Crating the Dog

[FCStreamer]

Sometimes we have to leave the dog in the trailer for a couple of hours. We have the SensorPush gateway so we can monitor the cabin temperature remotely.

We got him a crate, but we can't leave it permanently open because it takes up too much room. So we got a EliteField folding crate and we store it in our bedroom when not in use.

I'm not particularly fond of crates but Max (my dog) is actually more comfortable in his crate than being left loose (as evidenced by a remote camera I have). He's quite fond of his crate. Who knew.

[CRH]

I have a very similar crate that I keep behind the gaucho when not in use.

[AirstreamCSH]

Dogs are not only pack animals, they are den animals. While we treat them as family, their instincts drive them to den and nest. Key thing is not to use the crate as punishment nor, oddly enough, to go in it. This is their space, a place of retreat when they want "alone" time so it may be surprising if a dog who never growls does so when a human or other dog messes with their den.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

. . .
He's quite fond of his crate. Who knew.
. . .

Aren't you also fond of your crate?



It may be larger and have wheels, but . . .

[Mollysdad]

I hear that dogs feel safer in a small space just big enough to turn around.
However, Molly would chew through a fabric crate in an hour.

[RadioWagon]

That's cool to see! Once we get started, I was going to invest in a similar foldable crate, so I'm glad it works for you. Our dog seems happier in her kennel when we are away than she does running around. I think too much space without people in it overwhelms her. Or maybe it's the same reason that, growing up, I liked being in my own room with the door shut sometimes.

[weirdstuff]

FC Streamer....I love your door mat!!! If/when we get a new trailer, I'm going to find one like that!

[rmkrum]

Traveling with up to six small dogs has show us they like the security of a crate, even if they are in them in pairs. We also noticed that they quickly decided the shiny AS doghouse was home on extended trips.

When our dogs are tired, they actually seek out their crate to get away from excessive excitement. It's denning behaviour and they do it to get s break.

[Wayne&Sam]

Dogs love crates. I use the soft-sided foldable kind too. They don't rattle like a metal crate when the dog moves around. But it's best to crate train in a metal one. Some dogs will dig at first. If they dig out of a soft crate, they may never give up trying.

[shadesohippy]

We've been crate training our dogs for decades now. While we don't have our AS yet, each one I look at is assessed for crate space.
I hadn't thought about a soft sided crate, I wonder if my trouble maker would tear through it.

[FCStreamer]

Well, Max found a way out of his crate. Had to get him a folding metal one. Now he can’t get out...

[shadesohippy]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

Well, Max found a way out of his crate. Had to get him a folding metal one. Now he can’t get out...

I once had a 14lb pug chew her way out of a soft sided crate, and then the pocket of the jeans I'd left dog treats in!
With my large dogs, I'd have to stick with metal I think....

[AirstreamCSH]

Our GSD are the door off her soft sided crate. Stick with metal.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Crates & Xpens...never loose. Trained to accept both.
Bob
🇺🇸

[DSteed]

Our Dogs are crate trained and they love their Airstream apartment.

[Mollysdad]

Another positive feature of small dogs.

Dogs don't desire big homes like humans.
They like to feel snug and safe.

[rmkrum]

Yup. And more little ones can get on a lap...

[Overstreet]

Best success is if the dog is properly crate trained. Which very well may mean that if you want that dog to do well in the crate in the AS it has to be in the crate at home too.

Ours does OK in crates but not at the house or trailer. It is an adverse experience puppy thing. He wants to go with his people. But with the comforts of the couch, with dog cover, he settles in quite well when alone in the trailer. He's good for several hours.