When people talk about creating a den or safe space for their dogs, most people picture a crate. If your dog is anxious, then it is better to give your dog lots of options, and let them choose! This way you know it will go down better with them and they will want to spend time there when they need it.

If your dog has ever been spooked and headed behind the sofa, under the dining room table, or onto your bed, then these should be chosen if possible. Give your dog access to these areas as much as possible, especially making sure they have access to these areas during times of potential stress.

Sometimes your dog’s chosen space just isn’t a good spot for a variety of reasons. Maybe it’s not safe, maybe giving them access to that area just isn’t practical. Maybe your dog doesn’t have a self chosen safe space, or their safe space could use some upgrading.

• Think about whether your dog likes to settle in an enclosed space, or whether they like a good vantage point.
• Does your dog prefer to be in the room with you? Touching you? Or do they prefer to be out of the way?
• Do they like to rest on soft snuggly material or do they prefer a cooler material?

From this you should be able to get a good idea about the locations and types of space your dog might like best. Set up an area that matches their preferences. Start to leave treats, favourite toys and enrichment toys that they love in this new area. They should start to gravitate more to this area over time.

Some dogs relax with lavender spray, Pet Remedy diffusers or calming music played in the background. Try this in low doses in other areas to gauge their response before using them in the safe space.

Make sure your dog is comfortable resting in their safe space prior to anxious circumstances if at all possible. It helps to have already associated the space with feelings of calmness and safety.

If scary things are coming up, perhaps a visitor is coming, a thunderstorm is predicted, or fireworks are anticipated, these are great times to encourage your dog into their safe space. Perhaps offer them a long lasting chew or stuffed Kong in there a little while prior to the potentially scary event. Ideally exercise or provide enrichment beforehand so your dog is ready to settle down, then give your dog enough time to settle down in their space before the scary thing starts.

If their safe space isn’t directly near to you and your dog likes your reassurance then you might think about camping out near to their safe space to offer some support. This might be talking to them or touching them, however some dogs who aren’t so tactile might prefer that you simply hand out near to them.

A safe space is a great tool for helping your dog to deal with things that cause them anxiety. If you would like some additional support and ideas for working through your dog’s anxiety to make sure you have the best plan in place for them, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist based in the Worcestershire area and working successfully using online training procedures anywhere in the world. All you need is your dog, and a device with an internet connection!