Dogs Showing Strange Behavior: Why Does My Dog Sleep Under My Bed
You’re searching for the dog in your entire home only to remember that you didn’t check under the bed. As you crouch down to see the dog, you think to yourself, ‘why does my dog sleep under my bed.’
Each dog has a unique behavior. Even if you are an experienced pet parent, you will, at some point, encounter a never-seen-before pet behavior. Many dog parents freak out when their dogs start acting out a little.
Reasons That Your Dog is Hiding Under Your Bed
This guide is for all those parents who are stressing over the fact that their dog is spending more time under the bed. In most cases, the reason for this behavior is external, which can be dealt with easily.
Natural Instinct
Your dog wants to sleep under your bed out of its own will. It could be perfectly well, but it would want to sleep alone because they want to have some ‘me time.’ Dogs are den animals which means that they like to sleep/live in a burrow. Since they cannot have a ground to dig up to have a permanent home, they will find a den-like environment under your bed. Even domesticated dogs who were born right in your house will exhibit this behavior as it comes naturally to them.
Anxiety
Has your pet dog started sleeping under the bed all of a sudden? This could be due to some external factors that may be stressing your dog. Many dogs go under the bed during the July 4 celebrations. The sound of fireworks stresses out a dog that finds a hiding spot to calm down. These occasional hide-outs may be due to some loud celebrations that your dog doesn’t like.
Also, in the case of extreme and harsh weather conditions – thunderstorms and lightning – your dog will go under the bed. This behavior is largely manageable.
Past Traumas
If you have adopted a rescued dog, there are chances that they come with some past traumas. Rescue dogs usually see high levels of torture, leaving them scarred for life. Most dogs stay away from humans because of their past experiences. If your dog shows such behavior, you should show them extra care and love to rebuild its trust. Symptoms to look for in an anxious dog include self-injury, severe panting, and destructive behavior. All of this can be resolved with your attention and care.
Children at Home
Dogs and children do go well, but sometimes, children can treat dogs roughly. Some pull a dog’s tail or pat them so harshly, making the poor baby wince in pain. Guest children are more of a problem, as dogs generally build a great bond with at-home kids – kids of their human parents. To deal with the problem, explain to your guests about the problem that you face. Tell them that their kids are a bit rough with your dog.
You shouldn’t be shy about these things. Your dog is your family, and there is nothing wrong with being protective of their health. Your guests will understand and may make efforts to gain the trust of the dog.
Illness
Is your dog feeling a bit queasy? One of the common reasons for a dog sleeping under a bed is an illness. If your dog is lethargic or has been vomiting, he is obviously sick and needs medical attention. Sick dogs usually hide in corners or secluded spaces, so it is always better to get them checked by a vet timely.
Food under the Bed
Your dog may have hidden a stray chicken foot under the bed. Food smell also attracts dogs who would want to go under it to have some ‘fun’ time. It is okay for a dog to go under the bed to eat something, but it could be a bit messy for owners. You wouldn’t want your room to have a smell of meat. Always get spaces under beds or sofas thoroughly cleaned so that your dog doesn’t go there.
Toys under the Bed
If your dog has left some toys under the bed, chances are it will go there to grab them. Once it is tired of playing with the toy, it will sleep right there. If your dog has suddenly started sleeping under the bed, you should check for some toys lying under there. Once you spot them, you’d know the reason for your dog’s disappearance into the hole under your bed.
Guard Dog
The gut feeling of a dog is to protect its ‘master.’ Your dog may want to sleep under your bed because they want to protect you from potential danger. It is a sweet gesture that your dog exhibits to let you know that it loves you.
Avoid ‘Hands’
Dogs do love belly rubs or gentle massages under the chin. But some dogs – especially those who have had past traumas – avoid a human touch, and this is why they hide under beds where a few could reach.
This behavior can be managed, and with proper training, you can build a dog’s trust. You will have to be a little patient because anxiety and stress take some time to go away completely. During this time, you have to tell your dog that it is in safe hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my dog go under the bed as soon as a guest arrives?
Ans: Dogs who haven’t been trained to socialize often hide away from unknown guests. If you have your guests over, don’t force your dog to be with them. If it is in hiding, let it be. Usually, dogs start opening up to other people on their own. If your guests are an important part of your family, your dog will start getting friendly with them once it will see that they share a good relationship with you.
Q: Should I be worried that my dog will sleep under my bed as soon as I go to sleep?
Ans: No, in fact, you should be happy that your dog is honoring you with this gesture. Dogs are extremely protective animals. They go under your bed to ‘guard’ you. So, when you’re sleeping, you’ll have a guardian dog.
Q: What could be the reason for my otherwise friendly dog to start sleeping under my bed?
Ans: Sometimes, dogs sleep under the bed, away from the eyes of their humans. They do so when they have an injury or other illness. Dogs tend not to show their illnesses to their owners. If your dog is deliberately hiding from you, you should carefully examine it to see if there is any wound that it is hiding.
Q: What can I do if I don’t want my dog to sleep under my bed?
Ans: First, stop feeling guilty! Yes, pets are our family, but there is no obligation to let your dog sleep under your bed. Also, dogs that shed cause big trouble if they make the space under your bed their permanent abode. You can always train your dog through a positive reinforcement approach. Never give the dog a treat or toy when it is under your bed. The places where you give a treat to your dog are saved in its mind as a happy place. You have to help your dog associate different places with this happiness.
