You come after a long day, expecting a welcoming bark and tail wags from your furry friend. Instead, strangely, you find your dog hiding under the couch. Maybe your dog has a habit of hiding – or maybe this is a new behavior that started all of a sudden. It turns out, dogs hide themselves for a lot of reasons, ranging from harmless to potentially serious. Let’s explore why dogs hide, plus how you can keep track of them (and their wellbeing) at all times.

When dogs hide – it could be normal behavior, or a cause for concern. So it’s important to know the difference and spot changes in your furry friend’s routines. Here are four harmless reasons why dogs hide.

They love a safe space

Just like us, dogs often need a cozy spot to rest and recharge. A quiet, dark, and comfortable corner of the house – maybe under your bed – might be just what they need for a few hours of down time.

If you’re not a fan of your dogs chosen hiding spots – try recreating a similar, dark, cozy environment elsewhere – like in their crate or kennel. Or keep their dog bed in a quiet corner where they can have a little privacy.

packaging of the Tractive GPS DOG tracker

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They need a place to hide their stash

“Why does my dog hide under the bed?” is a valid question. But along with that should be: “What is my dog hiding under the bed?” Whether it’s treats, toys, socks, or more, your dog might hide in different spots around your home to protect their “treasures”.

For example, they might have picked up a treat someone dropped on the floor. Or found an unusual-looking mushroom outdoors and brought it back home for inspection. Dogs also tend to be territorial. So their “cave of treasures” might be their way to claim a space that’s theirs alone in your house.

A dog hiding a toy under a couch

They’re looking for something

Another reason why dogs may seem to hide is that they’re looking for something – like tasty table scraps. Searching for food or other little treasures might lead your dog to get into some secret hiding spots you didn’t even know about – indoors or outside.

They’re warming up – or cooling down

Dogs can naturally regulate their body temperature – when it’s warm or cold outside. Still, you might find them hiding under your bed to warm up during winter months. Or when it’s hot outdoors, you might find them lying on a cool floor for a bit of relief.

For more tips on keeping your dog warm in winter check out our other post on dogs & cold weather. Or find out how to keep your dog cool in summer.

pink triangle graphic with exclamation

A dog hiding and acting strange all of a sudden could be a warning sign that your furry friend isn’t feeling well. So talk to your vet at the first sign of illness or injury in your pet.

Here are some potentially more serious reasons for a hiding dog:

They’re scared

Dogs often hide simply because they’re afraid of something. Remember, your dog’s sense of hearing is several times better than yours. So loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks can easily turn your normally calm dog into a fearful dog that runs into hiding. But they could also be afraid of something else – a new pet in the home, a strange smell, or new plush toy. A lot of things could make our dogs feel scared. The important thing tis to recognize what’s causing them fear and help them feel safe again.

black and white dog hiding laying under a chair

They’re feeling stressed

Much like cats, dogs tend to get thrown off balance when there’s a big change in their environment. Changes like new humans, pets, neighbors, construction in your neighborhood, or switching homes can all be stressful for them.

Once you’ve figured out the cause of stress, make sure to bring some routine and familiarity back to your home. Set a regular schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime together. Spend some quality time with your buddy and help them remember they’re still your favorite. Prioritize regular exercise and ensure your dog is getting enough outdoors time. (Because staying indoors can actually make them feel bored and agitated instead.)

They’re feeling sick

The signs of illness in dogs aren’t always obvious. But hiding is one sign your dog may be sick.

Dogs like cats tend to mask their pain and discomfort. It’s an evolutionary instinct hard-wired into their behavior. (Because a sick or injured wild dog or wolf is more vulnerable to predators – so they’re more likely to hide away to deal with it themselves.) Which can make it easy to miss out on the signs they’re struggling with an illness, injury or infection until it’s too late.

If your dog’s hiding isn’t a normal behavior, or if they’re showing other signs of illness like lethargy or not eating, it may be time to go to the vet.

Pro Tip: Get a Tractive DOG GPS & Health Tracker – it will notify you if your dog’s activity or sleep patterns change, or if they roam too far from home. Plus you can keep track of your dog in real-time and help them meet their daily fitness goals.

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Beagle dog and yellow rubber duckie

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They’re injured

Speaking of pain – another reason why your dog may hide is if they’ve been injured. If you suspect this could be the reason for your dog taking cover all of a sudden, inspect them for wounds or injuries. Or to be safe, take them to the vet.

They have anxiety

Dogs form strong, lifelong bonds with their parents. But in some cases dogs can develop separation anxiety. This is when your dog feels excessively distressed at the thought of you leaving. Which is why you might find them hiding under your bed, which has your scent – to provide them a sense of safety.

Dogs are also vulnerable to trauma – especially if they’ve experienced abuse in the past. As a result, they may have learned to associate certain situations or people with danger. Hiding is a way to help them escape threats and feel safe.

An anxious dog lying on a bed

They’re pregnant

Lastly, another reason for a female dog hiding is: (surprise!?) they’re pregnant. In the last weeks of pregnancy, dogs may show ‘nesting’ behaviors and seek out a quiet safe spot to give birth. If you suspect your dog may be pregnant, its best to have the vet check her out. Your vet will be able to tell you if your pup is really pregnant.

Read more: All About Dogs In Heat

The bottom line on hiding dogs

Dogs hide for a number of reasons, some of which can be a cause for concern. Other times, they just want to snuggle up next to your socks under the bed. Always pay attention to your dog’s behavior and take them to the vet if you suspect they could be sick or injured. Otherwise, they may just need a little extra love and care. Like us, dogs can be sensitive to stress and changes in the home so be mindful of that the next time you find your dog hiding. And if you want to follow your dog’s every step, no matter where they go? Then Tractive is a great choice for your peace of mind and your dog’s safety & wellbeing.