Everyday stressors caused by modern home design could lead to “trigger stacking” and poor behaviour
Our homes are our sanctuary – a place to relax, unwind, and escape the stresses of daily life. But pet owners may have to be mindful of how their furry friends fit into their homes and might have to design around their four-legged companion.
And they could be right to do so, as a popular home design feature can impact dogs – and even lead to aggressive behaviour, according to experts.
During National Pet Month, owners have been warned that their pooch’s happiness could be seriously impacted by open-plan-living.
For years, Brits have been renovating and modernising their homes to create more open spaces, and whilst this is a contemporary and stylish option, some are starting to see the downsides.
Not only can it make your home more expensive to heat, Victoria Cooper, Certified Dog Behaviourist, revealed that such designs could be detrimental to your dog’s wellbeing.
Discussing the challenges of open-plan homes, Victoria explained to hallway and stair part specialists Jackson Woodturners: “Modern homes tend to be visually appealing for us, but for some dogs, unlimited access to all areas can be overwhelming.
“Large windows, open entrances, and constant visual stimulation can lead to increased alertness, hyper-vigilance, and reactivity. Dogs that are frequently exposed to excessive sights and sounds without the option to retreat can struggle to settle and relax.
“Dogs exposed to repeated stressful environments without enough downtime can experience ‘trigger stacking’ – where stress accumulates over time, leading to heightened reactivity, hyper-vigilance, or even aggressive behaviour.
“Noisy households, frequent visitors, or unpredictable surroundings can contribute to this, leaving dogs feeling overwhelmed.”
As a solution, Victoria suggests ensuring dogs have structured rest periods throughout the day, away from busy areas. Using calming music and blinds, too, can help reduce external stressors.
“Consider installing indoor dog gates across busy areas,” Victoria went on. “A well-placed gate or room divider system can stop a dog from reaching the front door before they are invited or allow them to observe without feeling the need to react.
“Covering large windows with frosted film or using blinds can help reduce excessive external stimulation, particularly for dogs prone to barking or reacting to movement outside.”
Dividers and stair gates are not immune to the aggravation potentially suffered by dogs within the household, either. Expert joiner Adam Taylor at Crafted Gates UK told Jackson Woodturners: “Instead of a basic metal gate, opt for a bespoke, handcrafted design that blends seamlessly with your staircase and interior.
“Hallways are transitional spaces, so installing a pet gate can help manage movement, keeping certain areas off-limits as required.
“Staircases can pose a risk to pets, particularly older or disabled dogs who may have mobility issues, so a well-designed gate can help prevent falls.”