shipping/crate training

[sbatease]

I'm having my puppy shipped to me. I spoke with my breeder today about some last minute details. They mentioned that I should have some towels on hand when he arrives because more than likely he'll be covered in poop. :eek: My boyfriend says this is because they freak out in the crate during the process. Is this true and will it affect my plans to crate train him? I want to crate train him because I've heard such good things about the technique but at the same time I don't want to scar him for life.

[Borgan]

Is there any possible way to drive & pick him up? Shipping should be a last resort -it is very traumatic for them - cold, loud, lonely and unfamiliar in the hold of the plane. I am also very leary of how animals handled by the baggage people.

If you don't have any other choice, I would drive him straight home from the airport and keep him with you in a very quiet place for the next 24 hours. I might even have him sleep in the bed for the next few days, slowly introducing the crate, leaving the door open for him to explore with lots of blankies and toys (the peanut butter kong works mirracles). Be very encouraging about the crate - use the happy voice!

Good luck and congrats on your new addition.

[quinnybear]

i would bring baby wipes instead as they are better for any cleanups. and also bottled water with a little bit of karo syrup as sometimes their blood sugar drops during flight. i have had both of my pups flown. the first from missouri and the second from russia both here to seattle washington. both were very clean when they arrived .but they were thirsty ! so i was glad i had the water handy. congrats on your new puppy ! appicon appicon

[Borgan]

ps. Yes they will pee and poop in transit. Bring towels and baby wipes, and keep him on the towel in the car. Don't forget to offer water (and food later)
when you get back; he probably won't have had any for a long time.

[Borgan]

haha - quinnybear - we must have posted at the same time.
Great minds think alike ;)

[franp]

Hi and welcome.

This will not affect your dog's crate training. And I believe that you should crate it the first night with the crate right next to the bed.

If you do not crate the pup, then the next night it will harder to put it in..
If it is dirty, take it into the bathroom at the airport and wash it off in the sink.Babywipes are just moving the dirt around in my opinion. A pup is smail and it will take just a minute.

Put a towel under the pup in the sink so it does not slip around and pour the water over it..Much easier that way.

Bring bottled water; it will be easier on the stomach..

Crating is the best way (IMO) to train a dog.My Dari's crate is still in the living room (she is 5) she uses it for her toys.

[lcmwest]

Hi- A friend of mine just moved from Chicago to Seattle with her 3 dogs and 6 cats. She hired a guy with a private plane who was great. He does this for a living, and gives the animals the attention and care they need. He ran into bad weather in Wyoming, so he landed the plane and drove them to Seattle, right to her door. She said they were all just fine when they arrived. If you are interested, I can get the information. Lynne

[sbatease]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Big arrived happy, healthy and surprisingly clean. Everything went off without any problems and I now have a very fearless and fiesty frenchie puppy. Fran P I took your advice and started crate training on the first night. He cried very hard at first but each night the crying becomes less and he gets in the crate during the day when he wants. Thanks everyone again, the suggestions were great and worked. I'm sure I'll be back ;) I've posted some pictures of him on my member gallery!