Safe Space

Safe Space for a Shy and Fearful Dog

A dedicated, permanent refuge is the first step in giving your shy and fearful dog the stability and security she needs to feel safe. Her safe space can be used as a retreat when she feels overwhelmed, wants to curl up for an undisturbed nap, chew on a marrow bone in peace or watch the world go by from a safe distance. It can save you the anxiety and constant worry when guests visit, when the UPS delivery person rings the bell or when when your carefully orchestrated after-school/pre-dinner routine is completely derailed.

Whether it is a crate, an x-pen, a room, or a combination of all three, the safe space must be secure. Your dog shouldn’t be able to let herself out without your assistance, and NO ONE, except authorized family or friends, should have access to your dog’s space. Ideally, the safe space will be protected by at least two additional safety measures, such as a lockable door and a baby gate. Children are especially inquisitive when it comes to interacting with the household pets, and your dog will feel violated if an uninvited visitor invades her safe space “just to see the dog”.

The safe space should be in a quiet location to give your dog a break from sensory overload. Voices, footsteps, kids running in and out, traffic, squirrels at the window; try to minimize everyday chaos as much as possible. Close the blinds in the room or put up window film to obscure the view to the outside. Drape a heavy comforter (or at least a sheet) over the crate or x-pen to create a cozy den. Put comfortable, sound absorbing blankets or dog beds down on the floor. Invest in a white noise machine, portable air filter or soothing music to mask outside noise.

Good Things Happen in A Safe Space

Only good things happen when your dog is in her safe space. She may eat all her meals there or settle down with some long lasting, tasty treats like frozen, stuffed Kongs, bully sticks, pigs’ ears, hooves or marrow bones. Tiny, pea-sized treats may get thrown in each time you walk by. Her favorite toys may be kept in a corner of her refuge. If your living arrangements allow, you can quietly work on your computer, watch TV or read a book close by so your dog becomes comfortable with you in the same room.

Your dog should have the freedom to come and go from her safe space as long as she can be closely supervised. She may choose to spend most of her time in her safe space, but make sure it’s voluntary on her part. Ideally, the crate would be part of a larger safe space, so your dog has a choice of resting and playing positions. An x-pen attached to the outside of a crate is a nice way to allow some freedom without access to an unsupervised room.

A Home Base When Guests Arrive

When guests are over, your dog’s safe space can act as a home base for training exercises, if you are so inclined. Your dog can start out quietly in her safe space with a delicious, long lasting treat a few minutes before your guests arrive. Once guests are seated quietly, you can ask your dog if she wants to say hi, lead her on leash to a spot outside of the gathering where she can see people but not be close to them, and start giving her treats for any calm behavior AT A DISTANCE. Work in very small increments of 10-30 seconds at first, then happily ask your dog if she wants a go back to her safe space and give her another long lasting treat to keep her occupied while you visit with your guests.

Be mindful of your body language when you interact with your dog when she’s in her safe space. Leaning over a gate or peering intently into the shadowy depths of a crate can be intimidating for many dogs. Instead, squat down and turn slightly to the side. Give your dog the room and the choice to come to you.

Her Favorite Place in the World

Most importantly, your dog needs to love her safe space. If your dog is reluctant to go to her crate, x-pen or room, instead of providing comfort and security, the safe space becomes yet another source of anxiety. Start her out for just a minute or two in her safe space at first, and build up to longer times gradually.

With patience, time and a little creativity, you can create a refuge tailored to your dog’s specific needs and temperament. Give your shy and fearful dog a sense of safety and security and reduce her anxiety (and yours, too!) by creating her very own safe space.

Question: Does your shy and fearful dog have a safe space?

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Photo Credit: Pixabay / Snufkin