If you plan on traveling with your dog one of my best tips is to get your dog comfortable with their carrier beforehand. Find some steps below to help get your furry friend to love their carrier.
The more time the better to get them accommodated with their travel carrier. I always leave the carrier out so they can be curious and explore it on their own time.
Treats, Treats and more Treats
Put treats in their carrier so that they know it’s a positive place to be. When you get new toys you can give it to them in the carrier. You can also feed them in their carrier if they are food motivated. When they go in on their own you can celebrate since this is their special space. Make that carrier the place to be and be seen.
Cozy blankets and familiar smells
Put blankets that they love and an item of your clothes that smell like you in there so they have that comfort.Try giving them a kong with peanut butter in it to enjoy in there which will help extend their time in the carrier.
Practice makes perfect
Practice saying go to your bag, go to your carrier or whatever you want to call it so your pet willingly goes in and it does not have to be a traumatic experience getting them in.
As they get comfortable, practice shutting the carrier door for a few minutes then opening it back up so they know that it’s not a bad place. Extend how long you leave them in there so they get used to it, if they start to whine, wait until they have calmed down to let them out, so they don’t start thinking whining will be the key to them getting out of the carrier.
As they have gotten more comfortable, do some trials. Put them in their carrier and close it up and take them just for a short ride or walk around with it so they know it is a safe place and not to be alarmed.
We hope this is helpful and your pet learns to love their little travel room. Let us know what has helped you get your pet comfortable with their carrier.