There are few events more exciting in the world than the arrival of a new puppy. Friends flock round to meet them, passers-by stop to coo, and the new owners can’t stop gazing at their little bundle of fluff. You’ll want to keep the pup with you at all times, but those baby legs aren’t yet developed enough to spend long periods padding around on the ground. Nor should he be left along for long periods. One great way to get around those times when you need to get out and about is to use one of the best puppy slings.
Puppy slings work much like baby slings – a soft fabric pouch that fits round your body so that you can carry a lightweight pup when you are out on a walk. When the puppy develops and is allowed out for short walks, you can pick him up and carry him easily in the sling before he gets tired.
Puppies tend to enjoy being carried in a sling – they provide a cosy shelter where a puppy feels safe. They are designed to be comfortable for your dog while at the same time providing you with support as you carry their weight. Slings are ideal for puppies and very small dogs. For larger, heavier dogs, one of the best dog backpacks is a better option.
5 of the best puppy slings
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Cuby Puppy Sling
Puppy weight: Up to 6kg
RRP: £21.99
A cotton carrier which is soft and breathable. It has a wide adjustable shoulder strap, for your comfort, with a buckle design to make it easy to take on and off. It also has a zip-up pocket on the strap to hold any valuables or treats.
You can zip the pup in to the large sling pocket for safety, and there is a hard cushion within to support the pet.
These are made of double-layer fabric, so it’s reversible (plain one side, checked the other), and available in a range of colours.
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Lontg Dog Sling
Puppy weight: Up to 5kg
RRP: £13.98
This adjustable shoulder sling is made of high-quality Oxford cloth and breathable mesh material and an elastic cushion. You can zip the pup in and it also features a hook inside to attack to your pet’s collar, to prevent him falling out.
A front pocket fits in all your small valuables such as keys and phone.
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PetLoft Sling
Puppy weight: Up to 5kg
RRP: From £19
A reversible sling made from high-quality soft cotton and polyesters. It is strong yet ultra-comfy. The cross-design frees your hands, while the wide adjustable shoulder strap distributes the weight evenly.
This sling is quite open as it is fastened only by poppers, so it’s best suited to pups who love to be carried rather than escape artists, however it does feature a collar hook for extra safety.
Available in a wide range of colours.
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Ownpets Puppy Sling Carrier
Puppy weight: Up to 4.8kg
RRP: £26.99
A sturdy sling bag made of heavy Oxford cloth, which will not go misshapen. We like the transparent window, which enables you to see how the puppy is sitting. You can zip the puppy in for security, with his head poking out.
The zip-up pocket for your phone, keys, poop bags and so on, is roomier than most, which is a definite plus. A wide adjustable strap makes for comfortable carrying.
Available in grey or cream.
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SlowTon Doggie Sling
Puppy weight: Up to 5kg
RRP: From £23.99
This is a substantial-looking sling, with a really comfortable sponge-padded and adjustable shoulder strap.
You can keep your pet in the right place with both a safety hook attached to the collar or harness, and a couple of buttons on the mouth of the. bag.
It is made of soft breathable cotton to keep your pup comfy and some styles are waterproof.
How we chose the best puppy slings
There are a few essentials we prioritised when picking the best puppy slings. The shoulder straps need to be adjustable, to enable you to carry your pup at just the right height for your own and your dog’s comfort. A thick shoulder strap is also key – to spread the pressure of the weight. Even a little pup can cause a lot of discomfort if all their weight is pulling on a narrow strap which cuts into your shoulder.
A washable fabric is ideal – puppies might be excused for the odd accident, especially with the excitement of going out on an adventure. You might want to line the sling with a puppy pad until they’re fully house trained.
Are slings OK for puppies?
Slings are not for all dogs – they need to be either a toy breed or a small puppy. Most slings are marketed to carry dogs up to a maximum weight of 10kg. Puppies tend to enjoy the feeling of closeness, and they’re great for bonding with the new arrival! They’re ideal for puppies that are too young to stand on their own four paws in public, but they need to start being socialised – or you need to get out and about and don’t want to leave them at home.
Whether a pup or a wee dog, they need enough room to be comfortable and not squashed. Let your dog sit in the position they find comfortable – which is likely to be horizontal – and they need to be able to move and adjust their position. If you have a Houdini puppy, make sure you get a secure sling, so it cannot escape.
Can I take my puppy out in a sling?
Yes! A sling is an ideal solution for those who can’t wait to show their pup off to the big, wide world, but they are too young to go out walking (before they are fully vaccinated). Socialisation is vitally important for young puppies, and while this begins at home, they can be carried out in public to keep progressing their social skills and get them used to the new sights, sounds and smells. Once they’re ready to go out on their four paws, they’ll be full of confidence.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
