the carry handle on this pack to lift their large dog? How did it work? The handle seems far back.
1072796
Hi Alex. Yeah, this works well for lifting - I can lift my 90 lb lab in it. The reason the handle if far back is to lift the back more in level with the front so your dog stays more horizontal than vertical when lifting. Hope this helps! Jason, Backcountry K-9
1072797
How large is your dog? I have a 45lb Border Collie / Lab and have used the handle to help him get into my truck after a long day of hiking.
2012919
I flew with my 18lb Cavalier King Charles in a medium sherpa bag just fine! He was snug but did not seem bothered at all by the trip. We did not take him out of the carrier once and he was completely fine!
2154906
Like Sally said, keep the collar on underneath the backpack and attach to that. There's still a small gap between the collar and the backpack that it won't get in the way for most dogs. There is that handle you see in the picture which stays on the dog even when the outer pockets come off. However, unless you have a small dog or a very well behaved one, I would not attach a leash to the handle. It's not exactly stitched to be load bearing (in fact, I had to pick up my 55lb dog a few times during a trip and the stitching is already coming undone on 1 side). If you use a body harness though, you're pretty much out of luck underneath the backpack. Like Sally said, keep the collar on underneath the backpack and attach to that. There's still a small gap between the collar and the backpack that it won't get in the way for most dogs. There is that handle you see in the picture which stays on the dog even when the outer pockets come off. However, unless you have a small dog or a very well behaved one, I would not attach a leash to the handle. It's not exactly stitched to be load bearing (in fact, I had to pick up my 55lb dog a few times during a trip and the stitching is already coming undone on 1 side). If you use a body harness though,... » Read More Like Sally said, keep the collar on underneath the backpack and attach to that. There's still a small gap between the collar and the backpack that it won't get in the way for most dogs. There is that handle you see in the picture which stays on the dog even when the outer pockets come off. However, unless you have a small dog or a very well behaved one, I would not attach a leash to the handle. It's not exactly stitched to be load bearing (in fact, I had to pick up my 55lb dog a few times during a trip and the stitching is already coming undone on 1 side). If you use a body harness though, you're pretty much out of luck underneath the backpack. « Show Less
2001294
There is a carrying strap designed for use when the crate is folded. I don't think it would be strong enough to pick up with a dog in it, unless it was a small dog.
217577
No - the top is where there is a handle - what I do is load BAXTER in head first through the mesh door with the carrier tipped up - he quickly turns around while I am zipping up the door. I usually leave him in this briefly because while his weight is in the limits stated (13lbs) - his length is almost too long. A cat or a shorter bodied dog under 15 lbs would be very cozy peering out the mesh door.
278009
Hi Melinda, The crates don't have a handle. I traveled from Seattle to Albuquerque on Delta airlines with my two golden retrievers. I couldn't pick up the crate with a 75 pound dog in it if it did have handles. I used a flat bed dolly at the Seattle airport. I put the crates on the dolly and loaded the dogs in the crates. Once I checked them in an airline employee took the dolly with the two crates and took my dogs to the pet waiting area. We changed planes in Minneapolis and I was happy to see the Golden Girls safe and sound at the Albuquerque Sunport.
957659
To be honest, we have mostly used the bag like a purse. My husband tried to make it a backpack, but it wasn't super comfortable for either him or our dog. There are special bags for hiking with your dog though, kinda like the ones they use for kids... I have to say though...I love this bag and we have carried it everywhere with us and our 10 pound cavoodle. She sneaks in everywhere with us and no one even knows we have a dog. Best bag ever! ;)
1331888
That handle just opens the lid when sitting flat. You would have to clamp it shut somehow to be able to carry it with the big handle.
2041156
First of all, I think that the smaller size carriers are too small for a 40-lb dog. Maybe the larger-sized carrier (Med or Large) would have the internal room needed. Then there is the question of structure. The smaller carrier has a metal tubular framework that seems strong enough to carry a larger dog. However, the floor of the carrier is nothing more than the canvas stretched over the metal framework. It may be adequate, but to me it seems that the concentrated weight of a 40-lb dog would stretch and maybe deform the canvas floor. I have also used the larger sized carrier (not sure if it is M or L) to carry two cats. It has the same canvas floor as the smaller ones, but there are two nylon straps sewn across the flooring fabric to reinforce the bottom. The total weight of the two cats is somewhere near 20 pounds and the floor was perfect. I'm guessing the larger carriers have sufficiently reinforced floors to carry whatever the recommended weight load is for that carrier. Okay, so a larger carrier is probably good from a structural point. The problem I had carrying two cats is that even though the 20 or so pounds isn't much, the length/width/depth of the carrier, made it awkward for one person to carry it. I did, but I am 6 feet and 200 pounds - still it was sort of clumsy to carry either by the hand straps or the shoulder straps. The smaller gals at the vet clinic could not effectively carry the carrier with the two cats. If there were two of them (one on each hand strap), they managed well enough. Remember now, this was 20-something pounds and not 40 pounds. Moving your 40-pound dog will most likely require one person on each side of the carrier or you doing it alone, hunched over with the shoulder strap while you schlep your feet along.
1774979
I think it would be a tight fit for an 11 lb. dog especially on a hike. My toy schnauzer was 5 lbs and she just fit and kept moving around to get comfortable. In carrying her i carried her in the front and then on my back. It pulled me forward when I tried positioning her in the front. I opened all zippers but I really question an 11 lb. dog being comfortable.
1441694
We have not used the wheelchair in the house due to space constraints. The dog cannot lay down in the chair, I have only used it for walking. It is difficult for my dog to get into the apparatus, she is shying from it now due to the need to lift her belly into the chair. Once she is in she likes the freedom it gives her to walk. Have you thought of a back end hand held lift for the dog while in the house? It would necessitate you assisting the dog to move. We finally put down pieces of carpet in our kitchen to help the dog scoot herself along.
1331891
The handle is for safely raising and lowering the upper plate. The two plates do not fasten closed, therefore you would have to carry it using two hands on the sides (or front and back). But please, do not try to carry it while it is hot.
2241941
Not sure there is a definite answer because the lifting handle is designed to open hatches, lazarettes etc. I would not recommend using it to carry items heavier than a few pounds. It's not designed for that purpose.
517571
It is structured so males (and I can't recall if there was the option to order male/female harness) can urinate and defecate without a problem. My guy leaned forward also and the "cut arounds" for both ends were designed brilliantly. The only issue I had was my collie was so tall (and 90#) and I am 5'4" it was not a leisurely lift for me - but well worth it!!!!!!
182312
Hi Jose- That's great question. The dog that I bought this for loved to slid on his back onto the snow (he did it with and without the backpack). The velcro never let go. ALSO, you can't see it but there is a clip from the base of the pack that clips to the other part-so even if the velcro fails you won't lose your goods. My dogs are extremely active and crazy. It's been good so far.I hope this is helpful.
781850
I did purchase it for my ten pound dog and I thought it should be deeper. On turns it made me nervous that he'd fall out. I still have it on my bike tho, for their water and leashes, etc that we might need on our ride. I have two dogs that I take with me. I have a trike so they both sit in the back basket together. I hope this helps you in making a decision.
163046
Yes - this thing is unwieldy - I would have my lab in it and another dog on leash and the handle caused me to keep kicking the back axle - i actually haven't used it in 2 yrs or so since Lucy is gone now. But i remember I was trying to think if there was a way to put a handle extension on it. I also recall that the wheels kinda went all over - Lucy was 55 lbs or so - the stroller needed bigger wheels perhaps?