Carriers for dogs: purpose and types

Flying or moving with pets is not an easy process. In addition to the pet, the owner needs to keep an eye on the bag, suitcase, documents, wallet, and a curious dog that has to be led on a leash creates a lot of inconvenience. Therefore, carriers are now used not only for cats, but also for dogs.

You should not spare money for the purchase of this important equipment, the owner of the dog will need to carry it more than once during his life. Experienced owners know that this item serves the following purposes.

• For travel. If you have personal transport, then the task is simplified, but on a bus, train or plane you cannot do without a special carrying. A passenger with a dog on a leash will simply not be allowed there.
• To visit a veterinary clinic. Both small and large dogs can be brought to a specialist and on a leash, but if the animal is unwell, then carrying will become a necessity for the delivery of the dog. Transporting a sick pet in a bag will be faster and safer.
• The carrier can serve as a pet house. If the family has children, then the dog will consider the bag as his place of rest, where you can hide from the noise.
• To visit the exhibition... Before this serious event, the dog can spend several hours in the hands of the groomer, and so that the appearance does not deteriorate upon delivery to the exhibition, a carrying bag will be required.

The advantages of the product are its broad functionality. The carrier can be used as an item for transporting an animal and as a home enclosure. It all depends on the variety.This thing is also good with a wide assortment: currently, in zoo departments and online stores, you can order a bag for transporting an animal of any size. Models differ in parameters, material, functionality, design, price. Some large specimens allow two small dogs to be transported at the same time.

Of the minuses, it can be noted the high cost of even budget options. For miniature dogs, it is recommended to buy the feline version - it will come out cheaper.

It is important to select the size so that the animal can stand up to its full height, without bending, and also stretch out to its full length. But a very spacious carrying is also not suitable, otherwise, when braking or sharp turns, the dog will be thrown against the walls. The additional volume should be such that the pet has enough room for a convenient 360-degree turn.

The height of the product should be 10 cm higher than the dog's head. There is even a formula for calculating the size of the carrier. Take the following parameters:

• a - the length of the dog from nose to tail, cm;
• b - the length of the limb from the floor to the elbow joint, cm;
• c - the width of the chest region, cm;
• d - length from floor to ear tips, see

The formulas for calculating the size are as follows:

• carrying length = a + 1 / b;
• width = c + c;
• height = d + 10.

For small breed dogs, products made of soft materials are suitable, but for large individuals, only massive carriers and cages from hard materials are offered. Most often, containers for transporting large dogs are plastic or metal. Carriers for large and medium breeds can be equipped with additional elements and are almost always plastic.

If the owner chose a cage for transportation, then this is in any case a metal option. The good thing about the cage is that it can be additionally used when visiting an exhibition for animals, but it is inconvenient for its ventilation, that is, it can be used only in summer.

For miniature breeds, you can choose both a plastic model and a rag one. To make it easy for the pet to breathe through textiles, plastic mesh is often sewn into the products. Occasionally, models are offered with a hole for the head, as well as options with a foam insert to maintain shape.

Dwelling in more detail on options made of soft or hard material, the most popular varieties in terms of their functionality can be distinguished.

• Soft carry bag. This option looks like a sports bag with a ventilation window. Such specimens have medium-length handles for ease of use. Popular are bags with an additional compartment where you can store dog paraphernalia and ammunition. There are options on wheels that can be transported as suitcases.
• Backpack. Another soft option. Also used for small dogs. Some specimens have a window that provides an overview of the animal. For safety, the windows on some models are equipped with a metal mesh. The backpacks are made of high-quality nylon, which is water-repellent, and the animal does not get wet inside in the rain. The product allows you to go on a bicycle trip. It is very convenient carrying, which frees the owner's hands, however, the backpack is recommended to be used only for balanced dogs who are not afraid to be left alone in a closed space without seeing their owner.
• Sling. Another kind of soft material. It is a bag on the owner's chest, which is suspended over one shoulder.This option is more suitable for shy miniature individuals who are afraid of losing their owner out of sight. The wide shoulder strap ensures reliability. This specimen can be used exclusively for toddlers; it will not work for dwarf or medium-sized dogs.
• Plastic container. As already mentioned, it is better to choose plastic if possible. It is easy to clean, does not absorb moisture, which is very important for eternally frightened little dogs, does not cause allergies in the animal. There are models with additional fastening, such a box can be securely fixed on the car seat. The product allows you to additionally attach a drinking bowl inside, in addition, such a carrier can be placed on dirty asphalt - everything is easily and quickly washed off. By the way, for example, during air transportation it is allowed to transport dogs only in plastic boxes.
• Metal cage. This option is often used when transporting large dogs: shepherds, Labradors, Great Danes. Here you can install a drinker and put a bowl of food. The animal itself is quite comfortable here, since the view is completely open to it and it sees the owner. The cages are easy to clean and can be additionally used at exhibitions.

Before choosing a dog carrier, look for seasonal patterns. They have special requirements.

• Winter carrying bags should be made of a dense fabric that can trap warm air inside. You can't get such a bag wet. When choosing a size, keep in mind that the animal will probably be transported in warm clothes, so the parameters should be slightly larger.
• If the animal is transported in the summer, then choose containers made of thin breathable material that allows fresh air to pass through. To prevent the dog from feeling stuffy, the side of the product should be equipped with mesh windows. For psychological comfort and tranquility of the owner himself, it is recommended to choose a bag in gentle pastel colors.

If you figured it out with the time of year, then you should familiarize yourself with other recommendations for choosing a carrier.

• For short-term bus travel, such as to your local veterinary clinic or summer cottage, choose a soft carrier for small dogs. It is lighter in weight, and the pet itself will be more comfortable there. In addition, now there are foldable soft models that can be easily transported when empty.
• For a long trip, opt for plastic options. Firstly, they simply won't be allowed on a train or plane with a soft bag, and, secondly, in many countries it is allowed to transport dogs in cars only in plastic boxes.
• If during the journey you will have a long hike, then for a large or medium dog it is better to purchase a container on wheels with a retractable handle, and for a miniature breed to get a backpack.

As already mentioned, cages and carriers have a dual function, they can be used both during the hike and at home, but you need to do it right. Cynologists give their recommendations on the operation of carriers and cages.

• Don't crate an animal just because you are tired of it. Instead of doing this unfair to a curious puppy, it is better to educate and train him. If you leave the annoying dog in an enclosed space all the time, you will never be able to train it to move in a bag.
• If you need to transport a puppy between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks, do not leave it inside for a long time. Even one hour of loneliness gives a dog cub psychological discomfort. The same goes for using the carrier in the home. At the age of 4-6 months, the puppy is allowed to be locked in the cage for a maximum of 3 hours.
• Adult dogs can be left in the cage for 8 hours, but only after a 30-60 minute run. Otherwise, an unprepared dog may try to gnaw the grate, try to get out, whine, bark, bothering its neighbors.
• Try to use the crate as little as possible to punish the dog, otherwise she will hate this thing and during the next trip it will be difficult to drive it inside.
• If the animal has decided that the cage in the house is his refuge, then you should carefully walk past the cage, since the pet can begin to guard its territory. In this case, do not get the animal out of the carrier with your hands, it is better to lure it out with a treat or "shake it out".
• When going on an air trip, check with the company representative what characteristics the carrier should have.... A number of airlines have their own requirements for the height of the product and its locking mechanisms. Usually, a plastic container should have two locks, a place for attaching a bowl for food and drinkers, good ventilation.
• Purchase an individual carrier for your dog, do not take the bag from friends. First, it can be dangerous. Perhaps the friend's dog was transported in this bag to the veterinary clinic, being sick, and, therefore, your dog has every chance of catching an infection. Many fungi and bacteria can live inside the carrier for several years, and even harsh chemicals do not always act on them. Secondly, the pet itself will not be comfortable being inside the "alien" carrier, because he will clearly smell the smell of another dog and be nervous about this all the way.

Also watch the video on how to sew a dog carrier.