In the current market we have a wide range of carriers that can become a very useful accessory for our dog.
If you want to know which are the most suitable for your dog, its uses and the different types that you can choose, do not miss this article.
Index of contents
- 1 What is a carrier for?
- 2 Types of carriers
- 3 How to use the carrier?
What is a carrier for?
Perhaps we have seen the carriers among the dog accessories and we are considering acquiring one but we are not sure if it will compensate us because we do not know what its utilities may be.
Here we list the most frequent uses:
- Transport: As its name suggests, carriers are mainly used for traveling, whether in our private vehicle or by plane, boat, train, bus, or even motorcycle, if the size of the dog allows it.
- Den: Dogs like to have their place to sleep, so a carrier at home can do that for them. In addition, if we have outside space, the carrier can function as a booth, serving as a bed but also as protection against inclement weather.
The carrier can be the place to stay if we have to do something potentially dangerous for the dog at home or even if a technician with fear of dogs visits us.
- Education: in some cases the carrier becomes another tool in the dog education. It will be the professional with whom we work who will guide us how to use it. It is usually used as a safe space in very frightened dogs or dogs with separation anxiety.
- Disease: If our dog has any pathology that limits its mobility or, simply, age makes it difficult to walk, with an adequate carrier we can continue our usual activity since, if it gets tired, we will only have to carry it comfortably installed in its carrier.
Although it is not usual, since they are cases that require hospital admission, if for any reason we had to administer intravenous serum to our dog, a carrier allows us to keep it in a reduced space so that its movements are limited and the route cannot be released. .
- Accompaniment: If we like to take our dog everywhere, the carrier can be a very good option. Also if we go to dog classes where, sometimes, they must stay a few minutes in the carrier while working with others.
If we have a business or allow us to take the dog to work, the carrier can be your resting place where, in addition, it can be closed if for any reason we have to open the doors, another animal enters, etc.
Types of carriers
Among the variety of carriers that we can find in the market we must choose the one that best suits our needs and the characteristics of our dog.
The most common are the following:
- Rigid carrier: It generally consists of two parts, upper and lower, and a mesh door through which the animal can see the outside.
Available in all sizes, they are useful for traveling, although before doing so it is better that we check with the transport company to make sure that our transport company complies with its regulations.
They are plastic, which makes them easy to clean, as well as resistant, which makes them a good investment. To calculate the size we must check that the dog can sit and lie down inside. The price depends on the size.
- Cloth Carrier: They are designed for small dogs. They come in different patterns and can be cleaned in the washing machine.
They can be completely closed, with a plastic window, or as shoulder straps, so that the dog can stick its head out.
There are also some similar to baby carriers, in which the dog is seated and takes out the front and rear legs through their respective holes.
It doesn’t seem like the most ergonomic option. A disadvantage is the fact that the dog could bite and destroy the fabric. Best for calm or older dogs.
- Carrier with wheels: They are fabric backpacks that we can carry on our backs or add a structure with wheels. Although we can find them quite wide, they are better for small dogs.
Its backpack shape makes them comfortable to carry the dog effortlessly, just as if we moved it using the wheels. Washable. Its two positions of use makes them very versatile.
- Detachable carriers: The classic is metallic, similar to a cage but can also be used as a park, especially for puppies, when they are small.
Or when we want to keep them under control while cleaning the house, although it can also be used as a rest area, food, game or evacuation depending on our needs.
Among the removable ones there are also cloth ones, which have the advantage that they take up little space when storing them.
How to use the carrier?
Although some dogs will go directly into the carrier we bought for them, others may refuse to enter.
Thus, we must gradually get them used to it, the most important thing to keep in mind is that we should never force them.
A correct adaptation will be the basis for us to get the most out of the carrier. without trauma to the dog.
Therefore we will never use it as punishment. It is good that we leave the carrier at home, at your fingertips, so that you can investigate it whenever you want.
To cheer him up we can put prizes, toys or his bed inside. When you enter with confidence we can try to close the door, that you see that nothing happens. This process can take time, there is no rush.
Once you are comfortable with the carrier, we will use basic commands such as “enter” and “exit” to tell you when to enter or leave the carrier.