Training is a very important part of owning a pet. Crate training is one that I am completely in favor of, because once the animal is used to its crate or carrier it has its own bedroom. The crate or carrier can become a safe haven for your animal, but you must never use it for punishment only. For those who want to travel with their pets pet carriers can be a comfortable place of sanctuary for our beloved pets when the changes of traveling become too much. My dogs retreat to their pet carriers when they are tired and it is bedtime, when they are being bullied by one of the others, or if we are camping or traveling they feel more at home with their bedroom with us. Some people find that a pillow or blanket will do the job but that won’t suffice if you want them pet carrier trained for airline travel – they must be in a carrier. Get your pet carrier ahead of time and give your pet plenty of time to adjust to it – it will make for a much more comfortable trip. There are many styles and colors available for the small or toy animals, making your choices as unique as your pet. Discover some of your options: luggage or duffel bag style pet carriers or a more tote or house like pet carrier. Browse around. The wheeled pet carriers found under the backpacks and more heading will also double nicely for a travel pet carrier, and not only is it on wheels it doubles as a backpack. Once this carrier is laid on it’s back it will nicely slide under that airplane seat in front of you and has plenty of mesh windows for lots of ventilation for little Fido. After you purchase your pet carrier, gradually encourage your pet to spend time in the carrier. Feeding them inside the carrier is one option. If they spend time outside, maybe a transition period, a cooling down or drying off period to help them shift from outside to inside behavior. Starting with only a minute or two at first, put your pet into the pet carrier, use a soothing voice and comfort him or her, and present him with a treat upon completion. Gradually add a little more time each time and walk away from the pet carrier, until finally Fido can expect and be ok with spending time in the pet carrier. If at all possible leave the pet carrier available to Fido at all times, and that will help it to become his ‘bedroom’ where he can voluntarily go for some sanctuary. As with any training, be brief with lots of positive reinforcement – like the old adage “Short and Sweet”
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