How To Introduce The Dog Carrier To Your Canine

A dog carrier can be very beneficial to anyone who owns a small dog. Whether it be a crate style carrier, a backpack carrier, a motorcycle carrier or a fashionable handbag carrier, it is important to purchase a dog carrier that is comfortable for your dog and suits your needs as well.

When preparing your dog to use the soft-sided or hard-sided carrier, don’t just assume he’ll like it. Don’t just put the dog in the carrier and go. Expect the dog to take some time to adjust to the dog carrier. Allow your dog to become accustomed to the dog carrier by letting him smell it and crawl into it. After the dog inspects the carrier for awhile, place him in it and let him stay there for a short time. Slowly build up longer and longer of periods of time in the dog carrier.

The dog needs to adjust to the movements he may experience while being carried in the dog carrier. A good practice is to carry the dog in the carrier around the house for awhile. After he is used to being carried around in the dog carrier then you can carry him out on a short walk. When you feel your dog is comfortable, only then should you take him out in public in his new dog carrier.

To keep your pet safe, you should never place a leash inside the carrier. You can, however, place chew toys inside. If your dog doesn’t seem to like the dog carrier, you can make it a little more enjoyable by placing small treats inside before every entry your pet makes into it. This way, instead of your pet dreading getting in, he will begin to look forward to it and the treat.

If you choose to purchase a plastic or steel wire carrier, the first step is to let the dog smell and investigate the crate with the door open. Feed the dog meals in it and have him jump in and out of it for treats. Just as you would with a puppy, you should make the crate a comfortable place to be and keep crating periods short in the beginning.

Once accustomed to them, many dogs enjoy spending time in the crates even when they don't have to. Plastic or wire carriers are wonderful retreats for dogs when they feel they need to get away from the family and take a rest.

If your dog shakes and tries to jump out of his carrier, he probably needs more help from you to learn that carriers provide him with a safe and secure place to be.

Next article: Paris Hilton and Designer Dog Carriers