Why Do Dogs Hide Under Beds?

Family pets all have unique personality traits and quirks. Some of these behaviors bring joy, others bring frustration, and still others simply perplex. When dogs hide under the bed, their owners can find the action humorous, baffling and very often unsettling.

  1. Avoidance

    • It is difficult to estimate how many words a family pet can recognize. It is quite possible that a dog may associate unsavory events with specific words. Telling a dog it is going to get a bath or that it's time to go see the vet may make the staunchest of canines duck under the bed.

    Contentment

    • Dogs are den animals, and are very comfortable in small spaces where they can burrow to feel safe and content.

    Fear

    • Loud yelling, music, doors slamming, fireworks and the sound of a vacuum cleaner may all contribute to a dog seeking safety under a bed.

    Illness

    • It is quite common for a dog to hide under a bed when it is not feeling well, preferring to suffer alone. The animal should be taken in for veterinary care if the hiding behavior persists.

    Phobias

    • Lightening and thunder can be particularly agonizing and stressful for dogs. Some dogs pace nervously, others bark at the rumbling and lightening flashes, and others seek shelter under the bed.