Dog Carriers Demystified: How to Select the Perfect One

By Ruby Fayed
2008-03-10

Dog Carriers Demystified: How to Select the Perfect One

Dog carrier fashion is the hottest thing to hit the runways of Tokyo,
LA, and Milan. But what does that mean to you and how do you select the
best one for your canine friend? A dog carrier is your best choice when
it comes to traveling long distances with your little friend. It is
basically a padded bag with sufficient space to accommodate your pet
comfortably. They are of varied sizes, shapes and styles. The market is
flocked with different types of dog carriers like dog strollers, dog
crates, designer dog carriers and the newly fashionable dog backpack.
Which one you choose depends largely upon the size and the breed of the
dog you have; and the lifestyle you wish to include your dog in.

First,
try to acquire as much information as possible from the manufacturers
or retailer before making your purchase. Safety, security and comfort -
are the three most important aspects you should look for when choosing
a dog carrier. The type of dog carriers that you purchase depends on
size, length and the weight of your dog, not all dog carriers may work
for your pooch. A big dog may not fit in the standard size strollers,
backpack and most designer carriers; your choices would be limited to
carriers and crates to transport your dog. Small dogs on the other hand
can comfortably fit into any carrier or stroller, but again you should
be vigilant about the attributes of the carrier and your intention for
its primary use.

A comfortable dog carrier gives your pet
sufficient room to move around yet not big enough to allow him to rock
around inside especially if you intend on rigorous activity while
carrying your dog such as jogging and hiking. The most vital
characteristic you should always check for is that the carrier has good
ventilation to allow for fresh air to circulate. Your dog can easily
dehydrate in a poorly ventilated dog carrier, especially on those hot
summer days. If you wish to pamper your pet then make sure that the
carrier is comfortably padded and has a seat belt - of course there is
nothing wrong with making sure you look good while carrying it around
too! Also check out other points like durability, detachable shoulder
straps, rubberized fabric and four mesh viewing panels. Let me point
out from personal experience that you should also look into the
cleaning directions of the dog carrier; some have machine washable
linings that can easily be cleaned.

Those on the look out for
trendy and chic dog carriers will have no problem locating fashionable
and pocket friendly dog carriers at most pet stores. For those that
want maximum indulgence for dog can browse the many styles from the
best designer houses in the world. Remember, that the dog carriers are
not only for the fashion conscious but can also be used if your dog is
blind, too old to walk or has hearing problems. A good idea is to try
to reflect your dog's personality and taste have some fun with it.

Initially
your dog may be reluctant to sit inside the carrier, but this depends
entirely on your skills to compel him/her to venture into a small case.
Start with a bone shaped biscuit or fake bacon strips to urge your
little friend towards the carrier. Your next other option is to entice
the little pet with an endearing smell or a favorite toy kept in the
vicinity of the carrier. This will tempt the dog to step inside the
carrier, though it may show some hesitation. Nonetheless, keep in mind
to always place the dog carrier on the ground. Never force your dog in
the dog carrier; this will likely cause anxiety and an irrational fear
of carriers. Take your time and be patients, your rewards will make it
all worth it.


Article Pages:
» Dog Carriers Demystified: How to Select the Perfect One

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