10 Reasons Your Dog Is Hiding or Sleeping Under Your Bed

1. They’re Noise Sensitive

Does your dog dash under the bed when things get loud? Certain breeds may be more sensitive to loud sounds than others. And certain dogs are just highly sensitive to noise, no matter what breed they are.

Here are some of the sounds that might send your dog under the bed:

• Yelling
• Fireworks
• Kitchen Noises
• Nearby Construction Work
• Slamming Doors
• Emergency Vehicle Sirens
• Loud Ringtones
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Thunderstorm

Watch your dog to see if you note any signs of noise sensitivity. They might start panting, becoming stiff, or excessively licking their lips.

2. They’re Feeling Stressed Out

Dogs experience stress for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it’s something obvious that triggers a stress response, like a thunderstorm. Other times, it’s something subtle, like a new scent in the home.

Here are some common signs of stress:

• Destructive Chewing
• Pacing
• Growling
• Whining
• Yawning
• Whale Eyes (a lot of the whites of eyes show)
• Tail Tucking
• Ears Back

If you suspect stress is driving your dog under the bed, find ways to comfort them. This could include setting up their own safe place, such as a crate with a blanket over it.

3. They’re Being Sneaky

Just like toddlers, dogs love being sneaky. If they get a hold of something they’re not supposed to have, they might dash under the bed to play with it. This could be a food item, a piece of paper, or one of your socks; there’s an endless list of things dogs find fascinating (and naughty).

4. They’re Adjusting

Did you recently get a new dog? Sometimes rescue dogs carry stressful memories with them, and need time to adjust. Even when they’re not coming from a stressful situation, they might still feel a need to hide. The new home and new people can be a lot to take in. Over time a recently adopted dog can begin to settle in and trust their environment.

5. They’re Sick or Injured

Dogs will often hide when they’re feeling ill or if they have an injury. It’s a natural instinct for canines to hide and seek isolation. Denning helps some feel a sense of comfort and security. Cats may also hide in response to injury or sickness.

Here are some of the top signs your dog may be sick:

• Decreased appetite
• Not drinking water
• Drinking excessive water
• Low energy when usually high energy
• Runny nose or eyes
• Tremors
• Sneezing
• Any type of swelling
• Excessive head shaking
• Trouble going to the bathroom
• Vomiting

Not sure if your dog’s sick? Play it safe and reach out to your vet to find out the best next steps.

6. They Like Having Alone Time

Hiding under the bed isn’t always a sign of stress. Sometimes it’s just your pup’s favorite spot to be. Similar to people, certain dogs can enjoy having alone time. Underneath the bed can feel like a comfy cave, providing dogs with the perfect den environment. Dogs also enjoy returning to the same spot, again and again. They know that when they go under the bed they’ll be greeted by familiar scents, sights, and sounds.

7. They’re Hungry

Are you a fan of snacking in bed? Then your dog may be a fan of snacking underneath the bed. If your dog starts suddenly going under the bed, they might be looking for food. Food scavenging is common among dogs. Sometimes it’s because they love searching for dropped goodies. Other times it’s because they’re genuinely hungry and need more food. Double-check that you’re providing your pup with the recommended food dosages.

8. They Like Hiding Food

It’s also possible that your dog’s going under the bed to hide their food and treats. Does your dog run away every time you give them a treat? They might be taking off to hide it under the bed.

Hiding food is a common dog behavior. Sometimes it’s a playful behavior, while other times it’s a sign that your dog is guarding their food. To help break them of food guarding behavior, start practicing food enrichment strategies.

Help your dog see that there’s always food available, and they don’t need to hide their kibble. You can start by introducing treat toys or by hiding treats in places your dog will find them.

9. They Need a Crate

Your dog may be going under your bed because it’s the safest sleeping spot. If you don’t want them under the bed, consider putting a physical barrier under your bed. But don’t stop there! You’ll also want to solve your dog’s need for security. For this, you can try crate training your dog or just providing them with a comfy sleeping space. Every time you see them napping in their bed, instead of under yours, reward them with praise or a tasty treat.

10. They Want Attention

Dogs love watching their humans to see what they’ll do next. And a lot of dogs love to get a rise out of their owners. Whether you have an adult dog or a puppy, it’s possible they’re hiding to get your attention. This is even more likely if going under the bed has become a game.