The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Dog Crate

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling With Your Dog in a Crate

Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or a month-long camping trip, taking your canine companion along for the journey can make any excursion more fun. However, transporting dogs safely and ensuring their comfort presents some unique challenges. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to crate train your pup for travel, from choosing the right crate to tips for keeping Fido calm and happy along the way.

Picking the Perfect Portable Pup Pod

1. Size matters! Make sure to get a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in but not so huge they have tons of extra space. Dogs often won’t soil an area much larger than where they can comfortably lay down.
2. Opt for plastic or wire crates over softer fabric versions, which are less durable for traveling. Plastic crates are lightweight while wire crates offer better ventilation.
3. Look for crates with good airflow but no gaps big enough for paws to slip out of. Secure latches and sturdy construction are essential for safety.
4. Consider getting a crate designed for car travel with tie-down points or securing your crate properly using straps or bungee cords is a must for preventing accidents in transit.

Back when I used to drive cross-country with my rescue pup,we went through a few different crates before finding “the one.” My friend, you’ll save yourself lots of hassle by not skimping on quality for this important purchase.

Crate Training 101

Even if you think your dog is already house trained, crate training from scratch is a must before any road trips. Dogs associate crates with comfort, not punishment, through positive reinforcement.

Start by feeding pup meals inside an open crate with the door on to build happy feelings. Give treats for calmly lying inside. Then, begin closing the door in short bursts while you’re home, working up to leaving them crated for longer periods with chew toys.

But is it worth crate training if it stresses your pup? Heck no! Look for relaxed body language and adjust the approach if they seem anxious. With patience, almost any dog can learn to enjoy their portable den.

Packing for Pups

When I hit the road with my travel buddy, I always make sure to bring:

1. Familiar blankets, toys and chew items to keep them content
2. Potty pads or old towels for accidents
3. Favorite treats for positive rewards
4. Collapsible water and food bowls
5. Leash, poop bags and ID tag
6. Medications or supplements if needed

Pro tip: Bring along an old worn shirt that smells like you for reassurance. And don’t forget bowls are spill hazards – I use travel bottles or let pup drink from my cupped hands instead. Your co-pilot will thank you, dawg!

Managing Motion Sickness

No cap, car sickness is totally a buzzkill for pups. Signs include excessive drooling, whimpering or trying to hide. Sort of like me after one too many IPAs, amirite?

Basic steps include keeping rides short initially, avoiding feeding before travel, providing airflow and pulling over if they hurl.

Over-the-counter meds specifically for carsick canines may help, but always consult your vet first. And never leave a poor pupper unattended if they seem super queasy – they need cuddles!

From my experience, it just takes introducing movement slowly and being extra patient. Some dogs simply never adapt, unfortunately, so know your pup’s limits. Their comfort is priority numero uno.

Frequent Furry Flyer Tips

For long road trips where you’ll be stopping a lot, consider these suggestions for easing stress on pup and parents alike:

• Only crate them when necessary, like in public places, to avoid associating it with confinement.
• Stop regularly for bathroom breaks, playtime and mental stimulation to reduce boredom.
• Bring along bully sticks, Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or puzzle toys to occupy them during stationary periods.
• Play calming music or white noise to mask engine vibrations.
• socialization is key for well-rounded traveling dogs.

Hey, even the chillest doggos deserve treats! I always have puppachinos or buffalo chips on hand for being calm troopers between destinations. You’re doing awesome, good boy! Or girl…

Of course, safety should still come before fun on every outing. But with positive training and common sense precautions, any pooch can become a pro at seeing the world. They’ll make your trips way more lit, for sure! Hit me up if you have any other doggy dilemmas – I’ve got stories for days, homie 🐶.

Dog Crate Travel Comparison Table

Crate Size	Dog Size	Weight Limit	Material	Door Location
Mid-Size	20-40 lbs	35 lbs	Plastic	Two-door front and top
Large	40-70 lbs	50 lbs	Steel	Three-door side
Extra Large	70+ lbs	75 lbs	Aluminum	Two-door front
Collapsible	All sizes	30 lbs	Fabric	Zipper door
soft-sided	Puppies	15 lbs	Mesh	Zipper door

FAQ

1. What size traveling dog crate should I get?

   The right size crate basically depends on your dog’s measurements. You want enough room for them to stand up and turn around comfortably but not too much extra space. Measure your dog from nose to tail and choose a crate about 2 inches bigger on each side.

   

2. How do I travel safely with a dog in a crate?

   Secure the crate properly so it doesn’t go sliding around during trips. Use buckles or straps to fasten it down firmly. Keep the crate in the backseat if it fits or put it on the floor in the trunk if it’s too big and cover it with a blanket. Watch your speed and braking – we wouldn’t want Fido to go flying, right?

3. Won’t being in a crate stress my dog out while traveling?

   Perhaps. But here are a few tips to basically make crate travel easier on your furry friend: bring familiar toys/blankets, only crate train when giving treats/praise, cover the crate to block out sights and sounds, and always go slow with introductions and positive reinforcement. A well-trained pup will kind of think of their crate as a secure den.

4. Should I leave my dog in a crate if stopping somewhere?

   I’d be careful about leaving your pooch crated for too long if making pit stops. Pups can get anxious or have accidents confined like that. Luckily, many rest areas and gas stations allow leashed outdoor potty breaks. You might consider bringing an x-pen or tarp to make a safe play area too if you’ll be awhile. Or see if a friend can dogsit instead of leaving them locked up.

5. What else do I need for road trips with a dog?

   Besides the obvious like food, water, collar and leash – don’t forget cleaning supplies! Bring poop bags, paper towels, cleaner and perhaps even wee wee pads in case of “emergencies”. Extra collars, meds if needed, toys/bones. And cue cards with your dog’s name, your contact info, and “I’ve lost my human!” Might help should the unthinkable happen. Happy adventures!

6. How do I introduce my dog to the crate gradually?

   Taking it slow is key to help them get used to their crate. Start with short periods with them near it, then inside with door open, then closed for just seconds. Reward calm behavior with treats. In no time maybe you can leave them in for minutes! Practice throughout the day. Avoid scolding if fearful reactions occur – that amazing you and earns the crate a bad reputation. Before long they’ll be comfortable cruising in their mobile home.