Product Review: Outward Hound PoochPouch Sling

The Outward Hound PoochPouch Sling is a cross-body bag for your small dog, cat, ferret, chicken, bearded dragon, or whatever else you'd like to keep right at your hip. The pouch measures 23" long, 13" wide, and 3" tall. It has a harness clip inside, as well as a buckle across the  middle to keep the long sides from flopping open. The shoulder strap is adjustable and has a quick-release buckle. My PoochPouch Sling is black, I've also seen them in blue.

Photo by Erin Koski

This is a very basic, utilitarian dog-holder that I find to be neither stylish, nor terribly functional. The bottom is not rigid at all, so the dog has no secure place to rest their feet. The pouch is long and shallow, and even with the gathered sides it's a bit difficult to keep Ru from flopping out. The chunk plastic harness clip is too big for the hardware on a lot of toy breed gear.

That said, it's better than nothing. If public transport rules require you to carry your pet in a bag, this will do. It's quite a long pouch, I can even fit 30 lb. Sisci in it with some effort.

Pros: Fits larger-size pets than most carriers. Wide shoulder strap distributes pressure. Basic black no-frills sling does not attract attention to the fact that you're schlepping something alive.

Cons: Requires a fair amount of cooperation on the part of the occupant. Low sides and floppy construction mean I don't feel safe using this as a hands-free dog carrier.

Bottom Line: I can see this carrier being useful to someone, somewhere. I already have entirely too many Ru-holders, however, so will be passing this along.

Product Review: Lovable Dog Sling Carrier

The Lovable Dog Sling Carrier is a sling carrier for toting around pursedogs. It comes in grey, blue, and pink. It is reversible, and the lining is brown with pink polka dots.

Photo by Erin Koski

This sling is on Ru's short list of approved chihuahua carriers. The fabric is a soft cotton jersey knit, it's basically a sweatshirt shaped like a sling. The strap is wide enough to distribute the weight of Ru's hefty six pounds nicely. It is machine washable and pretty cute. There is a removable strap with a leash clip for keeping the occupant tethered, but it attaches by clipping around the strap so it isn't particularly useful for keeping the dog in the pouch itself.

Ru likes the Lovable Dog sling because it isn't terribly deep, so he doesn't sink down and get lost in it. I like it because it is subtle and doesn't really draw attention to itself.

Pros: Light and comfy, but somewhat insulated for cold puppies. Casual and low-key. Machine washable, easy-care fabric. Inexpensive.

Cons: Made in China and imported, like pretty much everything else. Only comes in pastel colors. Tether will keep dog attached to the sling, but not actually inside.

Bottom Line: I like this better than any of the other sling carriers I've tried on, and it's the only one Ru will actually chill out and ride around in.