How to Get Scared Puppies Out of Their Hiding Places

Puppies may seek out hiding places under furniture, buildings and barnyard junk to escape other animals and humans that cause the puppies to feel distressed. Outdoor hiding places may prove dangerous, providing shelter for snakes and stinging insects, while indoor hiding places may cause puppies to get stuck or gain access to electrical cords. The best way to protect your skittish puppies from dangers in hiding places is to coax them out and board up any holes to reduce access to those places.

Things You'll Need

  • Flashlight
  • Thick work gloves
  • Dog food
  • Bowl
  • Dog toys
  • Dogcatcher's lance
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the outdoor hiding spot, if possible, to ensure it is safe to reach in or under to pull the puppies out. Check under building and barnyard junk with a flashlight. Wear thick cloth or rubber gloves to reach under and grab the puppies; the thick material will prevent the puppies from biting and breaking the skin on your hands and arms.

    • 2

      Place a bowl of wet or dry dog food several feet in front of the puppies' hiding place. Food with a strong odor is more tempting, though puppies may recognize the sound of the rattling dog food bag or can opener and leave the hiding place easily.

    • 3

      Coax the puppies from their hiding places by talking gently to them and calling their names. If the puppies are comfortable with you, they will likely come out without any trouble. You may also try squeaking or rattling toys to coax the puppies from their hiding spots.

    • 4

      Slide a dogcatcher's lance underneath the building, furniture item, vehicle or outdoor equipment, and hook the loop over the puppy's neck. Move slowly and talk to focus the dog's attention on you and prevent it from jumping out of reach. Pull each puppy out individually.