Wondering how to stop dog from going under bed?
It’s true that dogs are curious and adventurous creatures. This can be a great thing when they are exploring the world around them, but not so great if they explore under your bed!
There are a variety of reasons why your dog goes under your bed from fear to illness to curiosity. No matter how many times you tell a dog “no,” they may continue to return to the same spot.
If your dog is going under your bed, there are a few things you can do to stop them.
1. Understand why your dog is going under the bed
The first thing you need to do is figure out why your dog is going under the bed.
Your dog may be curious or want to play with something under the bed. Or she may go under the bed because she is afraid or anxious
Sometimes you can prevent your dog from going under the bed by solving the situation that is causing them to go there.
A solution may also involve training your dog and creating a disincentive for going under the bed.
2. Clean out under the bed
The first thing you should do is eliminate the two most likely sources that are causing your dog to go under the bed.
The first is curiosity. Maybe your dog smells something under the bed that was left there eons ago. The only way to find out if that is the case is to clean out the space under the bed.
This will give you the opportunity to organize and may just end the bed snooping altogether.
3. Give your dog a space to be in
If your dog is going under the bed because he is afraid or anxious, one way to help him feel more comfortable is to give him his own space in. This can be a special dog bed or just a soft blanket or towel in a quiet part of the house.
Placing his bed in a calm and quiet area of your home will help your dog relax and feel safe.
4. Block off the area with storage containers
The best way to stop your dog from going under the bed is to block off the area. You can do this simply by closing the door to your room.
If this isn’t an option or if your dog gets under the bed when your in the room, you can try blocking off the space under the bed with plastic storage containers.
This way you can have a place to store your items in an organized way and keep your dog out from under the bed.
5. block off the area with cardboard boxes
If plastic storage containers are too expensive because you have a lot of space under your bed to fill, you can use cardboard boxes.
They can function in the same way as plastic storage containers. But they usually stand taller and you might have a bunch from purchases or deliveries that you can reassemble.
6. use books to block off the area
If the two previous suggestions aren’t going to work, then consider using stacks of books to block off the area.
This is perfect if you have more books than shelf space and need an area to store them. Just be sure that your dog is not a chewer or scratcher before you commit your books to guard duty.
7. use pipe insulation
This is not as weird as it sounds. Pipe insulation is not like attic, wall, or duct insulation. It does not have scratchy pieces of fiberglass that can get on the carpet or in the air.
Pipe insulation can have varying degrees of thickness and style of material but usually comes in some type of foam or rubber material. This method works better for smaller spaces on the bed.
Simply combine several tubes of pipe insulation, tie them together with rope or a strap, then wedge them under the bed or tie them to the frame of the bed.
8. Use Positive Reinforcement
Whenever your dog is not going under the bed, be sure to give her plenty of praise and treats. This will help her associate good things with not going under the bed.
If she does go under the bed, try to remain calm and avoid punishing her. This will only make her more anxious and likely to continue the behavior, especially if she is going under there out of fear.
Instead, calmly lure her out with a treat and praise her lavishly for coming out of the bed. Then play her favorite game for a while to show her it is safe out from under the bed.
9. Try a Behavior Modification Program
If your dog is going under the bed due to anxiety or fear, you may need to try a behavior modification program. This will require patience and consistency but can be very helpful in changing your dog’s behavior.
Start by working with a certified trainer or animal behaviorist to create a plan. Then, follow the plan carefully and be sure to praise your dog for good behavior.
10. Be Patient
It is important to be patient when trying to stop your dog from going under the bed. This process may take some time and patience, but eventually, your dog will learn that they are not allowed to go under the bed.
If you are consistent with your training and reinforcement, your dog will eventually get the message.
11. Connect with your dog
If your dog is going under the bed because he is afraid or anxious, one way to help him feel more comfortable is to connect with him.
This can be done by spending time with him, playing with him, and providing positive reinforcement. If your dog feels loved and secure, it will be less likely to go under the bed.
12. Calming Supplements or CBD Oil
If your dog is going under the bed due to anxiety or fear, you may want to consider using a calming supplement or CBD oil.
These products can help your dog relax and feel more comfortable. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements or medications.
Read our related article, How to Make a Calming Dog Bed. Your dog could be hiding under the bed because it doesn’t feel safe elsewhere. A calming dog bed may help!
13. Talk To Your Veterinarian
If you have tried everything and your dog is still going under the bed, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian.
There could be an underlying medical condition that is causing your dog to seek out a hiding place. Your vet will be able to rule out any medical causes and give you some advice on how to proceed.
Conclusion
Dogs often go under the bed because they are afraid or anxious. If this is the case with your dog, you may need to try a behavior modification program. This will require patience and consistency but can be very helpful in changing your dog’s behavior.
Start by working with a certified trainer or animal behaviorist to create a plan. Then, follow through with the plan consistently.
If you are consistent, your dog will eventually learn that going under the bed is not allowed.
