Everything You Need to Know About Dog Air Crate Training

Everything You Need to Know About Dog Air Crates

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane with your furry friend, an air crate can provide an important sense of security and containment for your pup. As any dog owner knows, car rides and unfamiliar environments can cause anxiety in some dogs. An air crate gives them a safe, comfortable space to relax in during transport. In this article, I’ll answer common questions about dog air crates and share tips based on my own experiences crate training dogs.

Why Use an Air Crate?

There are several important reasons why dog air crates are a great tool for travel:

1. Safety – During travel, sudden stops or turns could cause an unrestrained dog to get injured from flying around the vehicle. An air crate keeps them securely in one place to prevent this.
2. Comfort – The crate provides a den-like space that many dogs find calming. It has lower and higher ventilation for air flow. Padding and blankets make it cozy.
3. Potty Training – Dogs are less likely to have accidents in their crate since most won’t soil their bed. It teaches bladder control and aids with housetraining.
4. Less Distraction – In a crate, dogs can’t bother drivers or get into potentially dangerous situations like eating garbage. It allows everyone to focus on the ride.

Overall, an air crate provides a comfortable, confined area that reduces stress for dogs during transport.

How to Choose the Right Size Crate

When sizing an air crate, it’s important that your pup can stand up and turn around but doesn’t have too much extra space. Here are the basic guidelines:

• For puppies, get a crate just big enough for them to stand and stretch out as they’ll grow quickly.
• For adult small dogs under 20 lbs, look for 24″ crates.
• For medium dogs 20-50 lbs, choose a crate around 30″.
• For large dogs 50-100 lbs, get a 36-42″ crate.
• Extra large dogs over 100 lbs may need an airline-approved crate up to 48″.

It’s better if the crate is slightly too big than too small. But avoid excess room so it still resembles a comforting den.

Training Your Dog for the Air Crate

To avoid anxiety and resistence, start crate training well before travel day. Here are some effective tips:

1. Feed your dog in the crate with the door open so they associate it with positives.
2. Toss treats and kibble into the crate for your pup to discover.
3. Patiently reward calm behavior inside with praise and pets.
4. Use a cue word like “kennel” each time so they learn its meaning.
5. Start with short sessions and work up to longer durations over days.
6. Never punish or force anxious dogs in – it will backfire. Go at their pace.

With time and positive reinforcement, most dogs adjust to the crate as a safe spot. But some breeds simply don’t like confinement, so consider alternate solutions if needed.

Tips for Safe Travel With the Air Crate

Once training is complete, follow these tips to keep your dog secure and comfy during transport:

1. Lock all door and tailgate latches to prevent tipping over in an accident.
2. Anchor the crate firmly to the car using seat belt straps or cargo tie downs.
3. Cover the top and sides with a light sheet to block distraction and sunlight.
4. Provide chew toys and blankets to entertain them inside.
5. Bring along water in case of long drives or hot days.
6. Consider pet seatbelt harnesses for added security if puppers tend to pace.

With some prep work and crate training, road trips need not be totally ruff! Your dog will feel safe as you travel together.

Dealing With Common Issues

Even with the proper measures taken, dogs occasionally bark, whine, or act anxious in their crate. Here are some ideas based on experience:

• Try calming supplements from the vet if really high strung. But use them only when truly needed.
• Cover the cage top and sides more densely to block almost all visual stimuli.
• Play calming “through the crate” music or white noise apps on phone if volume bothers others.
• Avoid overly draggy trips if possible – most dogs lose steam after 30 min. Schedule breaks.
• Consider sedatives in extreme cases under vet supervision – but that should really be an absolute last resort!

With consistency over a period of time, travel will get easier for man’s best furry friends.

Summing Up

Dog air crates are an amazing tool for keeping our canine buddies safe and cozy during transport. With the right-sized crate, positive training methods over weeks, and attentive care during rides, most dogs adjust well to vehicle travel. It allows the whole family to bond during road trips instead of stressing over an untrained dog‘s behavior. With a little patience and effort upfront, you’ll all have fond memories of fun journeys together for years to come!

Choosing the Right Dog Air Crate

Size	Interior Space	Weight Limit	Door Type	Ventilation
Small	Up to 15″ wide x 15″ deep x 15″ tall	Up to 15 lbs	Side door	Mesh panels and roof vents
Medium	15″-24″ wide x 15″-21″ deep x 21″-30″ tall	15-40 lbs	Sliding or swing top	Mesh panels all around
Large	24″-36″ wide x 21″-30″ deep x 30″-42″ tall	30-75 lbs	Sliding or swing top	Mesh panels all around, larger roof vents
Extra Large	30″+ wide x 24″+ deep x 36″+ tall	Over 75 lbs	Sliding top	Mesh panels all around, extra large roof vents
Collapsible	Folds down for storage	Up to 30 lbs	Zippered door	Mesh panels on sides

FAQ

1. What is a dog air crate?

   An air crate is a crate for dogs that lets fresh air circulate. It has openings on the sides and top that are covered with netting, allowing ventilation while still containing your pup.

2. Why do people use air crates for dogs?

   Folks use air crates for dogs since it permits air circulation. Basically, dogs get too hot and stuffy in closed crates, so the air flow helps keep them comfy. At the same time, it provides containment like a standard crate.

   

3. Should I use an air crate for travel?

   An air crate works amazing for travel! It allows your doggo to see outside while being safe inside the car. The circulation helps prevent carsickness too. Many pups feel way less stressed with the ability to see out.

4. How does size affect air crate comfort?

   Get an air crate that fits your pup snugly. Too big and they won’t feel secure, too puny and it’ll be uncomfortable. Measure them when calm and get one just mostly or just barely wider and longer than them. Don’t crush their style, yo!

5. Can it be used as a house crate?

   Certainly, an air crate is great for in the house too. Similar to a regular crate, it teaches your furry friend a den place. However, the ventilation stops them from getting too hot while you’re away. Just be sure it’s big enough to not feel squeezed.

6. What material lasts the longest?

   Heavy duty plastic or metal air crates tend to last the longest. Cheap wire or thin plastic may not withstand escapes or chewing as well over time. Perhaps ask other owners what brands have stood the test for them. Tough is worth it for the investment.

In conclusion, air crates can really benefit pooches – the airflow keeps them chill while the enclosure maintains discipline. But do puppies need them? Maybe for supervision in the beginning, but once trained confinement may not be crucial. Let me know if you have any other dog crate questions!