Does your dog keep going under your recliner and you’re not sure what to do? You’re not alone. In this article, we’re going to cover exactly how to keep your dog from going under your recliner along with much more you’ll want to know to ensure their safety.

We’ll guide you through methods to block off the space under your recliner, reducing the chances of your furry friend getting stuck. And if you’re wondering why your dog seems to love lying under your recliner, we’ll explain that too.

Making sure that your recliners are used safely around dogs is very important, and we’ll provide some tips on that as well. So, if you’re dealing with a dog who loves to hide under the recliner, keep reading below!

How to Keep Dog From Going Under Recliner

To keep your dog from going under the recliner, you will need to establish a few practices and preventive measures. Here’s what you can do:

1. Block Access: This is the simplest solution. If your dog can’t get under the recliner, they can’t cause any problems there. Use pet barriers, furniture blockers, or even boxes to block the entrance. Ensure whatever you use is safe and won’t harm your dog if they attempt to move it.
2. Provide Alternatives: Dogs often retreat to secluded spaces like under recliners for comfort and security. Provide your dog with an alternative such as a cozy dog bed or a crate with a soft blanket. Place this in a quiet area of your house where your dog can have their own space.
3. Training: Training your dog to understand boundaries can be a helpful strategy. Teach commands like “leave it” or “stay.” This will require consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience. Remember, always reward your dog for their good behavior to reinforce the training.
4. Check for Pests: Sometimes dogs go under furniture because they’re chasing pests. Check under your recliner for signs of pests and if you find any, take steps to get rid of them.
5. Comfort and Security: If your dog is anxious, they may be hiding under the recliner for a sense of safety. Identify any potential stressors in your dog’s environment and work to eliminate them. You could also consider products like calming pet beds or anxiety wraps.
6. Regular Exercise: Sometimes a dog’s tendency to go under recliners can stem from excess energy. Ensure your dog is getting plenty of regular exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog, and they’re less likely to find mischief under your furniture when they’re adequately exercised.

But while all of this will get your dog to stop going under the recliner, it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (separation anxiety) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address it, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“So, how can I ensure this isn’t just a band-aid fix?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog goes under the recliner and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog going under the recliner ever again!

How to Block Off Under Recliner

To block off under your recliner, there are several safe and practical methods to consider. The solution will depend on the needs of your pet, as well as the aesthetic and practical requirements of your household. We’ll dive into some effective options like using furniture blockers, pet gates, or creating your own DIY solution.

Using Furniture Blockers

Furniture blockers are an excellent solution if you’re looking to prevent your pet from sneaking under the recliner. They’re designed to fill in the gap under the furniture and can also prevent access under your bed or under the couch. You can find a variety of styles and sizes to match your décor and the size of your recliner.

Utilizing Pet Gates

Pet gates might not seem like a conventional choice, but they can be quite effective. You could position a small pet gate around the base of the recliner. This works best if you have a larger recliner with a higher clearance underneath. Keep in mind that this option might be more intrusive in your living space compared to other methods.

Creating a DIY Solution

If you’re handy and enjoy a project, you could build a custom barrier to fit your recliner. This could be as simple as cutting a piece of wood or sturdy cardboard to fit and painting or covering it to match your decor. A DIY solution allows for customization in terms of size, design, and materials used. Always remember to ensure the edges are smooth to prevent any injury to your pet.

Consider Your Pet’s Needs

Whatever method you choose, remember to consider your pet’s needs. For example, if your pet is used to sleeping or hiding under the recliner, provide them with a comfortable alternative like a pet bed or a designated hiding spot. This can make the transition easier for your pet.

It’s possible to keep your pet safe and maintain the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. All it requires is a bit of creativity and consideration for your furry friend’s needs. To learn more about stopping your dog from going under the recliner altogether, go back to the first section now.

Why Does My Dog Lay Under My Recliner?

Dogs laying under a recliner is not an unusual behavior and can be attributed to several factors. This could be because of their natural inclination for enclosed spaces, their desire to be near you, a sense of security, or trying to escape from noise and disturbance. Let’s explore each of these reasons in detail:

1. Seeking Comfort: Dogs are den animals by nature. Small, enclosed spaces like the area under a recliner provide them with a sense of comfort and security. It’s their personal little haven in your home.
2. Staying Close: Dogs are incredibly loyal creatures and they love being close to their humans. If you’re the one sitting in the recliner, your dog may just be trying to stay as close as possible to you, even if that means squeezing under the recliner.
3. Security: The under-recliner spot may provide a perfect hideaway for your dog, offering them a sense of safety and security. It’s a place where they can keep an eye on their surroundings while feeling protected.
4. Avoiding Noise: Dogs have sensitive ears and certain noises can be disturbing to them. Laying under the recliner can offer a bit of sound insulation, making it a peaceful place for them to retreat to when they want to escape loud noises.

Understanding why your dog prefers to lay under your recliner can help you make them more comfortable in your home by addressing what’s really causing the behavior. Learn how to do that, and then how to treat it, by going back to the first section of this article.

Using Recliners Safely Around Dogs

When you use recliners around dogs, you need to make sure your pet is safe. This means you should always check for your dog before you recline, train your dog to stay away from the recliner, block off the under-area of the recliner so your pet can’t go under it, and maybe even think about getting a pet-friendly recliner. Here’s more on how you can do these things:

1. Check Before Reclining: Always look to see if your dog isn’t under or near the recliner before you move. Dogs, especially small ones, can sneak into these tight spaces and could get hurt by the moving parts. If you get into the habit of looking before you recline, you can avoid any accidents and keep your dog safe.
2. Training: Another important step is to teach your dog to stay away from the recliner when it’s being used. Use treats and praise to make them want to lay or play in safer parts of the room. This could mean saying “good dog” when they pick a different spot or giving them comfy alternatives to the space under the recliner.
3. Secure the Under-Area: To keep your dog even safer, think about blocking off the area under the recliner. Use sturdy blocks of furniture, or a pet gate, to stop your dog from getting under there. This won’t just keep them safe, but will also help them understand that they shouldn’t be going under there.
4. Pet-Safe Recliners: Finally, you might want to think about getting a recliner that’s good for pets. These recliners are made with fewer moving parts and spaces that are closed off. They make it a lot less likely that your dog could get hurt by accident, and can help you relax when you’re using your recliner.

By following these steps, you can make sure your recliner is a safe place for everyone in your family. You should still, however, be sure to address whatever it was that motivated your dog to go under your recliner to begin with. Learn how to do that in the first section of this article.

I’m sure your eager to get your dog to stop hiding under the recliner, so I’ll let you get going on things. Good luck with everything, and thanks for reading our article “How to Keep Dog From Going Under Recliner.”