We'll look into specialty carriers in a bit, but for now let's take a look at the 3 main reasons why having a bag, tote, sling or stroller and make life better for both you and your Yorkie:
1) Resolves the issue of limited walking.
The Yorkshire Terrier breed is a very alert, active dog, and for being so tiny he certainly has a lot of energy. However, with small legs carry a small body, a Yorkie can only walk so far. While this breed does indeed require
daily exercise
for optimal health, he can only be expected to walk so much... and trying to push him more than that can be detrimental to his health.
This limited range can hamper you, and maybe you don't even realize it.
Perhaps long walks that you might otherwise take are cut back or canceled. You might have even left your Yorkie home for some events that you knew would involve too much walking.
This can easily be resolved when you have the right carry bag for your Yorkie, you can transfer him to it once he's tuckered out or have him in it to begin with so that the day can be enjoyed at your own pace. He'll be happy right by your side.
2) Preventing floor level risks.
It's really a great thing to take a Yorkie out to different areas; when done in gradual steps it is a very effective method to socializing a dog to all sorts of sights, sounds and people. However, there are lots of times when being down on the ground is not a safe place for such a tiny dog.
Being surrounded by fast moving foot traffic can not only be intimidating to a dog, but of course it also presents dangers of being stepped on or tripped over.
However, if you choose a comfortable carry method for your Yorkie, you can bring him to all kinds of places (busy malls, outdoor flea markets or festivals, etc.) and if the crowds start to get big or fast moving, you can slip him right into his bag. He'll still be able to look around and be right near you, but up high where he's safe.
3) Be able to spend more time together.
How many times were you leaving the house to go somewhere and wishing that you could just hide your Yorkie in your pocketbook (or if your a male, your gym bag)? But instead, he had to stay home and you headed off to run errands?
The biggest obstacle is whether or not a certain place is pet-friendly. However, stores without a clear sign or even those that don't like to have big dogs inside will not say one word if a small toy dog is nestled in a sling bag. Many times, a Yorkie won't be noticed and if he is, chances are it will be someone telling you how adorable he is.
Any time that you can bring your Yorkie along somewhere instead of leaving him
home alone
is a win. And a bag will allow you to do that. Just not, of course, to work.
*** Note: Bring Your Pet To Work Day is celebrated every year on the Friday following Father's Day, so this may be the one exception and why not speak to your boss about it?
And, being out and about with your Yorkie in a tote, brings us to #4:
4) Hands-free holding.
While most Yorkshire Terriers certainly can be carried at ease in regard to weight, this does not resolve the issue of multi-tasking. Trying to hold your dog in one hand while using your other for something certainly is not ideal for outings.
So, with the right type of bag for your Yorkie, you can have both hands free to do whatever tasks are needed, all while still 'holding' him right by your side.