Why I LOVE crating in the car? It starts with safety, like most things in dog training.
1) I like knowing the dogs are all safe in their own spots. I can have up to 4 dogs crated in my Honda CRV (2 large rufflands, 1 intermediate, 1 medium). I don’t want dogs snapping at each other or bullying each other while I drive etc. But most importantly, if there was a car accident situation, I have extra peace of mind knowing the dogs are crated. It can be dangerous to have dogs loose in the car, especially the front seat in a car accident. There are times when you need to think fast (as someone who was hit by a driver who sped through a red light while I had the green to go). In those moments, the last thing I want is a dog licking my face or trying to sit in my lap.
2) The cleanliness – oh my, how I love cleaning the crates and not my entire car after a soggy spring romp. The dogs shake the water off and I no longer have a reflex response to cringe up as I pray for my poor ceiling.
3) If a dog was to throw up, or have an accident etc. It is easier to clean up too.
4) It helps with calm behaviours in the car. Dogs with car issues (motion sickness, car anxieties etc.) often do better in a crate in the car, with training of course. This does not apply to all dogs, it depends. But I have had dogs who car sickness went away with crating and lots of exposure drills.
5) I can open all my doors and windows, without worrying about dogs running out. This is super helpful at my agility events. Or anytime I need to take one dog out to train but leave the rest.
If you are looking for a nice sturdy car crate, we always recommend @ruff_land_kennels sold @cabelascanada in Kanata or order online
This is not an ad lol Just a PSA on safe travels for da pups!✌️🐕
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Also – Wire crates are the least safe for the car – they could literally fold and squish the dog in a car accident. A soft travel crate would be better than a wire crate. But the safest of the 3 would be a super durable rufflands crate. I think there are some other super sturdy car crate materials that I just haven’t used myself. Do your research!
