Why Do Dogs Like To Sleep Under The Bed?

‍Why Do Dogs Like To Sleep Under The Bed?

Dogs love to sleep under the bed for a variety of reasons. These include the fact that it is warm and cozy, a safe place to hide, and a place where they can lick their wounds.

However, it could also be indicative of behavioral problems, anxiety, or fear. You should keep an eye on your dog’s behavior throughout the day to see if they exhibit other signs of stress.

It is also possible your dog simply wants to be closer to you if you do not allow them to sleep or lay on your bed. This could be their way of being close.

There are five primary reasons why a dog likes to sleep under the bed. It is critical to figure out why this is happening to ensure your dog is healthy.

Fear Or Feeling Of Danger

Dogs like to sleep under the bed if they are in fear or feel like they are in danger because it gives them an escape route from whatever might be going on outside of the bedroom.

Your dog is likely feeling threatened by something you're doing, such as a new pet coming into the house or a stranger walking through the door.

This is an instinctual behavior that is common among all dogs. But with proper training, you can help your dog gain more confidence.

Sick Or Injured

It is not uncommon for dogs to sleep under their owners' bed if they are sick or injured. This will be evident in their overall behavior too.

Consider if they are eating or acting normally to determine if anything might be wrong. If you are unable to tell on your own, taking your dog for a vet visit is a good idea as a precaution.

If your dog is not feeling well, they may exhibit other unusual behaviors like:

• Lethargic movements
• Snapping or nipping at you
• Growling
• Going to the bathroom indoors
• Poor appetite

Guilty Behavior

If your dog is guilty because of doing something wrong, it may hide or sleep under the bed. This is the sign of a well-trained dog that has made a mistake.

This is also a less common reason to catch your dog under the bed. But it is still possible and worth considering.

Stress Or Anxiety

Your dog will sleep under the bed if they feel stressed or anxious. This is because dogs are sensitive to changes in their environment and will often try to retreat to a place that is safe.

Depending on your home, it could also be a sign of a health issue that your dog feels this way. Taking them to visit the vet for a routine check-up is a smart precaution to consider.

Cool And Comfortable

Dogs also like sleeping under the bed because it is dark, and quiet, and there is less risk of being disturbed. This is especially popular for dogs in the summer months when it gets hot.

They have a natural instinct to seek out the most comfortable spots, and if they feel cozy under the bed they are drawn to sleep there. This is a good example of why your dog should have its own bed, crate, or sleeping area.

Should You Allow Your Dog To Sleep Under The Bed?

While there is no problem or danger in allowing it, there is likely a root cause to why your dog wants to sleep under the bed.

For example, if your dog runs to sleep under the bed every time it gets startled then you should try and fix the behavioral issue rather than allow the dog to sleep there daily.

But if your dog simply sees the bed as a comfortable place with cool temperatures, there is nothing wrong with that. But it would be best if they had an area to go to they can call their own.

This could be a bed in a corner of the house or a crate with toys. The key is to train your dog to trust this area so they don’t resort to sleeping under the bed as an alternative.

How Can You Stop Your Dog From Sleeping Under The Bed?

If your dog is sleeping under the bed, you may not know what to do. This can be frustrating because it can mean your dog is bored, lonely, or scared.

It also means they cannot find a comfortable spot in the house. An easy way to stop your dog from sleeping under the bed is to create a special place for them.

Once your dog has gotten used to sleeping under the bed, it can be hard to break the habit. Here are a few tricks to try out in your home.

Take Your Dog For A Vet Visit

If your dog is sleeping under the bed, take your dog for a visit to the vet. It might be ok but it is best to get a second opinion.

The vet will be able to analyze your dogs’ behavior to see if they struggle with any anxiety, stress, sicknesses, or injuries. Eliminating these possibilities as a root cause is the alternative too.

The vet could also recommend medication. You could try CBD because of how well it helps treat anxiety for dogs.

Try New Training Methods

New training methods like positive reinforcement or desensitization are reliable methods to help your dog learn to not sleep under the bed.

For example, you can teach your dog that whatever stresses them out is completely harmless. When it rains and they run under the bed, you can give them a treat so they learn that this bad event they fear is actually something positive.

Doing this helps cure their brain into forgetting the thing they fear is bad.

Consider Create Training

Crate training is a great way to create personal space for your pet at home. They can be taught this is where they can go to sleep.

This will gradually lead them away from retreating to under the bed, and instead into the crate. This method requires patience but it is highly effective.