FAQ: Carriers & Crates for dogs

A front carrier lets you see the dog and react quickly, so it suits town use and nervous dogs. A backpack is more comfortable for longer periods, especially on hikes, but the dog is harder to keep an eye on.

In some carriers the dog’s front legs come out through openings, but the rear and back must always be supported. Legs dangling unsupported for long are uncomfortable, so for longer periods a bag or backpack in which the dog can sit is better.

Only very small dogs ride in a handlebar basket, and it must be securely fixed, with a safety mesh and inner tether. For bigger dogs a bike trailer is better, as weight on the handlebars makes steering harder.

A bike trailer lets you carry a larger or older dog by bike when it cannot run alongside. It should be stable, with a closable mesh, an inner tether and reflectors, and the dog needs to get used to it gradually.

Escape attempts often signal strong anxiety or training that went too fast, and the dog can injure its teeth and paws. Go back to short, pleasant crate sessions with the door open and consult a behaviour specialist or vet.

A dog may urinate in the carrier out of fear, if kept in too long, if the carrier is too big, or because a puppy cannot hold on yet. Walk the dog before trips and choose the right size, and if it keeps happening for no clear reason, see a vet.

Heavy drooling and trembling often indicate nausea or fear during travel. Gradually get the dog used to the carrier and the car, do not feed it before the trip, and if the signs are severe, consult a vet.

A puppy may occasionally chew the bars out of boredom, but constant chewing often points to anxiety and can damage the teeth. Give more exercise before crating, provide a chew toy and shorten the time in the crate.

Do not pull the dog out by force, as that increases fear. Open the door, step back and let it come out on its own, and you can place treats by the exit or take the top off the carrier.

Put the crate next to your bed so the puppy can hear and smell you, with soft bedding and something carrying its litter’s or your scent. Take it out before bed, and if it wakes and cries at night, calmly carry it out to relieve itself and put it back.

No, it is the owner’s choice. Once the dog behaves reliably at home, it can sleep in a bed, and the crate can stay open as one of its resting spots.

A dog should not be crated for a full working day, as that is too long without exercise or a chance to relieve itself. If you work long hours, arrange for someone to walk the dog during the day, or leave it in a safely enclosed room.

A playpen is a roofless fence of linked panels where a puppy has more room to play, while a crate is mainly for resting. A playpen can hold a bed, water and a toilet pad.

The pen should be taller than the puppy can jump or climb over when standing on its hind legs. For lively or large-breed puppies, choose higher panels or a pen with a roof.

After some surgeries or injuries, for example to the spine or bones, a vet may prescribe strict crate rest so the dog does not jump or run. The crate should be big enough to lie down and turn around in, and the dog should only be taken out as the vet instructed.

Give the dog lick mats, sniffing games and calm chew toys to keep its mind busy, and spend time next to it. Ask your vet which activities are safe during recovery.

Toss a treat into the crate, say your chosen word, such as ‘crate’, as the dog goes in, and praise it. After many repetitions, say the word before tossing the treat, and later reward only once the dog has gone in.

A crate can be a quiet place where the dog rests away from the noise of guests, especially if it gets excited or there are small children. The dog should be used to the crate beforehand, and guests should not disturb it there.

A crate can give a new dog a safe place to adjust, but introduce it gradually, as earlier experiences may have been unpleasant. Leave the door open at first and let the dog choose when to be there.

Each dog is usually advised to have its own crate, as dogs shut in together may fight and have nowhere to retreat. A shared large crate on a trip is only an option for dogs that get on very well, under supervision.