How to Make a Puppy Papoose

While it is important to walk your puppy so it can get exercise and become socialized with other dogs and people, sometimes it's necessary to use a pet carrier. It might be time to take him to the veterinarian or you might have to travel with him using public transportation. One cost-effective option is to sew a puppy papoose, or a pet sling, to keep your puppy snug and secure against you.

  1. Materials

    • To sew a puppy papoose, you'll need a piece of cloth that is 50 inches long by 30 inches wide, a needle and some thread, an iron, and pins. You can use any material you like, but to make your puppy comfortable you should stick with soft fabrics, without too much stretch, such as flannel. You can also consider using a towel or even your puppy's blanket, if it meets the size requirements. Flannel is convenient because it is not only soft but also easy to wash and durable.

    Forming the Sling

    • Fold the cloth in half, lengthwise, so that the right sides face each other. Press the folded cloth. Stitch a half-inch seam on both shorter ends of the sling, and then turn the fabric right side out. Press it again.

    Get Your Pins

    • Slip the sling on to see if the length is right for you. The short ends of the sling should meet at your shoulder, and the middle of the sling should rest at your hip. To adjust the length, overlap the ends and when they are right for you, pin them together. Sew the ends together where you pinned them.

    Puppy's Ready to Go

    • Open the long side of the sling to form a pocket. Fold a small blanket and tuck it inside the pocket to serve as a pad on which your puppy can rest more comfortably. Place your puppy into the pocket. Note how heavy he is and the strain it might be placing on your shoulder. You may need to sew some more fabric onto the bit that rests on your shoulder as padding to make it more comfortable for you.

    Warnings

    • Some seamstresses suggest tying the short ends of the sling together into a knot rather than sewing them. This may pose a danger to your puppy if he is too heavy or after repeated use or even washing. Though you may be an expert tier of knots, it is safer for your puppy to sew the short ends of the sling together.