Helping the Dog Who’s Afraid of Something, Everything, or Nothing at All

For some dogs, this world is a big, scary swamp of unknown dangers and unpredictable monsters around every corner. For others, it is a world of opportunity and possibility. Whether your dog is afraid of monsters around every corner or the doggy equivalent of the ice cream man, a safe space can take their well-being, your training, and your relationship to new levels. 

A Safe Place to Land No Matter the Ups and Downs 

There are many situations where crafting and bolstering a safe space can help you and your dog tackle the rollercoaster of life. Intentionally building a place where your pup can relax, rest, experience joy, and feel secure will help both you and your dog know that, even when things get hairy, you have a solid foundation to return to. 

Stress Happens—Let’s Prepare, Not Panic

It may be your goal to reduce stress for your pets, meet all of their needs, provide them with medical care, participate in fulfilling and entertaining activities, and give them the best life you can. Unfortunately, a stress-free life is unrealistic, so instead of burning out trying to avoid all unpleasantness for your pets, let’s invest in building skills to experience and cope with tolerable stress, and to recover effectively and efficiently when something uncomfortable happens. 

The Big Scaries: Dog Anxiety Triggers and How Safe Spaces Help Calm the Chaos

Whether your pup (or cat, bird, snake, or something else!) is afraid of the items listed below or another source of stress, discomfort, or concern, safe spaces can help.

Separation Anxiety

Helping your pet be comfortable home alone first requires that we help them be comfortable at home in your presence. While we can build a robust management plan, sometimes things will happen while you’re out of the house; packages get delivered, sirens and motorcycles whiz by, the neighborhood kids play in the street, and countless other things could happen. Teaching our dogs the skills to feel their feels, take a deep breath, and de-escalate back to relaxing will help them process without your support. We can see Griffey practicing his de-escalation skills as his human moves around the house, and he assesses if that was, in fact, the cheese drawer he heard.

Strangers in the House

Having people in the house can be challenging for many pets. There are weird sounds, smells, and unpredictable creatures. Giving them a place to go, away from the activity, that doesn’t mean they are understimulated or lose access to wonderful things, can mean everyone can stay safe and comfortable. Petey gives his person the heads-up that he’d rather hang out in his room than deal with that strange hooman in the house.  

Comfort with Other Pets

When we bring a new addition into the home, there is a period where everyone is getting to know each other. If we provide everyone with a special space that’s just for them, and they know no bad will come to them, they can breathe easier in the unknown. We can see Arlo notice his housemate Penelope and practice the skill of settling back down, even if we aren’t yet trusting of Penelope!

Startles at Everything

For pups that startle at things outside (or inside!), giving them a portable lilypad of safety in the big, scary swamp is a fantastic way to help them build confidence in the world. Our friend Goose shows what a true feeling of security looks like, and that happens to be a puddle of pup. 

Fear of the Car

The car is weird. For us, it is a normal, everyday thing, but if we were to pause and think about what a car would be like for a non-human, it would be an odd experience! Some pups really struggle with the sensations and experience of being in a car. With the help of building a safe space, Niles went from hesitation to entering the car to insisting on “one more rep.” 

Dealing with Trash-Talking Neighbors

We can only control so much in the world, and the behavior of others isn’t one of them. For pups with neighbors who are talking trash, it can turn your garden oasis into a fight club. Teaching your pup that comfort is inside and that they have the skills to move away from the conflict will help them go from cursing to “woowooing” about their newly developed skills. Petey gives us a stellar demo. Look at that smile and prance to his crate!

Care with Consent

Medical care can be challenging for any creature. Providing them with a way to say “no, thank you, not like that” and “let’s go again!” can facilitate more enthusiastic engagement in their own care. Griffey shows how safe spaces can be generalized to build comfort in a new procedure. This is his first time with laser therapy, but by teaching him that his muzzle is a safe space, we’ve been able to generalize that skill to doggles! Look at that enthusiastic return to the procedure station. 

For Anything Else Life Can Throw at You

Really, building a safe space isn’t sexy. It isn’t exciting, fast-paced training; it’s gentle and deliberate. It is teaching that pays off for years to come, and the impact can be so powerful, yet so subtle that it goes unnoticed. But when you take a systematic approach to building a safe space, it means that no matter what life throws your way, you and your pet will have the skills and foundations to return to, like Goose shows us while working on comfort at the local park. 

Safe Spaces Are Simple, But Transformative

Creating a safe space isn’t about eliminating every challenge your pet may face—it’s about giving them the skills, comfort, and confidence to get through those moments with greater ease. Whether it’s a cozy nook in your living room, a portable mat in the park, or a favorite crate by your side, these spaces become the training ground for resilience. With a little planning and a lot of compassion, you can help your animal feel safer, calmer, and in control—no matter what comes their way.