Your days are getting busier.
You need to go to work.
But you don’t feel confident letting your dog roam free while you’re gone.
You’re asking yourself:
“Is it ok to lock my dog in a room until I get back?”
Well, all I can say is …
Read further to discover:
- 5 tips to safely lock your dog in a room.
- 5 dangers and risks of confining your dog in a room.
- Life-changing products that help to safely lock your dog in a room.
- And much much more…
Table of contents
Is it okay to lock a dog in a room?
It’s okay to lock a dog in a room that’s safe from potential hazards. Also, if the room has something that your dog needs to keep them entertained. What’s important as well is to consider that the room has enough space for them to run. Water should be accessible to keep them hydrated.
9 tips to safely lock your dog in a room
#1: Think of their safety first
Before keeping a dog confined to one room, make sure that it’s safe.
When you isolate them in a room, anything can happen without you knowing.
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks. We don’t want any objects in the room that can pose hazards when we leave.
When your pooch is older, you don’t need to do much beyond decluttering the room. But you need to be extra careful with an anxious pup.
Do these things to provide a safe environment for your dog:
- Place products that are toxic to your dog in a different room. These include floor cleaners and air fresheners. You can also store them up high behind closed cabinet doors.
- Put away personal items such as clothing and shoes you wouldn’t want your pooch chewing on while you’re not around.
- Don’t leave the trash cans in the room. You can also replace them with pet-proof trash cans made with stainless steel.
- Use cable sleeves to prevent your dog from chewing electrical wires and cords. Choose the ones that are made with abrasion and flame-resistant material.
#2: Place a comfortable bed in the room
Is your dog happy sleeping all day?
Most dogs spend as much as half (or more) of their days sleeping.
Adult dogs sleep between 12-14 hours a day. While puppies and senior ones sleep 15-18 hours in a 24-hour cycle.
With that in mind…
Your pooch needs a soft and comfortable bed for resting while you’re gone. This will support their joints. And it’ll also provide warmth when the weather is cold.
There are different beds that you can get depending on the size and age of your dog. You can also depend on their liking and sleeping positions.
Orthopedic dog bed
The AVMA suggests that an orthopedic dog bed is the best choice for senior dogs. This bed relieves their achy joints and supports their bones.
“But Petya, my dog is tiny and young.”
No worries! There’s something for you too. 🙂 Namely the…
Donut dog bed
A donut dog bed allows tiny dogs to burrow or stretch out. Also, lighter dogs feel safe with a soft-filling cushion that they can sink into.
“How about one for large dog breeds that are sleepy?”
Bolster-style bed
Provide a bolster-style bed for large dogs so they can have a spot to rest their chin. It’s a source of comfort when they want to snooze curled up.
When the weather is hot, that doesn’t mean you can ditch the bed and leave them lying on the floor. Even if they’d do that, it’s better to still provide your pooch an option.
Cooling mat
You can leave a cooling mat in the room where they can choose to lay on. Get one that provides cooling relief without the need for water or electricity. This also spares you from hassle.
#3: Surveillance gear
Do you know that you can watch your dog while at work?
I recommend you get a dog camera such as Furbo. It allows you to watch live footage on your phone.
This is a game-changer for every fur parent who has a hard time leaving their dogs alone.
It’s even most helpful for fur parents with dogs that have separation anxiety.
Having a pet camera in the room shows you what your dog’s up to. Also, it helps you interact with them.
Did you know that Furbo has special features such as a treat-dispenser and two-way audio?
Clever, isn’t it?
Who would’ve thought that tossing treats with a voice command is possible while you’re gone?
With this useful gadget, you can ensure your fur baby is safe and not doing inappropriate behaviors. Well, if they did, you can stop them by giving commands.
Pet cameras may even help in detecting intruders and home emergencies.
This invention is helpful to give us peace of mind without being present.
#4: Provide water bowls for your dog
Water is more than just a drink for your pooch.
Water helps in the digestion of food and keeps them hydrated.
Did you know that summertime heat can be dangerous to your dog?
According to Dr. Nancy Kay, dogs get hot faster than humans. It’s even easy for healthy dogs to be dehydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration in dogs include:
- Lethargy.
- Depression.
- No appetite.
- Sunken eyes.
- Dry, sticky gums.
Nothing feels better in hot weather than a drink that helps them cool their body.
That’s why your furry friend must have access to water even if you’re not at home.
Leave a water bowl in the room’s area where your pooch can get too easily.
Since our pawed pets tend to tip over water bowls, use one that’s spill-proof and non-tip. Invest in a stainless steel bowl with a raised silicone edge that catches the spill.
Read next: 17 Tips To Stop Your Dog From Turning Over The Water Bowl
#5: Leave chew toys
What would dogs most likely feel when locked in a room?
They’d be bored.
The solution?
Chew toys.
Chewing is a good way to engage their body and mind.
Of course, you want to leave your pup some toys to fight boredom. They’ll need stimulation to keep themselves entertained during your absence.
Chew toys can keep your dog’s attention for hours. These prevent them from chewing and tearing up things in the room. Such as the couch, for example.
Also, did you know that chewing provides benefits for their health?
It doesn’t only keep their jaws strong. It can also help nervous dogs deal with anxiety.
But…
Make sure that you’re giving a safe chew toy for your pooch. Whether they’re a small or large dog.
Consider their strength and chewing habits. Also, what durability level or size of toy works for them.
A teething toy is best for puppies to ease pain during the teething stage. While an indestructible one such as Kong Classic is best for aggressive chewers.
#6: Play classical music
Putting on classical music when you leave the house can help your dog relax. It has a soothing effect that helps them sleep.
In a study, dogs were placed in an environment while classical music was on play for 7 days. It turned out that these dogs showed fewer signs of stress.
So have some Beethoven in the room and let your pup chill out.
There’s a ton of choices for your dog out there. You can even make a playlist if you want.
You can give this music a try. It’s nonstop so it’s perfect while you’re gone.
Fun fact: Male dogs like classical music more than female dogs do. According to a finding, males spend less time barking when listening to classical music.
#7: Hire a professional dog sitter
Going on vacation?
Professional dog sitters are reliable and trained to tend to the needs of your dog.
Leaving your pooch in the hands of a neighbor doesn’t always ensure safety.
What if your pooch gets sick? Or if there’s an accident?
Dog sitters will bring your furry baby to the clinic or ER.
They’ll make sure that your dog’s getting enough exercise. They’re also prepared to give any medication if there’s a need to.
Plus, it’s convenient. You can enjoy your vacation knowing your doggo’s in good hands.
They provide you dog petting services and also home care. Two things less to worry about.
Hire a dog sitter and you’ll come home to a happy dog.
#8: Potty pad training
Leave a potty pad in a room where your pooch can poo or pee.
With this, you don’t have to worry about your pooch peeing on the floor. Or pooping on objects or corners in the room.
Seriously, nobody wants to come home to a sight like this.
Do yourself a favor by teaching your doggo how to use the potty pad.
Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Choose an appropriate area in the room where you’ll leave the pad.
Step 2: Use a word you’ll say when you want your pooch to use the pad. It can be “peepee” or “potty”.
Step 3: When they likely have a need to poo or pee, place your pooch on the pad at a time. Say the special word. It’s alright when they wouldn’t do it right away. Repeat the command until they do.
Step 4: Once your pooch pees on the pad, give praises and treats.
Step 5: Remain patient. When they show signs of needing to poo or pee again, get them to the pad quickly.
Repeat until they learn that the pad is for potty breaks. So that while you’re gone, they can do it alone.
Note: There are breeds that are difficult to potty train. Some of these are:
- Beagle.
- Chihuahua.
- Bichon Frise.
- Cocker Spaniel.
- English Bulldog.
#9: Leave a cloth that smells like you
Leave your dog with your clothing that has your scent. It can be an old shirt that you’ve worn.
They’ll associate the item with you. It’s reassuring for them as your scent is something they know. Plus, it can keep them happier while you’re gone.
If your dog has separation anxiety, a piece of your clothing will comfort them.
5 dangers of locking your dog in a room
#1: Escape attempts
Was there a time your dog attempted to escape?
Dogs may attempt to escape when they’re bored and lonely. Also, when they’re struggling with separation anxiety.
But some breeds would most likely escape. They’re popular for their escape artistry when left alone.
So confining them in a room with not much to do may result in an escape.
They may jump through the windows when distressed. Or even break them which can result in painful injuries to your dog.
Some of these breeds are:
- Labs.
- Boxers.
- Huskies.
- Beagles.
- Poodles.
- Chihuahuas.
- Golden Retrievers.
- German Shepherds.
- Jack Russell Terriers.
These escape artists don’t want to be at home in general. Instead, they love to run and play because they enjoy the feeling of freedom.
Also read: 9 Reasons Why Your Husky Runs Away + 11 Tips To Prevent It
#2: Separation anxiety and depression
Does your pawed friend panic when you leave them home alone?
Separation anxiety makes your dog upset and distressed with your absence.
It can be overwhelming that they become destructive when you leave.
It’s accompanied by behavioral problems such as excessive barking and destructive chewing.
The latter refers to your possessions. So if you leave your shoes within their reach, they might frantically chew on them.
They would also vocalize by howling or whining. The vocalization is likely to arise the longer they’re left alone.
These are the symptoms that can help you determine if your dog has anxiety:
- Pacing.
- Aggression.
- Excessive barking.
- Destructive behavior.
- Urinating or defecating in the house/room.
According to the Merck Vet Manual, anxiety in dogs can be caused by different things. However, the common causes include aging, separation, and fear.
You might also want to read: 5 causes and 18 signs of separation anxiety in dogs
Allowing your pooch to socialize is an important aspect of their training.
Your goal is to help them understand different things and experiences.
Are you very busy?
If so, I understand. But confining your dog for most of the time won’t be in their favor.
When you keep them isolated in a room, you’re taking away their chance to approach new situations.
Our dogs need other dog friends. If they aren’t able to meet dogs of all sizes and ages, they might become anti-social.
Their world is small. They’ll be scared of adventures.
They wouldn’t have the coping capabilities to respond to stressful events. So, when faced with such, they’ll react defensively.
Dog-on-dog interaction helps them hone their communication skills.
#4: Physical accidents and health issues
You might be thinking that confining your dog in a room is easy.
Leave them. Lock the room. You’re good to go for your work.
Not so fast…
Before leaving your dog alone, there are health concerns you should consider.
Anything can happen in a room with your pooch.
Such as…
Chewing electrical cords
PetMD says that the usual cause of electric shock in canines is chewing power cables. This is most likely to happen when you leave the wires uncovered.
They might develop seizures and could suffer from permanent nerve damage.
This event can also trigger house fires.
Eating something toxic
They can ingest a bar of soap for example. This will result in intestinal issues. It can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
The kitchen area can also harbor dangers. It’s where your dog might eat something harmful.
These are foods that are safe for humans to consume but are toxic to dogs.
| Type of human food | Risks for dogs |
| Chocolates | cause rapid heartbeat and poisoning |
| Onion and garlic | cause gastrointestinal irritation |
| Avocados | cause vomiting and diarrhea |
| Alcohol | causes damage to your dog’s nervous system |
| Raisins and grapes | cause kidney failure and liver damage |
Read more: Can Dogs Eat Croissants? 15 Must-Read Dangers
#5: Disobedience
Your dog may become less obedient to your commands.
By losing interactions with you, they might stop seeing you as someone they need to please.
They become resistant to your commands and stop coming to your voice.
Simply put, the training process has broken down.
The more you’re absent, the less influence you’re likely to have over them. Also, the less attention they pay to you.
The more time they spend with you, the more pleasure and experiences they’ll learn.
People also ask:
How long can you lock up a dog?
You can lock up a dog for about 6-8 hours. They might feel comfortable longer than that when you provide their physical, intellectual, and emotional needs in a room. It’s considered unethical when you leave them for longer hours without ensuring they’re safe and their basic needs are met.
Some situations could force you to lock up your dog in a room.
Your dog might bark at every guest who walks through your door. It’s more embarrassing when the barking continues after they’ve entered the house.
You can contain them in a room for a few hours. But leaving them alone all day is cruel and unethical.
Is locking a dog in a room abuse?
Locking a dog in a room is not abuse if it’s for a few hours. Placing your dog in an isolated area is giving them a time-out if they misbehave. It’s cruel when you lock them up all day. This can cause a lot of stress and lead to anxiety.
Some dogs may chew on shoes or furniture. As well as on your rugs and favorite personal items.
To cope with this behavior, some dog keepers lock their dogs in a room. But keeping them isolated all day is no longer training but a punishment.
The destructive behaviors are also signs of separation anxiety, so watch out. Punishing a dog with this condition would only worsen things.
You can use “Time out”, “stop” or “no” to train your pooch to quit misbehaving. You should pick one of these commands and stick to it. Then use it whenever a dog shows destructive behavior or plays too rough.
Should I lock my dog in a room at night?
You shouldn’t lock your dog in a room at night if they’re not used to staying alone in the room at first.
Otherwise, they may perceive it as punishment. Also, locking them up at night will likely lead to crying and whining because they’re scared.
They might start showing some behavioral problems as well.
That’s why…
A crate or a particular room should be a safe place for a trained dog. The goal’s that they feel comfortable and secure in it.
Our pawed friends should have the freedom of moving in and out when they please.
Without proper training, locking your pawed pet in a room at night would make them feel punished. This would only cause them to fear and hate more being in there.
Not training them to pee and poop in appropriate places may lead to them wetting their bed. This will trouble you by having to constantly clean it or even change it.
That’s why you shouldn’t lock the crate.
You might also want to check out: Should I force my dog into his crate?
Can I leave my dog in the bathroom while at work?
It’s not recommended to leave your dog in the bathroom while at work. The bathroom is not a living space and it might be too hot or too cold for your dog if it doesn’t have good ventilation. The small space might not also be enough for them to play around.
Leaving your dog in the bathroom for long hours would make them bored.
They might kill time by chewing on hazardous objects.
Your pooch may find its way to toxic household items such as detergent and shampoo. These can cause diarrhea and vomiting when ingested.
Plus, the tiles on the bathroom floor are cold. So, this might worsen conditions such as arthritis in senior dogs.
Do dogs get sad when you lock them out of your room?
Dogs with separation anxiety get sad when you lock them out of your room. Your absence makes them feel anxious and uncomfortable. Even if you’re just one room away. They’re dependent on you and will exhibit extreme stress when you leave them.
It’d confuse dogs when you stop them at your door. And when they see you close it in front of them.
Your action is unusual to your dog, and they might feel you’re abandoning them.
To ease how your dog feels without you…
Start doing this gradually.
First, provide them with toys. Such as puzzles. Leave a cloth that carries your scent. Then go out of their room.
Wait and see after how many minutes your dog starts to show signs of distress. Then wait a bit and enter the room. Repeat several times a day.
When your dog starts to endure long periods without barking and whining, increase the time you’re out of the room. Do it gradually, so your dog gets used to it.
Do them and yourself a favor by teaching your dog to be alone. It can benefit you when you have to work for long hours.