Dogs are incredible companions and they will be loyal to their owners for years. But what can you do when your dog keeps hiding under your bed? Is something wrong with your canine? Discover why dogs do this strange behavior in today’s blog.
How To Block Dog from Going Under Bed
We love our dogs to pieces, but definitely, diving under the bed and staying there frequently is not part of the deal. There are many ways to prevent dogs, cats, and other pet animals from going under your bed.
- Plastic storage containers– Fortunately for pet owners, it is relatively easy to block the area under the bed with stuff. Our recommendation (if you have the budget) is to buy appropriately-sized storage containers so you can fill that under-bed gap quickly. These storage containers are also super helpful, so it is going to be a worthy investment. Fill the containers with heavy stuff so they will stay in place, and your big dog won’t be able to push the containers away even if your pet wanted to.
- Stacks of books– Do you have a lot of books at home? If so, you may want to fill the negative space with some of them. Alternatively, you can put the books in the storage containers you have just purchased so they won’t get dusty. If you don’t mind them getting dusty, then you can place them under the bed as they are.
- Cardboard boxes– If you don’t want to buy more expensive plastic storage containers, you can always purchase rigid cardboard boxes instead. They will have the same function. However, you may have to purchase several cardboard boxes if you want to block off the entire negative space.
- Pipe insulation– You can easily purchase pipe insulation online or in most hardware or home improvement stores. Measure the height of the negative space first and use this measurement to estimate how much pipe insulation you need.
You will want to buy durable cable ties with a higher weight limit so you can secure the pipe insulation to the bed. Pipe insulation can also be used on other furniture as toy blockers so that toys won’t get under the table. They’re great when you have pets (or small kids) around!
What Does It Mean When My Dog Hides Under the Bed?
If your dog hides under your bed a few times a week, you have nothing to be afraid of. Hiding under anything is an instinct in all canines. However, depending on your dog’s temperament, breed, and history, you may see this behavior frequently or rarely.
Sometimes, dogs need a little me time, and they desire a private, dark space and away from humans and other dogs. They’re like us this way. Of course, another potential reason that your dog is hiding is that it’s sick.
When dogs feel ill, they instinctually separate from the pack to recuperate. This instinct was developed thousands of years ago, perhaps to spare the rest of the pack from contagious diseases.
Also, a dead canine near a pack of healthy dogs will likely spread disease and pestilence, so dogs will distance naturally from you when it is feeling poorly. You may have to call your vet while monitoring your dog’s condition.
A third possible reason is that your dog is suffering from stress and behavioral issues. For example, dogs are known for ‘acting out’ when their owners transfer to a new home. Leaving your old home may not be much of a big deal to you, but it can throw off animals for a loop. Perhaps your dog needs to adjust to the environment and requires more bonding time from its humans so it can feel more comfortable in the new home.
If your dog has never hidden under the bed in all your years of ownership, then there is undoubtedly something off. Try to discover why your dog has suddenly changed behavior and get to the root of the problem.
What Can I Spray on My Bed to Keep My Dog Off?
If you want a homemade spray that you won’t find offensive, try a natural citrus spray made of lime, lemon, or oranges. Dogs, in general, detest the smell of citrus fruits, so spritzing some lemon or lime on your bed may deter your dog from jumping on your bed.
Eventually, the dog may associate your bed with the feeling of being revolted (by the smell), and it will naturally navigate to non-offensive furniture at home. This is a perfect method if you want your dog to stay on the couch and not on your bed.
Why Do Dogs Go Under the Bed?
Dogs will instinctually seek shelter, away from others, when it wants more private time. A dog may also engage in this behavior when it is injured or sick. Apart from these tendencies, your dog may also be foraging for food or stowing away food for “future use.”
Since domestic dogs are hardwired to hunt, they will stow away food sometimes. It is gratifying and self-reinforcing, meaning the more they engage in the behavior, the more satisfied they feel. Sometimes dogs eat special treats away from other dogs to reduce the chances of competition.
Dogs can also engage in quirky behavior when there is a sudden change in their environment. For example, the birth of a baby can displace a dog in the family, and suddenly, it feels that humans aren’t interested as much in it anymore. In response, the dog may choose to hide out to process what is happening in the environment.
What To Do with Dogs That Go Under the Bed?
If the behavior is infrequent, then you can choose to do nothing. Perhaps your dog is simply getting more comfortable and requires more rest.
Unless your dog is substituting everyday life with you with time under the bed, then it’s not a behavioral issue; it simply is a quirk like the ones humans have. However, a dog that spends more time hiding may be sick or even depressed, so monitor how frequently your dog engages in the behavior.
