The dog is a major part of the family and, in most cases, sleeps with or near to their human. It’s not uncommon for dogs to sleep under the bed, but why?
Here’s The Show Answer to Why Your Dog Sleeps Under Your Bed:
Some people believe that it is because the dog feels more secure when protected by something like a bed frame from above. Some people think that it might be because there is less light shining on them from below. Others feel that maybe they like being able to see their owner better so they can keep an eye out for any potential danger.
1. Dogs Are Pack Animals and Want To Be Near Their Family
There are a lot of things that they do that show you how much they love being around and with their human family. One example is wanting to sleep near or under your bed because it is an instinct to be near their pack, which in this case would be you and all the other humans that make up their pack.
Why does your dog see you as their pack? It may seem strange, but remember that humans have been domesticated for several thousand years. Dogs turned wild now live in harmony with people because our ancestors took care of his basic needs- food, water, shelter, etc.- and they formed an unbreakable bond between dogs and humans over time.
2. Your Dog Might Feel More Secure With a Bed Frame Above Them
Some canines may feel more secure if they are under a bed frame or similar structure where there is something on top of them to protect them from above. They can be scared by loud noises and in the dark – both common things that could happen while sleeping at night. In this scenario, a dog would want some sort of protection from whatever might come their way.
Does sleeping under the bed mean my dog is a coward? Absolutely not! All dogs are different, but this is just one example of why a certain dog acts the way they do. Just like humans, each dog has their own personality and quirks that make them who they are. There’s no need to judge your dog’s behavior because they don’t act like every other one.
3. The Dog Might Not Like the Light Shining on Them From Above
Why does my dog hide under my bed? Surely not all dogs will choose to do this, but if your dog is afraid of bright light or sudden movements, they may think they are safer under the bed where there isn’t much light or movement coming from above them.
4. Your Dog Might Feel Threatened
A dog hiding under the bed can also be a sign that they feel threatened. There are many things that can cause this, especially if you have new pets or people coming into the house while your dog might be sleeping under the bed. Some other possible reasons for feeling threatened include loud noises from construction outside or because there’s a certain person or animal around.
Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter whether your dog is a puppy or an adult; adult dogs can be just as afraid of things as puppies. So it’s important to read your dog and know what makes them feel safe or unsure about certain people or places.
5. Your Dog Might Sleep Under Your Bed Because It Is Comfortable, and They Enjoy Sleeping in Warm Spaces
It’s possible that your dog falls asleep and then stays under the bed because they like being in warm spaces. Just like humans, dogs are more comfortable when they have a warm area to sleep in.
Why under the bed can become a warm place for dogs? There are some unique things about your bed that make it a good place for him to sleep in. For instance, the mattress and bed frame can be warm from your body heat while you’re sleeping.
6. It’s Easier for Dogs To Get Up Off of the Floor Than It Is if They Were on Top of a Bed
If your dog likes to sleep under your bed, it might be because it’s easier to get up off of the floor than from a higher area such as a bed or couch. This is especially true for older dogs who can have trouble getting up from the floor after lying down there for a while. Some also prefer to sleep on soft surfaces such as carpet or blankets more so than their own bed.
7. Your Dog Doesn’t Want To Be Bothered
If your dog hides under your bed, it might be because they aren’t in the mood to play or interact with anyone at that time. They’re perfectly fine with being alone under the bed, and this behavior isn’t necessarily a sign of separation anxiety. Just like us, dogs have good days and bad days too.
Do dogs get in bad moods? Yes! Just like people, dogs can have good and bad days. Dogs may also get frustrated or angry with their pet parents and want space from them on certain days too. For instance, if you’re giving your dog a bath, he might not enjoy that very much and would rather hide under the bed until it’s all over.
What To Do About Your Dog Sleeping Under The Bed?
1. Avoid encouraging the behavior
It’s common knowledge that most dogs tend to repeat behaviors that are reinforcing for them. If you often reward your dog with attention when they sleep under your bed, that’s why the behavior is getting reinforced. If you stop rewarding them with your attention, they’ll eventually drop the habit.
2. Train your dog to sleep in a designated spot
The easiest way to train your dog to sleep in his own bed or area is to teach him using positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is the use of the desired outcome to reinforce desired behavior. An example of positive reinforcement would be when you give your dog a treat when they sit for you. Unlike punishment-based training, positive reinforcement doesn’t cause your dog to feel fear or stress, which means they will learn faster and more efficiently.
Here’s how you can use positive reinforcement to train your:
- First, block off your under-the-bed area. You can purchase pillowcases with tight zippers or create a barrier using cardboard boxes or other materials.
- Find a designated spot for your dog to sleep. Make the location comfortable and safe.
- When you notice your dog sleeping in the designated spot, give them a small treat and lots of praise.
- Do this as many times as you need until your dog learns to sleep in his new sleeping spot.
- If you notice your dog sleeping under your bed, immediately take them out of that area and direct them to their sleeping spot instead.
3. Make sure your dog bed or crate is comfortable enough for your dog, so they don’t need to move elsewhere
Make sure you invest in a good dog bed or crate for your pup to sleep comfortably and safely. This way, they won’t be searching around for a cozy place to rest. Instead, with such an attractive bed or crate, they’ll be eager to snooze there whenever they need a nap!
A dog may not be as picky of a sleeper as humans are, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have preferences. There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is comfy on their bed or in their crate:
- You should invest in high-quality, comfortable bedding for your pup.
- Make sure the bed isn’t too small by lining it with a thick blanket. That way, there’s plenty of padding, so your dog remains comfortable while sleeping and has enough room to move around.
- If you use a crate, make sure the dog isn’t able to get bored in there. Try keeping an interactive chew or bone inside with them.
- Whether your dog likes to sleep on his own private bed or in a cozy den such as a crate, make sure the space is big enough and comfortable for him to enjoy.
4. Crate training your dog
This is another way to train dogs to sleep in a designated spot by avoiding the habit of sleeping under your bed.
Here’s how to crate train your dog at night:
- Get a large crate, so there’s plenty of room for your pup to move around comfortably and feel safe while inside. The rule of thumb is not to get one that’s too big or too small — just right!
- Place the crate next to your bed, but it should be far enough away, so you’re able to sleep comfortably. You can also place the crate on the floor if you prefer that.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before bedtime
- If your dog is restless or hyper after a play session, try giving them some exercise before bedtime. They’ll likely be tired and ready for a nap after running around for a while!
- Give your dog a treat and praise after they go into the crate.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before bedtime
- Be patient with your dog. It may take a little time for them to feel comfortable in their crate, but they will learn and start feeling safe as long as you are consistent.
5. Remove anxiety triggers
Keep a close eye on him throughout the day – if they seem restless or anxious, then it might be because there is something wrong with his environment.
If that’s the case, then you need to figure out what exactly is causing them anxiety and try to remove the triggers. The triggers can be many things and can vary from dog to dog. For example, loud noise, other animals, or even visitors may be some of the things that cause your dog anxiety.
Once you identify and remove the trigger, the next thing to do is to adjust their environment. For example, you might want to rearrange their sleeping spot so they have a “safe” space all to themselves.
You might want to try adding a “cave” for them to hide away in when they’re sleeping, like a covered cardboard box or blanket that’s snug against a corner of your room. They’ll feel safe and cozy in their contained space, so they won’t need to leave their den!
Related Questions
1. Should I Let My Dog Sleep Under The Bed?
If you don’t get bothered by the presence of your dog under your bed, then there’s no reason to get rid of the habit. However, if you don’t like how they sleep there and it bothers you, then, by all means, move them to a place that is more comfortable for both of you.
2. Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs?
One of the most common reasons that dogs sleep between their owner’s legs is to feel protective. This is especially true for herding breeds that may feel the need to guard their territory.
Another reason is that some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and sleeping between their owner’s legs provides them with a sense of comfort and security.
Finally, many dogs simply enjoy close physical contact and the feeling of being loved and protected.
3. Why Does My Dog Sleep On The Floor Instead Of Her Bed?
There are a few reasons your dog may be sleeping on the floor instead of their bed. One possibility is that the bed is uncomfortable. If the bed is too soft, too hard, or has an unpleasant smell, your dog may prefer the floor.
Another possibility is that sleeping on the floor has become their habit. If they’ve been sleeping on the floor for a long time, it can be difficult to change their behavior.
Finally, your dog may feel ill and prefer to sleep on the floor because it’s cooler. If they have a fever, they may find that the cool tile or hardwood feels more comfortable than their bed.
4. Why Does My Dog Sleep On My Clothes?
There are a few different reasons why your dog might enjoy sleeping on your clothes. For one thing, they love your smell and find it comforting.
Additionally, marking your clothes as theirs can help them feel safe and secure. Finally, they may simply be trying to get your attention.
