Appendix 2 – Creating a safe haven

A safe haven is a place your dog can go to where he can feel safe and secure: a place where he is always in control, and will know that no-one will enforce anything on him whilst he is there.

To create a safe haven, find a space in your home where you can place a permanent bed for your dog. The bed can be a crate, a basket-type bed, a cushion, dog-duvet ... whatever type of bed he likes best.

Ideally, situate the bed in an area that is fairly quiet and peaceful for him, but not isolated from the family, where he is comfortable spending time, and that will be available to him at all times when he is at home. An AdaptilTM diffuser plugged in nearby may also help to create a sense of security.

Once you have positioned the bed, you can make it appealing to him by occasionally placing favourite toys, chews and treats there, when he is away from the area. In the beginning, do this frequently, but once he is using the bed regularly it is worth still occasionally placing special treats there (an especially loved or new toy, or a food treat or chew). This is one way of providing him with fun surprises which will encourage a positive emotional state, and help to counteract the stresses of daily life. We all like and benefit from good surprises in our lives!

Remember!

• Never send him to his safe haven as a ‘time out’ or punishment – this area must always be a place that makes him feel good

• Never make him leave his safe haven (unless it’s an emergency, and even then try to ensure that you call him out of it rather than force him out)

• Never approach him in his safe haven – this must be a place he can go to and feel secure if he wants to avoid contact with people.

If you are thinking of taking him for a walk, when he is in this area, ask him and respect his response. If he stays put; don’t take him out. This is his way of saying ‘thanks, but no thanks’

• If another dog approaches him when he is in his safe haven, quietly call them away so that, again, your dog knows he can avoid interacting with them when he is there

• Only those able to understand the rules of the safe haven should be left unsupervised around your dog and the safe haven area.

Young children must never be left unsupervised around dogs

• Note when he uses his safe haven, and if he seems to be choosing it to be alone, reflect on the reason why; respect and learn from this