The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Crate for Your Dog

Everything You Need to Know About Dog Traveling Crates

If you’re planning a road trip with your furry friend, a dog crate is an essential item to keep Fido safe and secure during travel. As a lifelong dog owner and avid traveler, I’ve used crates for all my pooches over the years. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about choosing, using, and caring for a dog crate for traveling.

Why Use a Dog Crate for Travel?

There are several important reasons why dog crates are recommended for car trips:

• Safety – Crates protect your dog in case of an accident by preventing them from being thrown around the car. It’s also safer than letting a dog roam loose where they could possibly distract the driver.
• Comfort – A crate provides a den-like space that many dogs feel secure in. It helps reduce stress that can come from unfamiliar environments during travel.
• Crate Training – Using a crate from a young age helps dogs get comfortable being in one for future car rides or vet visits.
• Convenience – Crates make bathroom breaks easier by containing messes and preventing dogs from wandering off during stops.

So in summary, a crate keeps your dog safe, secure, and out of trouble on the road.

Choosing the Right Travel Crate

When buying a crate, the most important factors are size, durability, and portability. Here are some tips:

1. Size – The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably, but not too big where they can relieve themselves in one corner. Measure your dog and only buy crates labeled for their size.
2. Material – Plastic or wire crates are best for traveling as they provide excellent ventilation and are lightweight. Avoid fabric or soft-sided crates which are less durable and may puncture.
3. Collapsibility – Look for crates that fold down or detach from sides for easy packing in your vehicle. Telescoping crates save even more space.
4. Durability – Reinforced corners and edges, tight assembly, rust-resistant coatings, etc. ensure the crate lasts through many trips. Cheaply made crates may break under pressure.

I personally like the collapsibility of impact-resistant plastic crates like those made by Petmate or MidWest for reliability on long hauls. Different brands suit every budget.

Training Your Dog for the Crate

Positive crate training from a young age is key for a pleasant traveling experience. Here are some effective methods:

1. Feed meals inside the empty crate with the door open so your pup associates it with good things.
2. Toss treats into the crate throughout the day for your dog to discover. Say “crate” as they go inside to reinforce the command.
3. Start with short intervals with the door closed and praise/reward when they remain calm. Gradually increase duration over days.
4. Never use the crate as punishment. It should always be a positive place they feel safe in.

With patience and positive reinforcement, most dogs will happily enter their crate on command within a few weeks of training.

Preparing for Travel Day

To keep your furry friend stress-free on the big day, follow these prep tips:

• Give your dog lots of exercise before the trip to tire them out. An tired pup is a well-behaved pup!
• Bring along familiar toys or blankets that smell like home for comfort in the strange crate environment.
• Avoid heavy, greasy foods before travel which can make your pup car sick. Opt for a light meal a few hours prior.
• Consider calming supplements, beds, or music designed to soothe dogs if they get anxious traveling. Consult your vet for options.
• Have supplies like extra water, pee pads, poop bags, treats, and any medications ready to go in the car.

A little pre-trip prep goes a long way in making vehicle rides relaxing for both you and your canine co-pilot.

Using the Crate Safely in the Car

Once loaded up for adventure, follow these crate tips to keep Fido secured:

1. Buckle the crate safely using the vehicle’s seat belt system or secure it with cargo hooks/netting to prevent movement during driving.
2. Never let dogs roam loose in the vehicle where they may interfere with driving or get injured in an accident. The crate is their safe space.
3. Crack the windows enough for ventilation on warm days but avoid blasting A/C directly on your dog which could dehydrate them.
4. Stop regularly for water, potty breaks and crate-free stretching at pet-friendly rest areas – roughly every 3 hours on long trips.

By following these simple tips, both you and your pup will have a relaxed ride no matter the destination. Safe travels!

Caring For the Crate After Travel

Wrap up road trip duties by thoroughly cleaning your dog’s crate:

1. Remove any accidents, toys, or blankets used during travel. A simple soap and water wash removes odors.
2. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before storage to prevent mildew growth.
3. Disinfect hard plastic surfaces with a dilute bleach solution if needed for additional sanitation.
4. Reward your dog’s good crate behavior with praise when cleaning is complete. Keep training positive!

With regular care and handling, a quality dog crate can provide safe transportation for many road trips to come. Happy travels to you and your beloved furry friend!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Travel Crate

Size	Description
Small	Suitable for toy dogs under 20 lbs
Medium	Fits dogs 20-40 lbs like Labs and Goldens
Large	For dogs 40-70 lbs like German Shepherds
Extra Large	Accommodates dogs 70+ lbs like Great Danes
Material	Benefits
Plastic or Metal	Durable and easy to clean
Soft-Sided	Lightweight and collapsible for travel
Door Location	Access
Front-Opening	Easy for your dog to enter and exit
Top-Opening	Allows your dog to see out easily while riding

FAQ

1. What size traveling crate should I get for my dog?

   The right size crate depends on your dog’s measurements. You want them to be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably without feeling cramped. Get a crate big enough for your pup to snuggle up in but not so big that they could potentially go potty in one corner and sleep in another. A crate that’s too huge might not feel as cozy to them anyway.

2. Is it okay to leave my dog in the traveling crate for long periods?

   It’s best not to have Fido stuck in the crate for extremely lengthy times. Pups need chances to stretch their legs, play, and do their business. However, if he’s contently chewing a toy or napping, possibly a transport crate could be used for medium-long road trips. Just be sure to give your doggo breaks to run around at rest stops. Overall, don’t force them to “hold it in” for unreasonable stretches.

3. What supplies should I pack for my dog’s crate?

   Some important things to bring are cozy blankets or towels, a spare water bowl, treats for training, and of course favorite toys. Also maybe consider extra plastic bags in case of accidents, paper towels or wipes, and his leash and collar. You might want doggy diapers too if it’s a long haul. Oh, and don’t forget documentation like medical records, license, and vaccinations info in case you need to prove he’s allowed wherever you guys are going.

   

4. How can I get my dog used to the crate before a trip?

   To help him feel at ease, starting feeding meals inside the empty crate with the door open. Gradually work up to shutting him in there for just seconds at first while you’re nearby, then reward and praise when he’s cool with it closed a bit longer. Hide treats and toys inside too. Soon he’ll think the crate is where all the fun stuff happens and won’t be as weirded out about hanging out in there on the big journey. Believe it or not, some dogs even seem to kind of like their personal crate space!

5. Is it bad to crate train a senior dog?

   Perhaps it could be somewhat tricky to get an old pup accustomed to confinement after years of freedom. However, crating might actually provide comfort for an aging pooch who’s used to denning behavior. As long as xir arthritis or other joint issues won’t be aggravated, there’s no harm in trying dependent on the dog’s personality—they might see it as a safe, cozy place. But if Fido clearly seems upset at being penned in at this point, it’s not worthwhile to force the issue. Their well-being and happiness should be the top priority.

6. Should I bring my dog’s crate on flights?

   Most airline policies say crates are a-okay on planes as long as your pup has proper documents and the carrier fits under the seat in front of you size-wise. Actually, it can be beneficial because then they have a familiar space onboard instead of worrying underneath strangers’ feet the whole time. Just be prepared to check it at luggage too depending on the rules—but remember pets stowed below are in totally enclosed cargo where temperature fluctuates. So flying with pooch beside you in the crate is often better for their peace of mind, if possible.