Dogs are some of the most loyal and lovable creatures on the planet, but they can also be quite insecure. Dogs may feel unsafe for several reasons, they may not be comfortable being alone, some may have experienced a traumatic event, or they might simply be anxious by nature. Luckily, there are many things you can do to make your dog feel safe and comfortable in your home. In this article, you will find some of the best ways to make sure your dog feels just as safe and secure in your home as you do!
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Create A Safe Environment
One of the most important things you can do to make your dog feel safe at home is to create a safe environment for them. This means making sure that your home is free of potential dangers for your dog, such as poisonous plants, chemicals, and sharp objects. You should also ensure that your dog has plenty of places to hide if they feel scared or uncomfortable. A big backyard with a fence is ideal for this, but if you don’t have a yard, you can provide your dog with several safe spaces in your home.
Introduce Them To People and Dogs Slowly
If you have other people or pets in your home, it is important to introduce them to your dog slowly and carefully. This will help your dog feel more comfortable and safe around new people and animals. Start by having the other person or pet sit calmly while your dog sniffs them. Once your dog is comfortable with that person or pet, have them move a little bit, but always make sure to keep the interaction calm and positive. Doing this will help your dog feel safe at home whenever you have guests over.
Make Sure They Get Plenty of Exercise
Dogs who get plenty of exercise are usually less anxious and insecure than those who don’t. This is because exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which have a calming effect. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, you may notice that they are more prone to anxiety and insecurity. Try taking your dog for a long walk or playing fetch with them in the yard to help them relax and feel safe.
Create a Routine
Dogs like routine, and they feel safer when they know what is going to happen next. A predictable routine will make your dog feel more comfortable and safe at home. For example, try feeding them at the same time every day, taking them for a walk in the morning and evening, and giving them the same toys to play with. This will help your dog feel more secure and comfortable in your home.
Provide Them With Comfort Items
Dogs often find comfort in having certain items around them. This is why it can be helpful to provide your dog with a few comfort items. Some good options include a soft blanket, a toy they love, or a bed that is just their size. Allowing your dog to have these items around them will help them feel more at ease if they are ever feeling unsafe at home.
Make Them Feel Important
Another great way to make your dog feel safe at home is to make them feel important. You can make them feel this way in a number of ways, but one of the best is to give them plenty of attention and love. Spend time playing with your dog, petting them, and talking to them. All of these will let your dog know that they are an important member of the family and that they are loved.
Provide Plenty of Toys
Dogs often feel safer when they have something to chew on or play with. This is why it is a good idea to provide your dog with plenty of toys. Not only will this keep them occupied and out of trouble, but it will also help them feel safe and secure. It’s also a good idea to choose a variety of toys so your dog can always have something new to play with. Some of the best toys for this include interactive toys, puzzle toys, and soft toys.
Don’t Yell At Them
If your dog feels scared or insecure, yelling at them will only make things worse. Most dogs will view yelling as a sign of aggression, and it will only make them more afraid. Instead, if you are angry with your dog, try calmly telling them what they did wrong and why it is not acceptable. This will help your dog understand why they are in trouble, and it will not make them feel scared of being in your home.
Leave The Television On
Many dogs feel safer when there is noise in the home, so some people choose to leave the television on when they are away from home. This extra noise will help your dog feel more at ease, and it may stop them from being so anxious. If you choose to do this, make sure only to have the television on low volume, so it is not too disruptive. Also, be sure to put something on that you think your dog will enjoy, such as animal documentaries or children’s programs.
Be Patient
It may take some time for your dog to feel completely safe at home, especially if it has been through a traumatic experience, such as abandonment or abuse. However, if you are patient and keep working on making your dog feel comfortable, eventually, they will start to relax and feel safe. Just make sure not to push your dog too hard and let your dog start to feel safe at its own pace.
Conclusion
Making your dog feel safe at home can be a challenge, but it is definitely worth the effort. By following these tips, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure in your home. Just be patient and keep working with them, and eventually, they will start to relax and feel more at ease. If you ever feel like your dog has become overly fearful or anxious, you can always take them to the vet to better understand why it is happening.
