K9 Sport Sack dog carriers are unique, being the first forward-facing dog carriers. With these types of carriers, the dog should be facing you, with their paws on your shoulders. Unlike traditional dog carriers, which are more alike to a backpack or sling, the K9 Sport Sack is designed to fit snug and close to your dog's body.
To ensure your dog is comfortable in their Sport Sack, it's important to measure your pup in advance of your purchase. Below is a handy guide to sizing and fitting your K9 Sport Sack!
How Do I Measure My Dog?
The most important measurement is the back length, which you can measure from the start of the collar to the base of the tail. An accurate measurement ensures your dog is seated in the Sport Sack comfortably, with their head and paws in the right place.
The diagram below, produced by K9 Sport Sack themselves, will give you a visual aid to check you're measuring the correct places:
If you find your dog is in-between sizes, we would advise choosing the larger size. You can give your pup a little boost if they're still growing using a Booster Block at the base of the Sport Sack until they grow into their carrier.
Please also be sure that your dog's weight is within the weight limit for your chosen bag.
I Have The Measurements - Now What?
Now that you have your measurements, you can take a look at the sizing chart below to determine your dog's size.
For a general outline of which breed fits in which sizing category, take a look below. You shouldn't base your sizing choice on this, as our furry friends come in many wonderful shapes and sizes, but you're more than welcome to use the below as a baseline.
EXTRA SMALL
Common breeds include:
- Maltese
- Teacup Yorkie
- Pomeranians
- Papillions
- Chihuahua
SMALL
Common breeds include:
- Cavalier King Charles
- Mini Dachshund
- Toy Poodle
MEDIUM
Common breeds include:
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Pug
- Havenese
- Schipperke
LARGE
Common breeds include:
- Beagle
- Corgi
- French Bulldog
- Mini Golden Doodle
- Sheltie
- Standard Schnauzer
EXTRA LARGE
Common breeds include:
- Boxer
- Collie
- Husky
- Whippet
2EXTRA LARGE
Common breeds include:
- Basset Hound
- Golden Doodle
- Clumber Spaniel
Some dogs do take to their new carrier immediately, but some may require a little training before embracing their new carrier. According to K9 Sport Sack themselves, 95% of dogs will come to love their new carrier through training and rewarding.
A great way to introduce the carrier is by placing the K9 Sport Sack in a place your dog finds comfortable, such as one of their favourite sleeping spots. Keep at this for about a week, as this is a great way to get your dog used to the carrier. Let them explore it! (We would advise supervision with this, so that you can intervene if your dog decides to start chewing it!)
Placing treats onto the Sport Sack is a great way to encourage your dog to check it out. If your dog sits down or lays on the carrier, give them an extra treat! Your pooch will soon begin to associate sitting on the Sport Sack with rewards.
Remember - a negative experience with the carrier may scare your pup. The introduction must be positive, with plenty of treats and patience.
Getting Your Pooch Into The Bag - Step-by-Step
If you're a visual learner, the above video may come in useful. Otherwise, read on!
Start by placing your bag onto a flat surface, such as flooring, with the zip opening facing the ceiling.
Unzip the bag and lay it as flat as possible. We would recommend getting your dog's front paws in first. To achieve this, either pick up or encourage your dog onto the carrier, so that they're standing or sitting on the bag. Your dog's head should be roughly where the head opening is on the carrier.
One at a time, place or encourage your dog's paws through the arm holes, before buckling the collar closure up. This helps prevent their legs coming out of the arm holes.
Take your dog's back legs, and tuck them inside the dog carrier. Ensure you tuck their tail in too!
Carefully zip up the carrier to the very top near the neckline.
Undo the collar closure, and if your carrier has a zipper loop (all except the Urban model), thread the buckle through it. Ensure the collar closure is snug to prevent your dog's shoulders coming up through the bag, but not tight enough to choke the dog.
Clip up the lumbar straps. You will find these on the back of the bag, and these help keep your dog comfortable and supported in the bag.
Next, cinch up the straps to prevent your dog from leaning in the carrier.
Each K9 Sport Sack comes with a carabiner safety clip. You can clip this to a collar or harness.
How Do I Get My Dog Onto My Back?
Many people struggle finding an efficient way to get the bag onto their back. The simplest method is as follows:
Seat your dog onto a flat surface, such as a low table - ensure you keep hold of the bag using the loop between the shoulder straps to prevent any accidents!
Hold onto the bag with the opposite arm you would like to thread through the shoulder strap first. Thread your arm through, then lift up.
Once you have one strap on, thread the other arm through the other shoulder strap.
Once done, we recommend grabbing both shoulder straps and pulling down a little. Tighten and loosen as needed.
Your dog should be positioned high on your back, with their head over your shoulder.
You're All Set!
You can now begin your adventures with your pooch!
If you require any assistance with fitting, or need any further guidance, our customer contact team are more than happy to help! You can contact us at bark@mountaindog.uk