Dog Trailer Key Terms

Understand terms used to describe types of and features on dog trailers

By Kristina Seleshanko

Whether you're a hunter, a dog trainer, a rancher or simply an active pet owner, dog trailers are something you probably want to look into. Some professionals require elaborate dog trailers. Some pet owners travel or hunt enough that they require some simple and easy way of transporting their dogs and supplies. And some pet owners enjoy taking their dogs with them when they bike, take a road trip or camp. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of dog trailers, suitable for every level of need. Some trailers like bike trailers are inexpensive, while others, designed to haul many dogs, can cost thousands. So what do you really need? Before you begin shopping, take a look through these common dog trailer key terms used to describe types of dog trailers and their features.

Two berth

In the world of dog transportation, a two berth trailer is one that has two separate compartments--for two separate dogs. There are also trailers available with three, four or more compartments.
Try: The Sperrin Trailers website features many photographs of two berth dog trailers.

Convertible

Convertible trailers are available for hitching onto a bicycle. While designed for dogs, you can convert them for use as cargo trailers for children. Some even convert into jogging strollers.
Try: Metropawlis describes a classic convertible dog trailer.

Flatbed

A flatbed trailer is one that's a simple platform, or floor, on wheels. Often, you can buy flatbeds as do-it-yourself kits. These work well for dogs trained to stay on a moving flatbed, but you'll want to keep the dog tied to the platform or use an ultra-short lease for precaution. More typically, dogs ride inside a dog box strapped down to the flatbed.
Try: BicycleTrailers.com pictures and describes a flatbed dog trailer designed to attach to a bike.

Mini

Mini dog trailers work well for small animals. They usually measure around 23-inches high and work for dogs up to 50 to 60 pounds. Typically, you only see minis for bicycles.
Try: HunterK9.com illustrates and describes a mini dog trailer.

ATV trailer

An ATV dog trailer is a standard dog trailer that has room for ATV hauling, too. Usually, the trailer has a four-wall box for the dogs and a flatbed section for an ATV, but some are large boxes with a special compartment for one or more ATVs.
Try: Windsong K-9 Coach pictures and describes a dog and ATV trailer.

Top storage

Dog trailers with top storage literally have a compartment on top of the dog box for storing supplies. Often these trailers have "open tops," meaning the roof swings open for easy access to the items stored inside.
Try: Ainley Kennels and Fabrication showcases an elaborate top storage dog trailer.