How to Keep a Dog Contained in a Room

Confining a dog to a room is sometimes necessary for the safety of the dog, or to prevent the dog from ruining your home. Some dogs become lonely and anxious when their owners are sleeping or at work. This can lead to the dog chewing on furniture, ripping up carpet or accidentally going to the bathroom in the house. Likewise, a dog can harm itself by accidentally ingesting a toxic substance or chewing electrical wires when its owner is not around to supervise. Keep your dog safe and your home clean by keeping your dog contained in a room.

Things You'll Need

  • Food and water bowl
  • Dog bedding
  • Dog toys
  • Dog treats
  • Newspaper
  • Child safety gate (optional)
  • Dog crate (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the room that you would like to use as the dog's room and remove any items the dog might destroy, or that might be harmful to the dog. A large room is not necessary as long as the dog has enough room to stand up, stretch out and turn around.

    • 2

      Prepare the room before putting the dog inside by placing items the dog is familiar with, such as bedding, toys and a water and food bowl. This allows the dog to establish the room as its "den," making it less likely to go to the bathroom in the room. Accidents may occur if you are gone for long periods, so place newspapers in the room away from the dog's food.

    • 3

      Play with your dog and give it plenty of attention before containing it in a room. This helps your dog settle into the routine of being confined, and lets it know the difference between playtime and downtime.

    • 4

      Take the dog outside to relieve itself before containing it in the room. This helps your dog adjust to the schedule, and makes it less likely to relieve itself while inside the house.

    • 5

      Block off the room by closing the door or placing a child safety gate in the entrance. If your dog is big enough to jump over a child safety gate, use a second gate on top of the first.

    • 6

      Take your dog outside to use the bathroom immediately after releasing it from its room. Praise your dog with treats and attention for a successful period of confinement to encourage its continued good behavior.