So I think this is really a two part question. We have an SUV and Ella travels in the boot. She hated the car to begin with but now travels fine on short and long journeys (she gets a little drooly but doesn't whinge and tends to lie down and sleep). Recently I've found myself missing my boot space and, with a baby coming along after Christmas, I'm thinking I want to be able to put a pram in the boot as well. Does a crate for Ella in the boot solve this problem and what do others do? Secondly, if a crate in the boot is the way to go, what's the best way to train this? We haven't crate trained at home and are happy with our set up and routine so don't feel the need to crate train now. However, do you think it's best to get her used to a crate outside the car first or just work on it in the car from day one (building it up from scratch, no car running, couple of mins etc.)? Thanks! ☺
I think a crate in the boot is the best way to travel (for a dog) so I'd give your plan a big thumbs up. The ideal is to get a proper car crate fitted, so it's totally secure and makes the most of the space without taking over the whole boot. I'd just start training with the crate in situ in the boot (starting as you mentioned with the car stationary etc). I'm sure you've already trained this but I'd also retrain waiting in the crate while the door is opened (for a treat) and not getting out till given a cue.
Thanks Rachael, I think we'll have to do some car crate shopping ☺ We've been training to sit and wait at every door/gate (not perfect yet but definitely improving) until told she can come through so I guess it will just be an extension of that. Oohh, I love an excuse to shop for doggy things ☺
