If you’ve ever traveled with a loose pooch in the car, you know they can be a big distraction. Whether climbing in your lap, blocking the view out of the window or accidentally stepping on the gear shift, your pup can be a hazard on the road. It’s much safer for them to travel in a crate. The Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Crate is perfect for on-the-go pet parents. Well-ventilated and spacious, yet compact for easy storage, it’s available in a range of sizes but is best for smaller dogs.

Airline crates must meet IATA guidelines for safe pet air travel. Before you book, take a look at BringFido’s airline policies for the specific requirements of your chosen airline. Then invest in a carrier like the Frisco Plastic Kennel, which is suitable for larger dogs being transported as checked baggage or in your vehicle. Eco-friendly and easy to assemble or take apart, it can accommodate a cozy dog blanket or a dog bed like this one from the Tall Tails’ Dream Chaser series, so your pup can travel comfortably.

Crate Training

Once you’ve selected the appropriate crate for your best mate, it’s time to train him to use it safely.

1. Start off by moving daily meals inside the crate to provide a positive association.
2. Next, hold a slumber party for one (Fido) inside.
3. After a few successful sleeps, try a few hours during the day to get him used to being in the crate at different times.
4. If you give in to whining and let your dog out, this behavior is likely to continue in the future.

It’s great fun sharing a summer road trip with your best friend, but there are ways to make him a better backseat driver. Check out our car safety tips and follow these guidelines:

Before You Get Behind The Wheel

1. Practice with short trips to get your pooch used to the road.
2. If you’re not crating him in the car, consider a seat belt harness to keep him safely secured in the back seat, and reward him for sitting nicely when he’s attached to it.
3. Before you secure your pup with a harness, install a BarksBar Luxury Waterproof Car Seat Cover as another layer of security. Not only does the cover protect your seats, it also acts as a barrier for overexcited four-legged passengers.
4. Keep your pup entertained and well-behaved during the ride with a long-lasting dog chew or an interactive treat puzzle.

Welcome to your final destination. Please proceed to the vehicle exit, grab Fido’s leash and set foot on an adventure. Teaching these basic commands can improve your experience in new surroundings.

Leash Training

Before you start leash training, you need the right equipment. Four Paws Cotton Web Training Dog Lead comes in a variety of lengths and is made of durable cotton for everyday use.

1. If you’ve got to have those commemorative tea towels but the store’s not pet-friendly, teach your pooch to “Wait” at the doorway. Start by using a leash to walk your dog to a door at home. Tell her to “Wait” and proceed through the door. Reward her for waiting nicely. If she tries to sneak through, close the door and try again.
2. Does your pup like to say a loud “hello” to every new person she meets? You can solve this with another keyword: “Quiet.” When your pooch barks excessively, say the word and reward her for quieting down (even if she only stops barking for a second).
3. All the excitement might cause your dog to slip her leash and go on a solo adventure. As soon as she makes a break for it, kneel down and calmly say her name. No matter how long it takes, always reward her with a treat when she returns. Practice this in your local dog park or fenced backyard first.
4. To prevent your pooch from injuring her neck by pulling on a leash that's attached to a collar, purchase an adjustable harness like this one from Petsafe.

You'll also want to be well-stocked with treats when you’re teaching your furry pal new tricks or exploring somewhere new together. Bocce's Bakery Soft & Chewy Treats are the perfect size to keep your pooch interested in training without being overfed, and you can carry them conveniently in the Dexas Pooch Pouch for easy access.

_{Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BringFido’s affiliate partners.}