Getting your dog to feel comfortable in a travel crate is one of the most important things you have to teach him. It is very useful to prevent you from feeling uncomfortable, stressed or trying to run away. Keep in mind that the travel crate does not have to be a prison for your dog. It must be his den, the place where he feels comfortable and safe.
In this article on our site we will show you some tips to get your dog used to the travel crate making your weekend getaways of the week much happier and more positive.
Keep reading and discover our proposals:
Presentation of the cage and steps prior to the trip
It is completely understandable that you should not lock a dog in a crate if he has never been in one before. This can confuse him and make him think that he is punishing you. We must get the dog used to staying in it progressively, for this we offer you this simple step by step:
1. Present the crate to your dog
Set up the travel cage so that the door is open at all times Some cage models allow the door to be removed, so this it will be easy. If it is not possible to do this with the cage you have, tie the door to another part of the cage so that the cage cannot be closed. This will help your dog feel safe when entering
two. Make him feel attracted to enter the cage
Having removed the door, or having grabbed it so that it cannot be closed, place some of your dog's toys inside the travel crate. Also, throughout the day, leave a few bits of food inside. This will make your dog happy every time he discovers a little "treasure" inside the crate.
If you see your dog approaching the cage, or entering it, pet him and play with him. You can also give a food reward. At this stage you should not close the cage door yet.
Leave the cage always accessible, with the door open, and with a blanket inside. In this way, he will be able to enter to rest when he wants and he will be able to leave without problem. Be patient if your dog is afraid of cages. Don't force him inThat will only increase his fear
3. What to do if the dog does not want to enter
If your dog is very reluctant to enter the crate, feed him facing the crate. Simply put his bowl in front of the cage when you give him his food. As he gets comfortable, you can put the plate inside the cage: first in the front portion (near the door), then in the middle, and then in the back. Do this gradually
If you had removed the top part of the crate, you can put it back on when your dog enters of his own free will and feels comfortable in it. Of course, put the top on when your dog is not in the crate and repeat the above procedure (putting food and toys in the crate) for a while longer.
This whole process can take a few days with nervous dogs, but most dogs get used to going into the crate very quickly.
4. How to close the door
When your dog is comfortable in the crate, you can start manipulating the crate door. With your dog inside the crate, move the crate door slightly, but don't close it. If your dog stays inside, throw a small piece of food inside the crate.
Little by little, your dog will feel more comfortable when you move the door. Then, take the opportunity to close it (without adjusting it) and open it immediately. Each time you do this, throw a food reward into the crate if your dog stays inside. If your dog goes outside, simply ignore this behavior.
Later, when you can close the cage door for an instant, start adding some time before opening it. Just wait half a second before opening it. When your dog is comfortable with this, repeat the procedure but wait a second before opening the door. Gradually, and in different sessions, extend this time one second at a time, until your dog sits quietly for about ten seconds with the door closed.
5. Increases their stays in the cage
Gradually increase the time he stays in the crate, but don't leave him locked up while you leaveKeep in mind that you don't have to lock up your dog for a long time, since then the dog may associate this activity as a punishment. It is very useful that you incorporate blankets and towels as if it were a shed. That way you'll get used to it faster.
Tips to get your dog used to the travel crate
The crate is not a place to keep your dog. Practice this exercise until you can get your dog to stay in the crate for a few minutes. Then you can easily increase the time because your dog will feel comfortable in his crate.
The maximum times a dog can spend in a cage are:
- Puppies nine to 10 weeks: 30 to 40 minutes.
- Puppies from 11 to 15 weeks: one to two and a half hours.
- Puppies from 16 to 17 weeks: three and a half hours.
- Puppies and dogs 18 weeks and older: three and a half to four hours.
The maximum time a dog should spend in the travel crate should never exceed five hours. And this only on rare occasions. Of course, this time is longer when the dog travels by plane, but this is a particular case in which nothing can be done. Never force your dog into the crate. If you force him, you will create an aversion towards the cage.
Never leave your dog in the crate with a collar on. It doesn't matter what kind of necklace. Of course, the exception to this rule is when you have to put it on a plane or other means of transportation. In that case, put a collar on it with an emergency release device and an ID tag.
Never leave small things in the crate that your dog could choke on. Ideally, you should only leave him with large toys that are not easy to destroy, such as Kongs or Nylabone bones. Don't leave anything in the crate (not even a large toy) during trips.
Never crate your dog if:
- It is less than nine weeks
- You have diarrhea
- You are vomiting
- You need to leave it longer than the maximum time indicated
- He hasn't relieved himself before caging him
- You haven't gotten enough exercise and company
- The temperature is too high or too low
Discover some natural snacks for dogs that you can offer your dog or some delicious oatmeal and honey cookies.
