Best Dog Backpack For Miniature Dachshunds
Why Do I Need a Dog Backpack?
Backpacks for small dogs allow your furry friends to enjoy your family’s daily or even adventurous activities. Finding a durable dog carrier for your pup and your outdoor excursion will ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.
I have an older Dog, Bastian, that loves to go for walks around the block and nature hikes in the park. When we adopted our new dachshund puppy, Eko, that was hard to do.
New Puppies don’t walk well on leashes for the first couple of months. Some refuse to walk or just constantly sniff and hold up the walk altogether. I knew that we needed some extra help with the puppy so that Bastian could still get his walking exercise in.
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What is the Best Dog Backpack for a Miniature Dachshund?
After researching 20+ dog backpacks online, I decided to purchase the PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack from Amazon, for my miniature Dachshund, Eko. This dog backpack is for small dogs that are 18 lbs maximum weight.
It is the perfect dog carrier for small dogs and it fits comfortably on my back. The price on Amazon is reasonable (under $40) considering the quality and safety features the dog backpack includes.
When Eko was a a couple of months old, I took him to the Fall Dactoberfest Event in Maryland.
As part of his doggie Socialization Training, I wanted him to get used to other people petting him and having quick meet and greets with other dogs at the dachshund festival.
He was still very small and young, so I wanted him to be able to have a safe place to ride and nap in, but still be able to observe the activities around him. So, the dog backpack also came in very handy once again.
Things to Look for in a Small Dog BackPack:
Sturdy and Comfortable Base
Proper Ventilation
Multiple Entry Options
Storage Pockets
Safety Clips
Sturdy Base:
The Base of this Dog Backpack is very Sturdy and is able to properly support your dog. It has a thick core and a cozy outside covering for the dog to lay on.
PetAmi Dog Backpack Features:
There are 2 mesh covered side doors and one front mesh window for Proper Ventilation. Front and Sides also have thin storage pockets. The Free Collapsible water bowl fits perfectly in these pockets.
Safety Features:
Each Zippered Entry to the Dog Backpack has a Clip Buckle for extra security. I love this feature. We all know that when a dachshund wants out of something, they will push and chew their way through anything. This extra buckle feature secures all zippers so they won’t open while you are on the go with your pup.
Is the PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack Easy to Use?
Yes, straight out the package, the dog carrier goes from flat to pop up backpack in seconds. It is so nice that I can then store it flat again if I wanted to.
How To Get Your Dog Into The Backpack?
- Unzip the Bag and hook your dog’s body collar to the inner backpack clip.
- Give your dog some yummy treats to keep them happy and calm.
- Gently place your dog inside the carrier if they don’t go in by themselves. Give them more treats
- Carefully zip the bag up and buckle the safety clips on each door and window zipper.
- More Treats for pup through one of the mesh windows or openings.
- Go for a short walk and then let them out of the bag and give treats again.
- Many pups may need a couple of short walks to adjust to the bag. Keep the experiences positive.
PetAmi Backpack Features:
Measurement:
12.5″ x 10.2″ x 16.3″ (L x W x H).
Ventilation:
Design for optimal airflow, two-way entry for easy access, zip up mesh window for more headroom and visibility, and thick, cozy lined bedding so your dog can rest and relax.
Comfort:
The back and shoulder straps are equipped with extra thick padding for more comfort during long trips. Includes both waist and chest buckles to give you extra support.
Storage:
Side pockets and a front pocket to store essential pet supplies.
Free Accessory:
Includes travel, collapsible pet bowl and name ID Tag.
Durability:
Made with high grade polyester, Available in 9 Colors – Black, Dark Gray, Heather Gray, Heather Taupe, Light Blue, Light Gray, Pink, Royal Blue, Red.
Safety Features:
Equipped with reinforced structure to prevent itself from collapsing on your dog while traveling. Also comes with a safety strap and buckle to secure your dog and prevent escape.
Note for Puppy Safety: I noticed that when Eko’s Dog Harness was clipped and secured inside the dog backpack, we needed to keep the front mesh doggie window closed while on a walk. Since he is a smaller puppy, he can actually jump out of the window hole, which could be dangerous. So, until he is an adult sized doxie, that doggie window remained closed and buckled or locked.
When he is an adult dog, his head will be able to fit through the bag’s front window, and he won’t be able to fit his whole body through.
Pet Ami Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack Measurements:
- Easily fits small dogs, cats, and most other small/medium sized pets.
- Weight Capacity: Up to 18 lbs.
- Bag Measurements: 12.5″ x 10.2″ x 16.3″ (L x W x H).
Note : Before purchasing, please measure your Dog – LENGTH: neck to base of tail; HEIGHT: floor to top of shoulder.
How Comfortable was the Dog Backpack?
For the Dog:
Little Eko seemed happy and content in the dog backpack. I made sure to give him plenty of small treats, his small thin blanket, and a couple of chew toys to keep him occupied.
For Me:
I enjoy wearing a backpack in general. When I had to cart around a ton of baby stuff for my kids when they were little, I chose to use a backpack instead of an over the shoulder large purse type of baby bag.
I feel that a backpack design frees up my hands and disperses the weight so my shoulders and back won’t hurt. Note: I am about 5’3” tall, Eko Weighed 8 lbs when he first tried out the PetAmi Dog Backpack.
Hiking and Camping with a Dog Backpack:
When you and your family are on a long hike at the park or camping overnight, your smaller dog may not be able to keep up may be constantly stopping to smell all of the trees. I understand sniff walks and fresh air are important to your dog’s health, but at some point… it gets tiring to constantly stop and wait. When you have a doggie backpack, your pup can rest his paws and still enjoy the sites and smells of the environment around them.
Are Dog Carrier Backpacks Suitable for long trips?
Yes, Dog carrier backpacks are suitable for long trips. Making sure that the dog backpack you choose it ventilated properly for your dog and comfortable on your back being some of the top priorities of longer trips.
That pack has been top of my list for Plush and the girls all along but I haven’t bought it yet because I keep getting sidetracked by more expensive options. I need something that closes at the top – Plush is escape risk zero but the girls are crazy.
Hi Emilia, Yeah, because Eko is so small right now, he could jump through the front window, so I was very happy that I could close it and still have the strong mesh there to promote proper ventilation. As he grows, he will be too big to fit through that window. I hope you kitty cat, Plush will like this pet backpack. Thanks for sharing.
Great tips and photos! Buffy, at almost 30 pounds is way to big for a backpack, although she does love her stroller. It’s good to have a backup plan when our dog can’t walk as far as we want them to.
Hello Sandy, A dog stroller is a great alternative to the dog backpack carrier for a medium – larger sized dog. If I had a larger cat or dog on my back over 20+ pounds, I would have to have my husband carry them on our hikes, haha. Thanks for sharing. :)
How cozy. At one time, I used to meet a lady who was walking her dog AND had a similar contraption to take her bird with her too.
Hi Jana. Wow! I never thought of taking a Bird. But, you know, this pet carrier would definetly keep them safe and secure inside for a nice outside, fresh air walk around the block. Very cool, thanks for sharing.
I love backpacks for dogs and have two, Layla sees one come out of the closet and she is dancing. I use mine all the time and the one you reviewed looks amazing. I do not clip Layla in as she is quite happy to sit there and has yet tried to jump our.
Hi Ruth, That is awesome that Layla enjoys her dog backpack rides. She is such a lucky pup to be able to go so many fun places with you. Good dog to Layla! That’s nice that she hasn’t tried to jump out of the bag. Thanks for sharing.
Eko is adorable! I’m sure he enjoys being able to come along in his backpack. The fact that the bag can store flat seems like a really great feature.
Hi Jenna, Aww, thank you. Eko is my little cutie. He does enjoy riding in the dog backpack. I am very glad I found this carrier, it helps our hikes go a lot smoother. Yes, storing flat is an awesome feature as well. Thanks.