Urban life can get overwhelming for dogs and humans alike, and in the same way we need a relaxing space at home to untangle from our stressors, our furry companions do too! Whether your pet is the anxious sort or not, they are going to benefit immensely from having their own safe space.  

If you don't have space for an entire room, you can still create an adequate safe space for your dog! Keep an eye out for where your dog goes whenever they feel stressed or exhausted; these places may be ideal to set up a safe space in. Set up a bed and make the spot comfortable so that your dog gets acclimatized to it. Make sure to stock it with their favorite toys, and keep water and treats within range as well.

Work with your dog's preferences to set up comfort spots for them around the house. For instance, if your dog likes laying down on a certain kind of towel, lay out a few across your home so that they have multiple comfort spots to unwind in.

You can also rearrange your furniture to create more open spaces for your dog to frolic about in. Clutter can be overwhelming for both humans and dogs, and freeing up some space can give dogs the much needed space for them to be active and move around freely. Stock the room with water, and try feeding your dog in a safe space in order to build a positive association with it. Consider filling the room with objects familiar to your dog, including their favorite toys to provide stimulation, and items that have your scent so they can derive comfort from it. There should also be enough bedding for your pup to sprawl out on, and sleep peacefully.

Make sure the room is easy to enter and exit, and be mindful to make it as hazard proof as possible! The room shouldn't have any objects that may cause harm to your dog, such as exposed power cords or any choking hazards. This way, your dog can spend quality time in their safe space while you're busy and can't keep an eye on them. Creating an appropriate space for them to relax in, and establishing comfort there can go a long way in helping your pet stay happy, and help them contend with the toils of urban life.