Turning a Large Closet Into a Dog Room
Many dogs prefer a space of their own such as a kennel or bed to relax on or get away from a busy household. An unused space of the house such as a closet makes a perfect den for the household canine. Using the same guidelines as selecting a kennel, the closet floor space should allow the dog to stand up, turn around and lay down without touching any sides of the closet wall for maximum health benefit.
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Things You'll Need
- Four-way screwdriver
- Dog bed
- Blanket
- Food dish
- Water dish
- Toys
- Treats
- Child-safe or pet-safe gate
Instructions
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Remove all contents from the closet including vacuuming the floor to remove potential choking hazards.
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Remove the closet door and hinges using an appropriately sized screwdriver.
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Set the dog's kennel or sleeping bed in one corner of the closet, which allows the dog to have a play area inside the closet separate from his sleeping area.
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Place food and water dishes against the wall, as well as a few favorite toys in the play area of the closet.
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Place the pet gate in the open position in place of the closet doors leaving a clear walkway for the dog.
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Call the dog to its new play area inside the closet, and offer a treat when the dog obeys.
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Place the pet-safe gate in the closed position and secure the locking mechanism to prevent the dog from wandering outside the closet.
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Tips & Warnings
Increase the amount of time by five-minute increments with positive reinforcement until the dog becomes comfortable to prevent behavior disorders.
Provide a treat and positive reinforcement every time the dog chooses to go to his space on his own.
Leave French doors on the hinges and opened while the dog is inside the designated play area behind the gate.
Hang curtains from the top of the door to allow for more privacy when needed.
Pet calming aids can be used to aid in the transition.
To prevent respiratory distress and separation anxiety, never close the closet door and lock a dog inside a closet.
To prevent injury and illness, never kennel dogs for extreme lengths of time.
Closets can become overheated quickly, be sure the closet you select has adequate space for ventilation.
Never use this space as a scolding box, but rather a place where the dog feels he is safe.
References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
