Just putting mine in his little travel bag makes him angry with me for at least a week.
What Are The Side-Effects Of Keeping A Dog In A Handbag?
Keeping a dog in a handbag will restrict its normal behaviour. Most dogs are used to running around freely, going to the toilet on their own, and hiding when they're scared.
All these instincts will be curbed if they are restrained in a handbag on a regular basis.
What'll happen if I keep my dog in a handbag all the time?
Although the trend for carrying "toy" dogs like Chihuahuas in handbags seems to be growing, awareness of the risks of doing so seems to be at an all-time low.
As cute as it might look to have your pooch's head sticking out of your designer bag, it's really worth considering whether this is the best way of transporting your pet.
Dogs need exercise. Everyone knows that. Carrying your pup in a handbag will result in them becoming restless and exhibiting claustrophobic behaviour.
Dogs are also used to "doing their business" whenever they want. Usually, a dog will give some physical indication that it needs to go for a walk to relieve itself.
None of these skills will develop properly if your dog is cooped up all the time.
Small dogs also have an inbuilt "run and hide" instinct whenever they feel threatened.
Small dogs also have an inbuilt "run and hide" instinct whenever they feel threatened.
A dog in a handbag will often not have anywhere to run or hide.
Subjecting your dog to this kind of helplessness will be likely to result in over-dependent behaviour and insecurity.
Subjecting your dog to this kind of helplessness will be likely to result in over-dependent behaviour and insecurity.
Keeping a dog in your handbag is pretty cruel, and can be stressful for all parties.
The side-effects of doing so are as follows:
- Your handbag won't live as long. With all that extra weight, and all those little claws, you'll wear it out far more quickly than you usually would.
- Your handbag may become depressed, as it can't fulfil its duty as a handbag when there's a dog in it. There's just not the space for a canine and a compact mirror.
- Your handbag will start to smell of dog and your dog will start to smell of handbag.
- You could damage the muscles in your shoulder by carrying all that extra weight around with you.
- Finally, I suppose you might want to consider how the dog might feel about the matter. It can't move, so is bound to feel claustrophobic and start overheating, especially in summer. Dogs need exercise, and so if you're taking yours out with you, you may as well just take a leash - it's much kinder on your dog and your handbag.
It's an animal that doesn't like to be confined. Need I say more? Plus, he'll probably break stuff in there. Use a leash!
