Traveling can be more fun when your beloved furry friend is around. But for this to happen, you need to first teach your dog how to be comfortable inside a pet carrier. As one of the best means to keep your pup safe during transport, the least you can do is to help him feel calm in it.
If it’s your first time flying with your pet, don’t buy a carrier the day before and expect to have a good trip. Purchasing a carrier should be done in advance to allow your pooch to get used to it.
Here’s what you should do:
1. Expose your dog to the carrier
Before you can expect your pooch to ride comfortably in a carrier, you have to introduce it to him first. You should do these a few weeks prior to your trip. Start by placing the carrier at a focal area in your home, preferably a spot where your dog usually hangs out.
You can also place the carrier near your dog’s toys or bed. Other things you can try to let your dog get accustomed to his carrier include:
- Playing near the carrier – This will help your TOY POODLE PUPPIES feel relaxed close to the carrier and realize that it’s not dangerous. You can play a game of fetch or tug of war near the carrier to create a positive exposure for your pup.
- Giving treats – Use treats to lure your pup into the carrier. This way, you can provide him with an opportunity to explore the carrier in his own terms. You can remove or open the door of the carrier and place a few treats inside.
- Putting your dog inside the carrier for a short period – For five to ten minutes, place your dog inside the carrier. During your first try, stay beside your pup to give him comfort. As the process becomes easier, increase the time that your dog is inside the carrier by fifteen minutes per interval.
2. Train your dog to ride inside a carrier
A dog who enters the carrier by himself will be more comfortable to travel than one who’s forced to go inside. This is because the pup is no longer anxious about the carrier and trusts it completely. Train your pooch to enter his carrier without treats so that you can easily let him enter it on your travel day.
Create a command word
Come up with a commanding statement such as “get inside the carrier” or “go into the carrier”. Make sure to use the exact same command during training so that your pooch won’t get confused or frustrated.
- Hold a treat in your hand and say your command word. Then, put the treat inside the carrier. Once your pup goes inside the carrier, reward him with another treat.
- Practice the command without closing the carrier door. As your dog becomes comfortable, slowly close the carrier with him inside.
Bring your dog on short trips
Before you allow your pooch to embark on a long trip, take him on car rides to nearby places inside the carrier. For instance, you can take him to the dog park so that he’ll associate the carrier with fun and positive experiences. This will let your pup get used to the motion and engine noise.
3. Place your dog’s favorite items inside the carrier
To make the carrier a secure place for your canine friend, line its bottom with your dog’s favorite blanket. As much as possible, don’t wash your pup’s blanket as the familiar smell can help comfort him while he’s inside the carrier. You can also place your pet’s favorite dog toys inside so that he’ll have something to play and snuggle with.
4. Reduce food but give plenty of water
Before your trip, reduce the food your dog eats especially if it’s his first time to journey with you. If your flight will take hours and you need to feed your pup, do so about two hours before you leave. It’s recommended that you avoid feeding your dog until you arrive at your destination.
Unlike food, water is a different story as you must keep your dog hydrated throughout the flight. Use bowls or cups suitable for travel when giving food and water to avoid spills.
Before the flight
Prior to your travel schedule, you need to assess the options your dog has so that you can plan appropriately for your trip.
Remember that your goal is to let your pooch have a positive association with the carrier beforehand so that he can travel with ease. Never force your dog to go inside a carrier, let him go inside at his own pace so that he’ll learn to stay calm all throughout your trip.
AUTHOR BIO
Andrew Kevan has been the Account Manager at Sandleford Holdings since 2016. He studied at Monash University and completed his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Zoology. Andrew is the owner of a beautiful Rottweiler named Lady who is constantly spoiled and loves her Fido & Fletch Large Pet Home.
