Tip of the Month - Does your Dog have their own Place?

(Courtesy of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb)

Perhaps your answer is, “of course, they live in my home and my place is their place.” Actually, yes, they live in your home; however, what they really need is their own 'place' within your home.

Dogs naturally like to have a safe, private space to call their own, be it a den or crate, a mat, a dog bed, even a dog bed in every room! Without a place to make and covet as their own, dogs will often be restless and roam listlessly trying out several spots to really be comfortable and settle.

Their 'place' is where they can go to relax, find safety and comfort, without distraction, without being 'wrong' for being in an inappropriate area. Like us enjoying our favourite chair, dogs are creatures of habit. They will enjoy more confidence, become more balanced and find more contentment overall, when they are able to consistently look forward to getting cozy in their favourite personal doggy place, within your home.

If your dog doesn't yet have their own place, you can easily create this by putting something like a dog bed, cozy carpet, something padded or cushioned in a convenient space, ideally within sight of where you spend time. I suggest this space not be in the kitchen or any crowded or high traffic area. It needs to be a positive, quiet and satisfying place to go. Lay something that smells like you on that space, a favourite toy and perhaps a treat to make that place more inviting at first. Begin the process when you have time, can be patient and are not in a hurry to leave anywhere soon. It may take several minutes over several days to have enough positive repetitions to establish a gradual transition from freely roaming the house to happily seeking out their own 'place' to settle.

Start by gently and calmly taking your dog to that place while consistently and repeatedly directing something specific like “go to your mat,” “on your carpet,” “to your crate,” or “in your den”... you get the idea. If your dog goes there and then leaves quickly, be sure to calmly and patiently take them back there and positively support them to stay in that spot for longer and longer. You may even spend a little time there yourself sitting with your dog to help them relax (reading a