Why Your Dog Deserves Its Own Bedroom
Dogs deserve everything in the world — including their own space.
For most of us, our dogs are so much more than just pets, they’re family.
For me, my dog is somehow my child, best friend, and significant other all rolled into one (yes, Freud, I realize how weird that sounds). And because I love my dog, she has a lot of stuff: multiple beds throughout the house, a large crate taking up a significant portion of the family room, and more toys than any single dog should probably have. I don’t care that she has so much stuff (I’m the one buying most of it, after all), but it can get in the way of the more “human” day-to-day activities.
If you’ve ever found a bone in your shoe while trying to get ready for work, you already know what I’m talking about.
I keep all my personal belongings in my bedroom. Shouldn't my dog have that option? The answer is yes, she should.
Why Your Dog Needs Space
Dogs need their own space, pure and simple. If you just so happen to have a spare bedroom, you can go all out and create an actual bedroom for your dog. However, if you’re like me and are low on available square footage, you can still create a space for your dog using a spare corner of a room.
No matter if you have a teacup Yorkie or a Newfoundland, your dog needs space. Specifically, it needs a dedicated “territory” to call their own. This can be a small space or an entire room, depending on your dog and its needs, as well as the size of your home and your family’s needs. Some dogs actually prefer a smaller area because it feels safer. In either case, your dog needs a place where they can settle down to sleep, escape the busy chaos of your social life, or where you can close them away, if need be.
You might already have the ideal space picked out (such as a spare bedroom, laundry room, or home office). Your dog may also have a space already picked out where they feel comfortable.
My dog, for instance, is drawn to one of the corners in our kitchen because that’s where her crate was when she was a puppy. We called it her “home.w” Even without the crate there, she would still instinctively go to that corner whenever she was nervous, even 6 years later.
If your dog already has a designated spot, it’s best not to change it unless it’s really necessary. Dogs do well with routines and it might be difficult to disassociate that space as theirs. Even with a plush bed in the family room, my dog preferred to sleep on the cold tile because that space was hers, bed or no bed. So I put the bed there (even though it doesn’t really fit). And she’s as happy as a clam (whatever that means).
Tips for Choosing the Right Space
If your dog hasn’t chosen a special spot yet, or if you’re planning on bringing a new dog into your home soon, here are some tips for picking out the perfect non-bedroom “bedroom:”
- Avoid high-traffic areas, especially places where strangers frequently enter your home.
- Make sure the crate/corner/room is the right size. Yorkies and Newfoundlands have vastly different space needs. Your dog should be able to stand up, stretch, turn around and move freely. For small dogs, though, keep in mind that too large of a space often lacks that feeling of security.
- For puppies or dogs still working on potty training, a room without carpeting is better for when accidents happen. It’s also easier cleaning up fur, spills, and food.
- Whichever area you choose should be temperature controlled: not too hot and not too cold.
- If you plan on leaving your dog in this space for extended hours during the day, be sure he or she has access to natural light.
- Your dog should always have access to fresh water.
- Provide toys and sources of entertainment to prevent your dog from becoming bored. Boredom often leads to destruction.
- Make sure your dog has positive associations with their personal space. They should be able to choose to go there, rather than it being a place of banishment.
- Make sure everyone who enters your home knows and respects your dog’s personal space and boundaries. Your dog should always feel comfortable there. If your dog goes into his or her crate to escape a screaming child, don’t let that said child bother the dog in there.
In short: If you’re going to put Baby in a corner, make sure it’s a comfy corner. And let it be their corner.
For an apartment or small house, baby gates are magical because you can set boundaries without completely closing off an area. You can also move or remove them when they’re inconvenient.
When my dog injured her cruciate ligament, I used baby gates to block off the stairs and I continue to use them to set boundaries when we have company over (such as screaming children).
In the event your dog ever needs to be restricted to a small area due to an injury or health issue, confining them will be so much easier if there’s a space they’re already comfortable with.
How to Set Up Your Dog’s “Room”
Whether your dog shares a room with the laundry, the cat, or your treadmill, there are plenty of ways to make the space work for you as well as your dog, regardless of space.
If your dog’s space is in a main living area and style is a concern, you can find plenty of items that work just as well for your design scheme as they do your pooch. For instance, you can find dog crates that also function as end tables. You can even get your dog his own sofa-style dog bed in a variety of styles where your imagination (and, umm, budget) is your only limit.
To keep the dog toy chaos to a minimum, utilize storage boxes, bins, or baskets. Something without a lid is ideal so your dog can access the toys without help. This toy bin from Barkshop is a good option if you’re not looking for anything too fancy. Its minimalist design can blend in with most décor and the soft felt with foldable side make it safe for your dog with easy access to all the fun stuff!
For additional storage options that don’t take up floor space (more room for activities!), consider vertical shelving. You can hang extra collars and leashes from hooks or use shelves to store non-dog-related supplies in any room.
Always make sure to store chemicals, cleaning supplies, and food out of reach of your dog. You can dedicate a cabinet specifically to your dog’s food, medication, and additional supplies. If space isn’t an issue, you can also store extra supplies and items like clothing in plastic bins.
So while your dog doesn’t need its own room, per se, your dog does need some space to call its own. Everyone is always a bit happier when they’re able to get out of each other’s hair…and your furry canine is no different.
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