So much behavior is the result of the physical space we inhabit. Just think about how much of your behavior is dictated by the buildings you occupy, the design of the objects you use and the structure of the city or town in which you live. Apply this same rationale to your adopted dog, and you will start to understand why it’s important to create a comfortable home environment and also offer them a “safe space” as a retreat whenever they need a break. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
The value of white noise
White noise is great for managing stimuli in your adopted dog’s space. For instance, if your adopted dog is easily triggered to bark by random sounds, a white noise machine or a white noise Spotify playlist can drown out noise and keep them cool and calm.
Why you should consider a crate (if you have one accessible)
A crate is a great way to create a private, safe haven for your adopted dog. This is a space they can retreat to if they're feeling overwhelmed or need to be alone. Crate training can also be helpful when house training and teaching your adopted dog how to be alone. For dogs that aren't comfortable being crated, you can consider using a baby gate or pen to create a private or confined space for them when you leave the house. Here are a few things to remember when selecting a crate:
- Metal mesh crates are great because your adopted dog can see what's going on and you can easily cover the mesh with a sheet temporarily if needed.
- The crate shouldn’t be much bigger than your adopted dog: They should be able to sit, stand, lie down, and turn around, but they shouldn’t be able to do laps.
- If your adopted dog has a history of relieving themselves in the crate (or chewing the blankets), avoid putting blankets or beds in the crate.
Introduction to crate training
The key to crate training is to help your adopted dog build a positive association with the crate. Here's how:
- Make the crate a happy place for your adopted dog. Leave the crate door open and whenever you pass the crate, drop a few treats or a toy in the back when your adopted dog isn’t looking. When they discover these treats on their own, they will start associating the crate as a happy space. If you are crate training your adopted dog and have other animals in the home, remember to have the animals separated to limit access for the other animals.
- Never force your adopted dog into the crate. Forcing your adopted dog into the crate before they're ready could irreversibly scar them and your adopted dog may never get comfortable in a crate.
- Place the crate in desirable locations. If possible, purchase multiple crates or bring the same crate to the areas you're hanging out. This could mean the bedroom or the living room. The key is to give your adopted dog multiple opportunities to explore the crate while in your presence.
- Feed meals in the crate. Leave the door open to prevent your adopted dog from feeling trapped.
- Build endurance slowly. Once your adopted dog is comfortably eating meals in the crate, try closing the door and leaving them in the crate for the duration of the meal. The goal is for your adopted dog to be calm for the duration of their time in the crate. If they show any signs of distress, open the door and resume feeding meals in the crate with the door open. Over time, your adopted dog will become more accustomed to the crate and eventually be able to be inside (calmly) with the door closed.