Tips on What to Do When Your Rescue Pup Needs His Space
Shelter dogs frequently have a history of trauma that makes them anxious when they detect environmental changes. Although time is a great healer for both dogs and humans alike, we ideally want to minimize the extent of any stress.
Not only is stress unpleasant for the animals, but their bodies also secrete cortisol. Long-term exposure to high cortisol levels can impact a dog’s learning abilities and weaken its immune system. This leaves pets susceptible to illness, especially respiratory diseases and digestive problems.
It can take months for a dog exposed to chronic stress to normalize its cortisol levels. So, keeping the dog's environment as calm as possible is essential. Creating a dedicated, safe space for your pup to retreat when feeling overwhelmed is a great way to help him manage his environment.
And it's not just for rescues. Just like humans, all dogs need time alone occasionally—how often and for how long will depend on the breed, personality, and individual circumstances.
Tapping into the den instinct
Wild dogs create “dens” in dark, small spaces that protect them and their offspring from predators and the elements. They often dig into the ground, and your pets are mirroring this behavior when they burrow under covers and blankets to escape thunderstorms, for example. Providing them with a safe space of their own will tap into this ancient instinct, providing them a means to escape and protect themselves from what they perceive as dangerous stimuli.
Essential Features of a Good Safe Space
If your pup is already living with you, he may already have a particular area he retreats to when he wants to be alone. If so, work with that and enhance it. If not, identify a space or room that’s fit for this purpose. It should be:
A comfortable temperature throughout the year. The spot should be warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
Easily accessible at all times without assistance. And for older dogs, it should avoid the need to climb stairs continuously. Entering and exiting their safe space should always be the dog’s choice.
Off-limits to children and other household pets.
Close to drinking water (a non-tippable water bowl in a crate is fine).
Safe—not situated near electrical wiring or toxic plants that might get chewed, for example.
Big enough for the dog to stretch out comfortably.
Quiet (ideally deadening any traffic and weather noise, fireworks, and similar)
Out of the way of the hubbub, but not isolated. (At all times, the dog must feel it's part of the family and free to rejoin activities at any point.)
Attracting Your Pup to His Safe Space
Once you've identified the spot, make it as comfortable and cozy as possible. Crates are popular, but a blanket fort, basket, or similar are absolutely fine, too. Add a few familiar blankets and toys—enough to keep him comfortable and entertained for several hours.
Lead Fido to the space, encouraging him to inspect it thoroughly (some hidden treats will help.) Then, leave him alone to settle. It may take a few days, but he'll eventually learn it's his spot. Associating it with a word like "den" or "crate" will allow you to direct him out of a situation quickly that you can sense is stressing him out.
Signs Your Pup Needs Time Alone
Dogs are pack animals for whom socialization is critical, but the following behaviors may indicate your pup needs some downtime.
Hiding—If you frequently find Fido sneaking off for a snooze away from children and other family pets, leave him be.
Self-entertaining—Playing alone can be relaxing, while playing with others may be more stimulating than Fido can handle.
Exhibiting unusual behavior—Shaking, trembling, drooling, staring, pacing, panting, scratching, and licking (themselves or other objects) can all be signs of stress in dogs. Observe if the behaviors cease after downtime and then actively manage them accordingly by directing Fido to his safe space when they occur.
Withdrawal from petting or lack of enthusiasm for walks,
Aggressive or agitated behavior.
Some of the behaviors described above may also indicate discomfort or pain. If they persist, take your pet to the veterinarian.
Finally, it’s also important to note that shelter dogs can be good at masking their stress. When they finally let down their guard, their personalities and associated behaviors may appear unusual and, therefore, worrying. Safe spaces can provide mental, physical, and emotional benefits. Give your dog the time they need to settle in and establish healthy routines, and show them love.