Do you ever just get tired of being around people and want to enjoy some downtime away from everyone for a while? You may feel rested and recharged when you’ve been in your own space and then feel ready to see others and socialise again. Would you believe that your dog has the same experience? Some dogs are overstimulated by too much company and activity, or they’re tired and in pain, and need to retreat on their own.
Let’s take a look at why your dog would need space, when things become too much, and what you can do to give them some space.
Should a dog have their own space?
Dogs need their own space. It’s one of the priorities when you bring your puppy or dog home for the first time. They should have their very own bed (rather than trying to share a bed with an existing pet… who may not be all that keen on sharing their personal space), as this gives your dog a space that’s theirs and theirs alone. It helps them to feel safe and secure, especially since it’s the one spot your pup will spend most of their time sleeping in.
If you’ve never considered giving your pet their own space, just think of what it would be like for you to walk into your nice home, but all of the bedrooms are already occupied and there’s no space that belongs only to you. If your dog doesn’t already have their own space, they may feel anxious, as if they don’t really belong there. So, yes, your dog should have their own space – it’s their home too.
When does a dog need their own space?
Dogs may want their own space in the following situations:
- They feel overstimulated – some dogs will enjoy their playtime and then retreat or go and lie down away from the action.
- There may be too much noise – this is especially true if you’re throwing a party or there are fireworks going off somewhere. Your dog’s ears are super sensitive, so too much noise is also a form of overstimulation and your dog will want to retreat.
- They are nervous or fearful – dogs with an insecure history who need time to trust people and need to rebuild their self-confidence will need more time in their safe space than dogs who are secure and well-bonded.
- There are lots of changes happening around them – when your dog is used to a routine and low activity in the house, and suddenly you’re packing boxes to move house or someone new comes to stay, these sudden changes may stress them out. It’s important to have a quiet, familiar, comfortable place to retreat to, to decompress.
- They are recovering from surgery – your dog having their own space is especially necessary when they feel vulnerable, in pain, and need as much rest as possible.
- They are ill or old – older dogs with osteoarthritis or those with a chronic illness will need a quiet space to just be comfortable in. Experiencing pain or illness can sap their energy, so a comfortable, quiet place in which to get restorative rest is good for their wellbeing.
- They are new moms – a dog with her litter of puppies will definitely need space. All she wants to do is care for her pups and focus on their wellbeing, so having a safe space in which to do this is paramount. She shouldn’t be disturbed by the activity going on around her or feeling like she needs to protect her litter.
- Working dogs and therapy/assistance dogs – they are switched on and working all day long. They need their own space away from any activity in the house, to get proper rest.
How to tell if your dog needs space
When your dog becomes overstimulated, nervous or is feeling pain or stress, they will display certain signs that show you they are uncomfortable. Signs of stress in your dog can include:
- pulling away – putting distance between them and other dogs or people
- avoiding eye contact
- yawning
- whale-eye – when you can see the whites of their eyes
- licking their lips
- tucking their tail between their hindlegs
- putting their ears back
- growling, although most dogs will only growl or snap as a last resort
The best thing you can do for your dog at this stage is to either let them go to their comfortable bed and relax there, or if they feel nervous about leaving, lure them to their bed with a delicious treat and let them enjoy it on their own. A chew toy will help to relieve some of their stress, but mostly they will just want to curl up and get away from it all.
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It needs to be mentioned that some dogs are more introverted than others. Know your dog’s temperament and their body language – are they highly sociable and thrive on the company of other people and dogs? Are they more of a solo dog who prefers your company without too much input from others? Are they easily stressed or very laid back? All of these aspects of their pawsonality will determine whether your dog becomes stressed enough to want to retreat, or can tolerate a lot of activity, noise, and novelty in their environment.
What to do when your dog needs space
Give them space. No matter what you’re busy with – if you’ve taken your dog to visit with friends, if you’re at the park, or if you’re at home and things are getting too much for your dog’s energy levels – just excuse yourself and your dog and let them have their necessary downtime. If you don’t give them space when they need it, they can become fearful, reactive and distrustful. It’s important to honour their need for space, to ensure their wellbeing.
Never force your dog to engage with others or to play or train or go for a walk when it’s obvious they would rather retreat. If your dog is acting out of sorts or their behaviour seems off, it might be because of a medical issue that needs to be checked out. If you’re uncertain about your furry friend’s state of body and mind, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with the vet.
