Best Way to Crate Train Your Puppy for Travel and Car Rides

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Puppy Crate for Travel

Whether you’re driving across town or flying across the country, taking your puppy on trips can be stressful for both of you without the right setup. A quality puppy crate is essential for keeping your furry friend safe and comfortable during travel. In this article, I’ll discuss the most important factors to consider when shopping for a crate and provide recommendations from my own experiences owning dogs.

Safety First

When transporting your puppy in a vehicle or plane, their safety should be the top priority. Look for a crate designed with sturdy materials like metal or strong plastic that can withstand bumps or accidental impacts. The door mechanism is also important – it needs secure latches your pup can’t accidentally open. From my experience, wire crates are best for ventilation but a soft-sided crate may be less intimidating for nervous pups.

Size Matters

Make sure to get a crate sized appropriately for your dog’s age and size. As a general guide, puppies need enough room to stand up and turn around comfortably but not so much extra space that they can eliminate in one area and sleep in another. I made the mistake early on of getting too big of a crate for my newly adopted pup – it left too much room for accidents! Stick with manufacturers’ sizing recommendations.

Portability

Lightweight, collapsible crates are ideal for travel since they can be easily transported. Look for folding or two-piece designs that break down compactly for storing in a car trunk or airline luggage. Wheels and handles make it easy to roll the crate rather than carry. I’ve used this collapsible crate on plane trips with my pup and it was a lifesaver getting him through the airport.

Ventilation and Comfort

1. A well-ventilated crate is crucial, especially on hot days in a parked car. Wire crates allow excellent airflow to prevent overheating.
2. Pups feel more secure with cozy blankets, beds, or toys inside. Look for crates with dividers you can remove as your puppy grows.
3. Some have easy-clean bottoms to quickly wipe up any accidents. Mesh or plastic bottoms are very convenient for clean-up.

Additional Features

Consider extras like spill-proof water and food bowls, travel bags to protect the crate in transit, and covers/canopies offering an escape from over-stimulation. I even found a portable travel crate equipped with a seatbelt attachment! While not essential, nice extras can boost your pup’s comfort level.

Pricing

You can find basic wire or plastic crates for under $50 but expect to pay $100-200 for high-quality models from reputable brands like Petmate, Midwest, and Gunner Kennels. Spending more gets you sturdier construction and sometimes add-ons like extra trays or dividers. But don’t feel you need to splurge – a simpler crate can work well if it meets your pup’s needs.

Pick Your Pup’s Preferences

When shopping, bring your puppy along if possible. Let them check out different crate styles and see which ones they take to most readily. Some pups dislike wire bottoms or prefer softer sides that feel more den-like. Get your pup accustomed to their new crate before your trip with treats, praise and get-to-know-you sessions. This will help them feel comfortable and less anxious when travel day arrives.

From my experience, the key is finding a crate that securely and comfortably transports your puppy while meeting your budget and storage needs on the road. A few practice runs before a big trip will also help your pup get used to riding in their crate. Safe travels! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Choosing the Right Puppy Crate for Travel

Size	Recommendations
Small	For puppies under 4 months old or small breeds.
Medium	For puppies 4-8 months old or medium breeds.
Large	For puppies over 8 months old or large breeds.
Extra Large	For giant breeds or if your puppy hasn’t quite grown into a large crate.
Collapsable	Convenient for travel as it takes up less space when not in use.
Materials	Plastic or wire crates are lighter weight but fabric offers more comfort.
Ventilation	Ensure the crate has adequate ventilation to keep puppy cool and comfortable.

FAQ

1. Is it okay to crate train a puppy for travel?

   Certainly! Crate training a puppy is perfectly fine for travel. In fact, it’s basically the safest way to transport your pup since it prevents them from wandering around strange places. The crate creates a den-like space that feels secure and comforting to pups.

   

2. Won’t my puppy be scared in the crate during travel?

   While they may seem frightened at first, crate training when they’re young helps puppies see the crate as a positive place. As long as you use it properly and don’t force them in when they’re upset, they’ll probably feel quite cozy in there on road trips. You can also use treats and toys to make the crate an enjoyable spot.

3. How do I prepare my puppy for travel in a crate?

   Take it slow. Start with short practice sessions in the crate at home with praise and treats. Make sure they learn to love hanging out in there. When traveling, use a soft blanket that smells familiar. Bring chew toys and be very gradual about increasing ride times, you wouldn’t want your pup cruising at 90 mph on the highway for hours on the first trip!

4. Won’t my puppy get car sick?

   Possibly, but keeping them cozy in a crate can help minimize motion sickness appearing. Call me paranoid, but I’ve heard ginger treats or even wrist bands may aid in prevention. However, it’s best not to feed before a long ride. If they do get ill, just roll down the windows for fresh air and clean up afterward with an odor neutralizer. Poor pup!

   

5. Is it okay to leave my puppy crated in the car if I stop somewhere?

   I wouldn’t recommend leaving Fido crated alone in the car, even if it’s just for “a few minutes.” Despite your valiant efforts, who knows what kind of trouble they could get into or if the temperature could rise dangerously while you’re away. It may seem like no big deal, but is it worth putting your pup at risk like that? Perhaps bring a trustworthy friend or family member along instead for backup.

6. What size crate should I use for travel?

   The general rule is to choose a crate big enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in, but not so big it can eliminate in one corner and lounge in another. Something around 1.5 times their size while lying down allows stretching without being roomy enough for accidents. Experts advise measuring your pup then adding a few inches for growth. You can always buy a larger one later as Fido expands!

7. Is there anything else I should know about crate training a puppy for travel?

   A few final tips – secure the crate properly in the vehicle using straps or ropes, never leave food or water during travel in case of spills, bring comfy bedding and chew toys to keep them entertained, stop frequently for potty breaks on long drives, and don’t forget their leash when arriving at destinations! Proper planning and safety precautions will have your pup thinking road trips are the cat’s pajamas. Happy travels!