4 Reasons Why Your Dog Likes to Hide Under the Bed
Does your dog like to squeeze into tight spaces such as the space under your bed? It’s a harmless behavior but something that might get you worried since it could be an indication of a bigger problem. Here are some common reasons why dogs like to hide under the bed.
1. Provides a Cool Environment
The space under the bed could provide a great cooling spot for your dog during a hot summer night. You might also have a carpet floor underneath the bed that isn’t as worn down so it could simply be a case of the area underneath the bed being a more comfortable place for your dog to rest in.
2. Anxiety and Fear
This tends to be a common reason for dogs that suddenly hide under the bed. There’s something that’s scaring the dog and she needs some time in a safe space to make sure everything is okay.
Pay close attention to your dog the next couple of days and try and identify the potential cause of the bed-hiding behavior. It could be something beyond your control (e.g. sound of fireworks) or something that you are doing (e.g. running the vacuum cleaner) that’s unintentionally scaring the dog.
3. Your Dog is Sick
Your dog is sick or injured so she naturally goes to a safe spot where she feels the least vulnerable. If you aren’t able to identify any fear-induced causes then take your dog to the vet. The space underneath the bed isn’t an ideal place for a sick dog to be in because it’s difficult for you to access.
4. There’s No Alternative Spot
There’s no alternative spot in the house where your dog feels comfortable resting in. You have tried to crate-train your dog but she simply refuses to go inside.
Make the crate a more appealing resting spot by placing your dog’s favorite toys and blankets inside. You can also place the crate next to the bed and gradually make the crate the primary resting spot through positive reinforcement and positive association.
How to Get Your Dog Out from Under the Bed
As we mentioned earlier, there’s no real harm to this behavior so let it be if your dog is only hiding under the bed every once in a while. You may, however, need to evaluate the situation if it’s a regular occurrence.
The space underneath the bed isn’t easy to access so that can create problems if you find yourself in a major emergency (e.g fire) and you need to leave your house as soon as possible. The regular occurrence of bed-hiding behaviors may also indicate a major issue with your dog. A trip to the vet is definitely warranted if your dog shows any sign of discomfort or fear.
The important thing we want to highlight is to not force your dog out, especially if your dog is in a vulnerable state. Instead, just leave your dog alone and wait till she eventually comes out. Give the dog a treat and plenty of praises once she made her way out.
You can also box up the space underneath the bed to prevent your dog from entering in the future. Make sure you provide an alternative resting spot before you block out the bed space.
I am really worried about my dog. She has been going under the bed and staying there. My house is very quiet and no arguing going on. I spoil her and give her so much love. What do I do??
My dog just suddenly started this same thing. I took her to vet she has perfect blood work no pain nothing physically wrong. It’s just her and me. I love her like a child we are always together when I’m not at work. Did you ever get an answer to your question. I’m curious
My dog does the same thing, she is spoiled, I give her lots of love and treats, and my place is very quiet and calm, yet she hides under the bed, when I am home, she hides and sleeps there. I was also wondering if you found an answer to your questions? My dog is also very healthy
my dog apple is a month over one year she has made a dog house under my bed taking toys not liking certain people is it me she is mad at./:
I will join the hiding under the bed club. I’ve taken him to the vet, he’s had blood work done, no problem there. It does not matter if I’m home, on my way to work, or at night. Any answers as to why?
My dog does she same thing and I’m wondering if she wants my other dog under with her or not , I’m always pulling him out he knows he shouldn’t be under there so he comes out easily , but what if she wants him there ?
My dog just about bit me and my mom she hides under my bed I took her to the vet a month ago got all her shots when she comes out of bedroom she is nice to people I give her calming treats but they don’t work what should I do anyone have any ideas
I too am worried about my Romanian rescue. He is loved dearly by us both, but he is wary/scared of my husband, yet my husband adores him. We bought Archie a stress donut fluffy bed, and he just hides under it. He has hidden since we rescued him 6 months ago. Thought he might have stopped doing it by now.
Ive had my Rocket for 3+yrs. Everytime i come home from work in the morning (night shift), he greets me rubs up against me, walks me to my bedroom door and rushes under the bed. To me ive never worried and was just curious, but honestly never been a problem. He will come out Lie with me come say hello while im on my PC, and then goes lie on my bed, then goes back under eventually. If anyone reads this id say if nothing is wrong, its no different than a kid going to his/her room or “secret spot”. A place he just enjoys just because, we all have had a place like that. Not our bedroom but a spot we just go to. Dogs just like personal space like the rest of us and maybe under a dark space is just a natural place. Especially if they feel like they can come and go as they please. A cage even if its open all the time can be closed, and they know this. So if all is fine at home, honestly in my opinion (not a dog expert) its perfectly fine. And nothing is wrong with them. They just being dogs is all.