Scared

My Dog Won’t Come Out From Under the Bed

“My dog won’t come out from under the bed!” And I’m sure you’re getting really frustrated with them! But it’s important to first understand why your dog refuses to come out from under the bed so that you can address this confusing behavior from them properly. But fortunately, this isn’t actually that unusual of a problem to have so there are also plenty of well-known answers.

In this article, we’re going to fill you in on everything you need to know about why your dog will not get out from under the bed. We’ll tell you what that normally means, how to know if it means they’re sick, and more. Most importantly, we’ll tell you how to get your dog to come out from under the bed without a fight. Keep reading!

How to Get Your Dog to Come Out from Under the Bed

My Dog Won't Come Out From Under the Bed

To get your dog to come out from under the bed, begin by luring them out with a favorite toy or treat. Be patient and show them it, while telling them to come out in a positive, calm voice. They should hopefully inch their way out fairly quickly, and this will form a positive association for them with listening to your commands.

If you noticed any signs they weren’t feeling well, then now would be the time to take them to the vet for a check-up. Otherwise, you should begin working on addressing the fact that your dog was refusing your commands. Whether they were doing so because they were scared or because they were playing doesn’t really matter as both need to be handled.

Let’s start by first thinking about what makes dogs work in the first place, and has for thousands upon thousands of years. You’ve likely heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader. At the moment, your dog’s behavior clearly shows that they do not respect you in this role.

If your dog isn’t coming out from under the bed because they’re scared, then you’ve failed to instill confidence in them and they don’t trust your ability to keep them safe from the world out there. And if they won’t come out because they’re playing, then their refusal of your commands shows that they don’t respect you as their leader.

Either way, you’ll fix them both by proving to your dog that you are a capable pack leader. That you deserve respect, and that you can handle everything. And don’t worry, because it will all be much easier than it might sound right now.

Once you’ve done this, your dog will be obedient, happy, and free of stress. They’ll no longer refuse your commands, like the one you gave to come out from under the bed, and you’ll both be much happier and have a better relationship than you ever thought possible. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

“Well, yes, but how do I do that? I don’t have a clue about these sorts of things.”

And that’s okay, because no one does until they get the proper instructions to follow! That’s why I’d recommend watching an excellent free video series by a renowned trainer named Dan which will show you everything you need to know to be an effective and respected pack leader to your dog.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry about not having experience, because you’re exactly who the videos are made for. In the series, Dan explains everything in ways that are very easy to understand and teach to your own dog, and he gets right to the point so that you’ll start seeing results in no time.

My Dog Won’t Get Out From Under the Bed

If your dog won’t get out from under the bed, then there are a few possible reasons why they’re refusing. One is just that they’re not feeling well. Have you noticed any other changes in their behavior, like not wanting to eat or a general loss in energy? It’s natural for dogs to seek out something that feels like a confined den when they don’t feel good.

Two, your dog might refuse to come out from under the bed because they think you’re playing a game. Peer down under there if you’re able and look for some more clues from them. Are they wagging their tail? If there’s enough space, are they doing a play bow? These would both be signs that your dog thinks this is all a game.

Finally, your dog may be scared and they’re suddenly sleeping under the bed because they don’t know how to handle things that stress or worry them. Are they generally a dog that doesn’t handle things well? Do they sometimes get too scared to even go outside? It could even be something like they pooped under the bed and they’re worried about how you’ll react.

If you see signs that your dog is sick, take them to the vet for an examination. But the other reasons for refusing to come out from under the bed are behavioral issues that you must begin addressing right away, or else things will get worse and further problems will also develop. Go back to the first section where we went over how to do that.

Will Dogs Not Come Out From Under the Bed When They Are Sick?

Dogs will sometimes not come out from under the bed when they are sick. It’s not unusual for them to isolate themselves by crawling under a bed, into a closet, or somewhere similar where they feel protected and safe. Look for other signs of illness like not wanting to eat, a general loss of energy, or problems going to the bathroom.

If you notice any of these or you’re just getting a sense that your dog is not feeling well, you should take them to the vet for an examination just to be safe.

Is My Dog Playing If They Won’t Come Out From Under the Bed?

Your dog could be playing if they won’t come out from under the bed. There are some very clear signs you can look for to make a more accurate determination. Peer down under there as best you’re able and see if your dog is doing things like play bows or wagging their tail. Are they smiling or giving playful barks?

If you’re seeing these things, you can safely decide that your dog will not come out from under the bed only because they’re playing. Still, their refusal of your commands is an issue you need to address through behavioral training before more serious problems develop. Go back to the first section where we covered how to do that.

I’m sure you’re looking forward to seeing these changes in your dog, so I won’t delay you from getting started any longer. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading “My Dog Won’t Come Out From Under the Bed!”

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.