- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
As social creatures, dogs love being around their human family. But just like us, they need time to themselves to decompress and rest. Giving your dog their own room, or at least a section of it, gives them a quiet and safe space to tuck away and relax.
Dogs also thrive on routine, so having a designated area in your home where they repeatedly go to settle can help energetic dogs learn how to self-regulate. It can also provide a sense of familiarity and comfort when they’re home alone or with a pet sitter. Not to mention, a dog room is helpful when you have visitors over or need some space to get things done without your pup underfoot.
But what should a dog room look like? And what if you don’t have a lot of space in your home? Our step-by-step guide answers these questions and more. From dog room essentials to decor ideas, here’s everything you need to know to create a dog-only zone for your pup.
Dog Room Ideas
Step 1: Create the space
Guest bedrooms, closets, laundry rooms, and nooks underneath the stairs all make for great dog rooms. However, if you don’t have space to spare, you can designate an area of an already existing room, like a corner of your living area or bedroom. Use dog gates and playpens to close off an area, or set up your dog’s crate in the space if you need to confine your pup. To keep an eye on your pup while they’re getting used to the new room, set up a pet camera to monitor their activity.
ArchiViz via iStock
Step 2: Make it comfortable
Making your dog’s room as comfortable as possible will ensure they want to spend time in it. Add a comfy dog bed and blankets, so they have a cozy place to rest. Pup-sized couches and human-style beds are also a pretty adorable addition if you have the space for one.
If you’re sharing the room with your pup, consider investing in a pet-friendly couch. Or toss a cover over your sofa or bed so you can enjoy some cuddle time together. If you have a senior dog or a pup with mobility issues, a dog ramp can help them easily access furniture. Similarly, adding plush, grippy rugs to wood floors can help prevent accidents and protect joints for pups of all ages. Plus, it can add a touch of style to the room!
Olive the Rover test pup snuggles on a Hooman dog bed in rainbow.
Step 3: Make it functional
There are plenty of ways to make your dog’s room multifunctional if you don’t have a lot of space. For example, opt for a dog crate end table that can double as a TV stand or desk.
Add some hooks to the wall and hang up your dog’s leash and walking gear. And get smart with storage space, stashing grooming supplies, bedding, and toys in an ottoman or decorative bins.
The Fable Crate, as piloted by Rover test pup Meda, is a popular end-table-style option.
Step 4: Set the vibe
To create a calming atmosphere in your dog’s room, set up Bluetooth speakers and stream soothing playlists. Items like a pheromone diffuser and heartbeat toy may also help reduce stress in nervous dogs.
If your dog is sound-sensitive, a white noise machine can block out noise pollution and other outdoor sounds. Reactive and easily excitable dogs will also need some extra help with windows. Privacy film, like this fun stained glass decal, is a great way to keep your dog from seeing triggers outside while still keeping the room warm and bright.
To decorate, add cute doggy-themed items and framed pictures of you and your pup together. For plants, go with non-toxic, pet-friendly options, such as spider plants and Boston ferns. You can even make a small indoor herb garden with dog-safe plants like rosemary, peppermint, and basil. Not only will your pup enjoy sniffing the herbs, but they can also help keep the space smelling fresh.
Step 5: Provide entertainment
You’ll also want to ensure your pup has plenty to do in the room between nap time. Stock the space with an assortment of dog toys, like chew toys, plushies, and squeaky toys. Food puzzles, lick mats, and KONGs can also provide mental enrichment and work your dog’s brain. Self-moving toys are also great for solo play.
If your dog’s room has a TV or monitor, stream dog channels or nature shows to keep them entertained.
Make sure to stock your dog’s room with all their furry friends.
How To Dog-Proof While You’re Away
Creating a dog room doesn’t have to be elaborate. All your pup really needs is a bit of space to call their own with a few of their favorite things. This designated place in your home can help your pup feel safe and secure, especially when you’re away.
That’s one reason you’ll want to review your work to make sure the room is dog-proof. Watch out for:
- Dangling wires or cords
- Toys with small pieces that could be broken off or stuffing that could be removed
- New toys that you’re not sure how your dog will play with
- Edible chews (not a good idea if your pup isn’t supervised)
- Dangerous plants
- Dog-proof garbage cans or dog-proof litter-boxes if your dog shares their room with a cat
You’ll also want to make sure you clean this room—and any spaces accessible to your dog—with pet-safe cleaning products.
And for the times when you have to leave your dog for longer than you’d like, give yourself some peace of mind with Rover. Find experienced dog walkers in your neighborhood who can pop in on your schedule or board your dog with a sitter while you’re away.
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Rover’s Dog People Panel. We prioritized variety, practicality, and value when choosing dog room items. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
