Small Dog Outdoor Adventures with the Wrapsit Crate

If you're anything like me, it takes more time and effort to pack for the dog than for yourself. And he always has more stuff than I do. Anything to reduce the amount of things I have to lug around is super welcome.

We went to a lure coursing trial over the weekend. I packed a book, snacks and water for me. Mr. N's packing list was more extensive (treats, toys, towels, rain coat, fleeces, water etc) and filled two bags. I normally bring a soft carrier for him as well but on this trip, I brought the Wrapsit instead which meant I had one less (bulky) thing to carry.

This post was sponsored by Wrapsit. They are not responsible for the contents of this article. All opinions expressed are our own. 

The Wrapsit is a 5 cubic foot soft slipcover that goes on a folding quad chair and acts as a fully enclosed crate and/or storage area. The four sides are mesh allowing for ventilation and the pet to look out. And there's a shoulder strap that serves as a lead. Installation is quick and easy, you put a few velcro straps together and attach some clips.

Lure coursing is a high arousal sport and many of the dogs were screaming and lunging towards the lure like maniacs while waiting for their turn. Mr. N does not approve of this behavior. He will shake from excitement but generally he's quietly intense while waiting for his turn. And while he's running.

Photo by Polis Photography.

In the absence of a plastic bag to chase, a couple of the dogs were eyeing Mr. N in a "you look like a fluffy bunny and I want to eat you" way. He decided to pop into the Wrapsit of his own volition a couple of times to get away. 

His favorite feature is probably the waterproof base as it rains here the majority of the year and rain is always a risk at outdoor trials. The rest of us might get wet but he'll stay dry. If your dog is a texture snob like Mr. N, I would bring a towel or something else to put on the floor of the crate as it is not padded.

As for me, I like the pockets (storage space) and that you can just fold it up with the chair and it becomes the carrying case complete with padded handle. No repacking. 

Several people at the trial asked me about the crate and lamented the fact that their dogs were too big to go under the seat.  Wrapsit recommends it for dogs under 16 inches. Mr. N is small but leggy (11.5 inches) and he had no trouble popping in and popping out.

 The chair that I used is on the smaller side. Mr. N found it roomy enough but bigger dogs may want more space. Wrapsit adjusts to fit most popular size chairs up to 22 inches in length and 18 inches in height and the company suggests chairs close to the limit for maximum space and full functionality. 

Keep in mind this is a soft crate with velcro fasteners and it will not prevent a determined dog from getting out. I would not use this unsupervised or with dogs that are bad with crating. Mr. N is OK with soft crates as long as I am right there with him. 

If you have a small dog who goes with you on outdoor adventures, I highly recommend the Wrapsit. Your dog will have a safe space wherever you go. It's lightweight and convenient and one less thing to carry!

Wrapsit has generously provided a Wrapsit for one of our readers. Enter below!

Dog Sports for Reactive Dogs

Having a reactive dog means a lot of the traditional dog world and dog events are shut to you if your dog has trouble controlling themselves around other dogs. And reactive dogs are very often the dogs who need a job. High energy. Sharp. Busy brain.

These days with advances in technology and dog training, there are a lot more options for competing and titling with a reactive dog. Now you can send in a video of your dog performing and your dog can earn titles in a variety of different sports. This is also a great option for people who live far away from dog sport venues. 

Agility: The Virtual Agility League "provides a non-traditional, skills-based agility venue that allows people to submit dog agility performances for review by video. To give reactive or distracted dogs an equal chance to show off their agility skills, and recognition for the people who love and patiently work with them."

Disc Dog: If your dog is a frisbee pro, Pamela Johnson offers disc dog titles by video. She also offers canine freestyle routine and trick titles. 

Musical Freestyle: Dogs and humans show off a dance routine choreographed to music. "Rally Freestyle Elements offers video entries in Musical Freestyle for those that either live too far from live events or for those dogs not suited to the show environment."

Nosework: Nosework is traditionally recommended for reactive dogs, both as a way to build confidence and because the sport is set up to accommodate reactive dogs and their needs. This sport is also good for dogs with various disabilities. 

Parkour: In Dog Parkour, dogs use skills from human parkour and dog agility to overcome obstacles. "Dog Parkour helps with confidence and overcoming fears, and it is a low impact but challenging activity for any canine athlete."

Rally - FrEe:  This sports combines cues from Musical Freestyle and the competition format of Rally-Obedience. "It emphasizes the precise execution of fundamental freestyle and obedience skills while encouraging creative and novel behaviors on a Rally-Obedience style course." 

Trick Dog: Shake. Roll over. Sit pretty. Fetch! Do More With Your Dog! offers trick dog titles from novice to champion.

Photo by Grace W.

From the Archives: Mr. N's First Lure Coursing Run

The first time Mr. N went lure coursing and won his first CAT (coursing agility test) title after three runs. I was looking at some old photos and found this video from his first trial. He's running on a dirt field so he basically looks like a moving speck of dirt after the first fifty feet or so.

The dogs chase a plastic bag on a line pulled by a series of pulleys. The non-sighthounds run the CAT. Small dogs (under twelve inches) and brachycephalic dogs run 300 yards and the big dogs run 600 yards. The dogs run individually and in order to pass, the dogs must complete the course in under a minute and half (300 yards) or two minutes (600 yards). 

Lure Coursing i.e. Mr. N's Favorite Thing Ever

Mr. N positively adores lure coursing. It is his favorite thing ever. The dogs chase a plastic bag on a line pulled by a series of pulleys. 

The non-sighthounds run the CAT (coursing agility test). Small dogs (under twelve inches) and brachycephalic dogs run 300 yards and the big dogs run 600 yards. The dogs run individually and in order to pass, the dogs must complete the course in under a minute and half (300 yards) or two minutes (600 yards). 

People with their hounds at the starting line. I think they were competing for best of breed. 

The trial we went to had the sight hounds running in the morning and the CAT test in the afternoon. Mr. N is registered as an All-American (the AKC term for mixed breeds) but due to a registration snafu, he was initially listed to run 600 yards. While he probably would have loved it, I switched him to his proper division. He also happened to be the only small dog running that day so he ran first. 

I was just asking someone if she minded taking photos of him while he ran when I was told Mr. N was up. So there are no pictures of him running. It's also incredibly difficult to get a good picture of a tiny tan dog running in dry grass so I doubt the photos would have been good anyway.

About to cross the finishing line. 

Obviously, he's an off-breed for the sport. That's the purpose of the CAT. But I guess due to his small and fluffy stature, he's even more off. He was running the CAT with Belgians, Bouviers, Dobermans, Border Terriers and a Pumi among other dogs. I usually get a couple of quizzical oh.... you're running him? remarks. Which admittedly is much better than being told I was being cruel to make him run so much (which has happened). This is an instinct test and if your dog doesn't want to run, they won't run. 

This Dalmatian was super excited and dragged his owner to the starting line.

But once people see him run, they change their tune. Mr. N gets so excited when he sees lure coursing, he literally quivers. I'm glad that is his preferred reaction rather than screaming at the top of his lungs like some of the other dogs. At his first trial, he was the fastest (and smallest) dog in his division. It's a pass/fail test and there are no rankings but it's still pretty cool to know that he is super fast! He runs with great enthusiasm and he never loses sight of the lure. He completed his run in good time (not sure of the exact time, this club doesn't keep track of time) and won a ribbon. He would like to do it again now please. 

Mr. N posing with his ribbon and the giant Milkbone that he won. Mr. N wants to go back to the field now.

Clackamas County Dog Services' Dog Sports Demo Day

Clackamas County Dog Services holds a dog sports demo day every year as a fundraiser for the shelter dogs. I was originally just going to spectate with Mr. N. After a two-hour class, I didn't expect him to want to do any more work. He seemed perky enough and there weren't that many other dogs there so I ended up signing him up. 

It's free to watch (dog treats or food donation encouraged). I brought along some Jones chews to donate. And five dollars to try out the various sports (scent work, carting, barn hunt, clicker training, flyball and agility). They also provide yellow ribbons for the dogs that need more space. 

We headed over to the carting booth where (as expected), we were told that there were no carts for Mr. N's size. Instead, one of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club volunteers pulled Mr. N around as he sat regally for his photo. 

The Berners were very sweet and mellow. I don't think they moved the entire time we were there. 

Mr. N's favorite booth was probably the scent work one. We had a discussion with the Pacific Truffle Dogs trainer about different methods of teaching scent work while Mr. N was rewarded with salmon treats for finding odor. 

At the clicker training booth, Mr. N decided he knew everything already and found the dog bed and took a nap.

 Mr. N ran through the chute and did some cavalettis at the agility booth.

He had a sudden burst of energy at the flyball booth and played some tug and did a jump.

 By the time we reached the Barn Hunt booth, he was done and just wandered around sniffing the ground.

Earlier, he was very interested in the rats cage. I think he finds Barn Hunt boring... he is like so I found the rats, now what? He can do it. He has a ribbon from a fun test but he much prefers lure coursing where there is the thrill of the chase. 

Does your dog have a favorite sport? Any new ones you want to try?