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How the Anxiety Room Helps Sensitive Dogs Feel Safe During Boarding

  • Writer: Shelby Bates
    Shelby Bates
  • 4 days ago
  • 3 min read

Many dogs love boarding — the new smells, new environment, and new routine are exciting and enriching.


But for others, boarding can feel overwhelming.


Senior dogs, rescue dogs, anxious personalities, noise-sensitive dogs, or dogs with past trauma often struggle with:


  • increased stress

  • excessive pacing

  • shaking

  • whining

  • difficulty settling

  • sensory overload

  • barking triggers

  • overstimulation from being around other dogs


That’s why at Backroads Boarding, we created something incredibly special — a dedicated Anxiety Room designed specifically to help sensitive dogs feel calm, safe, and supported during their stay.


It’s a feature you rarely find in Oklahoma boarding facilities, and it makes a meaningful difference for families in Goldsby, Washington, Norman, and surrounding communities.


What Is the Anxiety Room?


The Anxiety Room is a quiet, private boarding option built intentionally for dogs who need extra emotional support.


This room was custom-created during the construction of our barndominium facility, designed by hand to reduce stress, noise, and stimulation.

It includes:


Calming Red and Blue Lighting


Soft red and blue color tones have a naturally soothing effect on the nervous system.

These lights help reduce:


  • hyperactivity

  • reactivity

  • sensory overstimulation

  • nighttime anxiety


Soothing Music & Sound Control


Gentle, calming music in the Anxiety Room masks outside noise and helps anxious dogs relax.


This is particularly helpful for:


  • thunder-sensitive dogs

  • senior dogs with confusion or night anxiety

  • dogs who become overstimulated by barking


Reduced Foot Traffic


The location of the room limits visual and auditory triggers that often overwhelm sensitive dogs.


This means:


  • no loud playtime noise

  • no kennel-to-kennel reactivity

  • no visual overstimulation


Just peace, quiet, and rest.


Larger, Comfortable Suites


The Anxiety Room includes spacious 4x4 and 4x9 suites that provide room to stretch, move, and settle — without feeling boxed in.

Many anxious dogs settle faster in a larger space.


Slow Handling & Calm Care


Our team is trained to work with:


  • fearful dogs

  • noise-sensitive dogs

  • reactive dogs

  • senior dogs

  • dogs with special needs


We approach every Anxiety Room pet with:


  • slow movements

  • calm voices

  • extra patience

  • gentle interaction

  • individualized care


Which Dogs Benefit from the Anxiety Room?


Dogs who may benefit include:


Rescue Dogs

Often sensitive to new environments.


Senior Dogs

May struggle with confusion, hearing loss, or mobility issues.


Dogs with Past Trauma

The quiet environment prevents overstimulation.


Dogs with Noise Sensitivity

Reduces barking-trigger reactions.


High-Anxiety Personalities

Who struggle with crate rest or new people.


Dogs with Medical Sensitivities

Who require a very calm setting.


Oklahoma Storm-Anxious Dogs

Thunder anxiety is extremely common here.


Why the Anxiety Room Works


This room works because it addresses the root cause of stress:


  • overstimulation

  • noise

  • visual triggers

  • sensory overload

  • emotional overwhelm


By removing these triggers, dogs settle faster, sleep better, and maintain healthier emotional regulation during their stay.


Owners often tell us their anxious dogs:


  • eat better

  • rest more

  • show fewer stress behaviors

  • seem calmer when returning home


It makes boarding possible for dogs who otherwise couldn’t tolerate a traditional kennel environment.



Anxiety Room Pricing


  • 4x4 Anxiety Suite — $50/night

  • 4x9 Anxiety Suite — $60/night


These rooms are extremely limited and book quickly, especially during:


  • holidays

  • summer

  • storms

  • busy travel seasons


Booking early ensures a spot.


Serving Goldsby, Washington & Norman, Oklahoma


Families across:


  • Goldsby

  • Washington

  • Norman

  • Purcell

  • Lexington

  • Wayne


Trust Backroads Boarding for anxiety-friendly, low-stress boarding options.

If your dog has struggled with boarding in the past, we would love to help.



Book the Anxiety Room Through Our App

The Backroads Boarding App makes reserving the Anxiety Room simple and fast.


You can:


  • Book boarding

  • Upload vaccine records

  • Manage your pets

  • See availability



 
 
 

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