While we wish that our dogs would happily go along with everything we ask, that is definitely not always the case. Dogs are often nervous during and before big outings like vet visits or moving days that necessitate being in a pet carrier. Without knowing why they are being placed in this small box, your pet might refuse and fight your attempts to get them inside. However, a dog carrier can be extremely useful for introducing your pet to a new place in a safe and controlled manner. Getting them comfortable with a crate or carrier now can benefit you in the long run.
Helping Your Dog Love Their Carrier
While dogs often crave freedom and the ability to run around, they also love feeling secure and comfortable. Hopefully, your dog can learn to love their carrier and embrace the safety and security it can provide.
Buying a Dog Carrier: The carrier you own now might not be the perfect choice for your dog, and continuing with carrier and crate training is challenging when the basics are insufficient. A pet carrier for your dog should be large enough for them to enter and lie down in but not large enough for them to run around in. A snug fit is vital for providing the feeling of security your dog will need when they have high-stress levels.
Introducing Your Dog To The Carrier: Your dog will be much more comfortable with their carrier if you train them far in advance of when you need to use it. Your dog will be naturally curious if you place the carrier on the ground, but their initial feelings will be soured if you put them into it and immediately whisk them off to the vet.
The best way to begin this introduction process is not to make it a huge event. Leave the carrier near your dog’s favorite hang-out spot and place a few intriguing or welcoming items inside, like blankets, treats, and toys. Over the course of a few days, your dog will either enjoy the presence of the carrier or be unaffected by its presence.
After this period has ended, you can begin training them to enter and exit the carrier. Lure them in with treats and praise them when they enter inside without much fuss. Only if they don’t see the carrier should you try locking them inside.
In a low-stakes scenario inside your home on a random day, locking the carrier door behind your pet will not freak them out much, and this is the ideal condition for this training. Close the door and stay engaged with them, placing treats between the bars and opening the door a few seconds later.
Eventually, you can increase the time you leave them inside and work your way up to picking up the carrier and moving it around the house. If you continue supplying treats and bringing the carrier to another part of the house they are already familiar with, they won’t start their carrier journey with negative associations like vet visits or long car rides.
The honeymoon phase has to end at some point, and you will need to use your dog carrier for its intended purpose. Hopefully, at that time, your pup will already trust you enough and feel secure in the carrier that they can endure whatever lies ahead of them that day.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training offers comprehensive dog training to dog owners in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. Call us today for help with any aspect of training and dog socialization.
