How to Transport Bird Hunting Dogs

Much like show dogs, hunting dogs do a lot of traveling to reach sites for hunting or field training. When transporting dogs, the primary consideration is the safety and comfort of both the dogs and the other passengers in the vehicle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a method of restraint. Dogs can ride in the back seat of a car, wearing a restraining harness specially made for this purpose. You can also transport a dog in a crate or kennel. These come in plastic and wire cage varieties.

2. Put a buckle collar on your dog, and attach an identification tag. If there is contact information that is specific to this trip, write it on a piece of tape and stick that on the tag.

3. Write veterinary information about your dog on an index card or other sturdy piece of paper and place it where it will be evident in case of an accident. For example, you can attach it to your dog's crate.

4. Pack for a traveling dog. Take water, bowls, food, toys, your training gear, paper towels and/or old bath towels, any other clean-up supplies, first aid kit, leash, a slip collar or other type of collar that your dog cannot pull out of and baggies for poop pick-up.

5. Stop for pee and water breaks if you are spending several hours on the road. When you take the dog out to pee, use a slip collar or other collar that the dog cannot pull out of.

Tips & Warnings

• A crate is probably the best option for transporting a hunting dog. After a day of hunting or field training, your dog might be wet, muddy or full of burrs, and you won't want him on your upholstery.
• Put a crate pad or some old towels in the crate to make it more comfortable for you dog to lie in during travel.
• Provide your dog with a safe chew toy, something he cannot shred and swallow pieces of, to keep him entertained in his crate on long trips.
• Do not transport an unrestrained dog. Unrestrained dogs become dangerous projectiles in a crash. Always use a doggie seat belt or a crate.
• Anchor crates securely in your vehicle so they cannot move. Like an unrestrained dog, the crates can become deadly projectiles in an accident.