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Kennel Training

If you wish to take your pets with you on a long journey, you will need an airline approved kennel and it is most likely that you will need to kennel-train your pet beforehand.

By: Dr. Eytan Kreiner, head veterinarian at Terminal4Pets

In order to fly with pets safely and legaly you will need an airline approved kennel that fits your pets' measurements so that the pet can easily stand tall, turn around and stretch throughout the long flight. The kennel training process can take days or even weeks that all depends on the pets' breed, age, temperament and that depends on your determination as well.

When kennel training pets there are two key rules that should be taken into account: 1.The kennel should be associated with a pleasant experience. 2. The kennel training process should be preformed step by step in order to give your pet room to adjust to the new conditions.

The first step in kennel training your pet is introducing the kennel to your pet. We strongly advice you to kennel train your pet indoors. Place the kennel in a center area where the family members spend a lot of time. Open the kennel and place a soft blanket or a towel inside the kennel making sure that the kennel is worm and comfortable.

Encourage your pet to come over and enter the kennel without forcing or threatening him. Use a friendly tone and cheer him as he approaches the kennel.

Make sure the kennel door is opened securely so the pet won't get heart by any chance.

The next step will be encouraging your pet to enter the kennel and for that you will probably need "to bribe" him by offering treats or toys (sometimes even a blanket which the pet is used to can get the job dune). If he refuses to enter the kennel at once that's OK. Just place the treats next to the kennel and after a few days place the treats at the kennel entrance. The pet will eventually understand that entering the kennel is worthwhile.

Once your pet enters the kennel and starts spending time inside start providing him his water and meals. Once your pet stands comfortably in the kennel while eating his meal, you can close the door. As time goes by, try leaving him inside the kennel for longer periods of time. Start leaving him inside his kennel when you leave (for work etc.). When you return home be extra kind to him so he'll understand that you are very happy with this kind of behavior. Remember - final goal is to live the pet in his kennel for the whole night knowing that he is comfortable and relaxed. That way you'll be calm at the date of the flight knowing that you've dune your up-most to provide your pet with the best flight conditions possible.