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My dog hides in the closet

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    • #108051
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      My dog and I moved to a new apartment in october last year and for the last month (March) I have found her in the closet when I get home. I find it really adorable but I’m also concerned… She had never done that before.

      We used to live at my parents house with other 2 male dogs (a Boxer and a Chihuahua) and 2 cats so she had company all the time, I must say she may have got overwhelmed with all their energy at times (she is at least 5 years older than them). Also, last week I brought home one of our cats because my sister has allergies at my parents house, so the little cat came home with me. Rita, my dog, started hiding before Myshka the cat got home so I’m not sure if that is affecting her…

      Today, my boyfriend stayed at home and she hid in the closet still.

      Can anyone help me?? Or does anyone have an idea of why this may be happening? Is my apartment too hot and she is finding a cool place? Likes the smell of my clothes? These are my theories… Hope you can help!

    • #109277
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I’ve had at least one dog who sleeps in my closet for over ten years. Dogs are denning animals .. could be that yours just really likes the secluded, dark spot. Especially if he isn’t acting oddly otherwise.

      • #109287
        Anonymous
        Inactive

        I think its YOUR GUY put a web cam up WHERE HE DOESNT see it something is NOT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! POOR DOG ITS YOUR GUY !!!!

      • #109312
        Anonymous
        Inactive

        Hi people!! WOW!! Thank you for all your quick responses!! I read all of your messages and I have to clarify some points…
        -No, the boyfriend is not recent and she really loves him, she likes him a lot (she sleeps on top of him at nights when he is here) and she knows him for more than 5 years and we never had this problem, plus, she likes to play with him so if I were scared I wouldn’t come near my aggresor.
        -We have arranged playdates with my parents dogs and she really likes it, wants to send them away later but likes them and she looks highly spirited around them.
        -We took her to the first dog park down here in Mexico and she didn’t like it at all. She didn’t like to be surrounded by many strange dogs. We went to another park and played a lot like nothing had happened.
        -We are going to the Vet this week to see if something is wrong, plus, it’s time for her vaccines!! I will let you know what he said
        I have also noticed that she really is getting old and has some difficulties to jump on the bed… maybe something on her hips?? I will need to talk to the specialist…

        Anyway… thank you guys for your concern!!! I didn’t expect such a loving (and quick) response!! We will talk to the vet and I will inform you as soon as we know something!! We leave you a photo with love and kisses!!

    • #109281
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      My dog sometimes likes to hang out under the bed. For years, he’d never done that, but once he discovered it, I guess he liked it. He’ll also sometimes take a nap under the coffee table. I think dogs just like being in enclosed places sometimes. So unless she shows other signs of anxiety, I wouldn’t worry about it.

    • #109282
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      My pomeranian did the same thing as well when I first brought her home as a pup. She would hide far in the closet. Maybe your dog is just overwhelmed with the atmosphere change and just trying hide til she gets more comfortable with the new place.

    • #109283
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Is it possible that your dog is depressed. The normal high energy companions it once had are now gone. Sure, there’s a cat but it’s probably not the same. Why not test the theory and have one of the other dogs come over for a visit. See if that helps? Doggie play dates might help

    • #109285
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I would be concerned if he never did it before. Something may be scaring him. I would set up a web cam, of sorts, to see what it may be. Does anyone else have access to your apartment? Is there any construction going on nearby? Any loud noises that may be happening next door, upstairs or down? I understand that dogs like certain places to rest and they do like dens, but he looks scared. I might even consider asking an expert… I’m just saying

    • #109288
      Shirley
      Participant

      I agree with Pascale’s assessment. Also, it’s likely your dog likes being surrounded by the scent of your clothing, shoes, etc. Many years ago, my husband and I owned a lab retriever. She used to gather clothes, shoes, anything she could find with our scent. Somehow, that seemed to comfort her, until we one or both of us came home. We thought of it as her way of telling us how much she loves being with us. Hope this helps 🙂

    • #109289
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Our dog runs and hides under the bed as soon as we get our shoes on to leave. She hangs out there when we’re home sometimes too. I think it’s just her “safe place.” Dogs get overwhelmed very easily and like to have a place to call their own. We put a little bed, and a few toys and blankets under there for our dog, and it’s basically her little fort. I can assure you our dog is not depressed, and doesn’t have anxiety or separation anxiety, I think she just likes hanging under the bed.

    • #109290
      Sheri Christensen
      Participant

      have neighbors above me that walk like elephants…the thudding terrifies my little fur baby…she’s either in the closet or under the coffee table

    • #109297
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I’m a professional pet sitter and I often find dogs in closets. Especially if they don’t have a crate. Dogs are den animals and enjoy something that is dark and cozy that makes them feel safe. Plus your clothes are in there which smell like you, so she probably feels really protected and safe surrounded by your scent and in a “den”. If you are concerned, I would set up a web cam for a couple of days and see what she does when she’s alone and also when she is alone with your boyfriend. He may be displaying threatening behavior towards her when he is alone with her versus when he is with you. Is he a recent boyfriend? You moved into the apartment in October but she didn’t start the behavior until March….was that when the boyfriend entered your life? Hope this helps!

    • #109299
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Two of our dogs (both females) enjoy laying in closets. In fact, we have put beds and blankets on the floor in two of our closets just for them. Our one dog did it because it seemed to make her feel secure, she did it for about a year after we brought her home from the shelter. Our other dog just likes laying there… it’s darker and private. Is your dog happy to see you when you get home, or is she afraid to come out? I would think that if she is otherwise happy and social with you, it’s fine. Some dogs just don’t socialize with certain people. We have five dogs, and one of our pack doesn’t really pay much attention to me at all… we’ve had her for 13 years (she’s one of our closet-lovers). She doesn’t dislike me, and I’ve never done anything to her, I love her, she just prefers my husband. When he’s not home, she generally just lays around, and she doesn’t really seek attention from me. Just because your dog isn’t social with your boyfriend, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s cold, or mean to her. You know your dog best… if your dog is afraid, you’d be able to tell.

    • #109304
      Sherrill Ferrel
      Participant

      Its the boyfriend,pay attention dogs are very smart that way.put up a camera,somethind is terribly wrong.

    • #109305
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Update when possible, please? 🙂

    • #109306
      ZWitch
      Participant

      Hi Maria,

      I hope you get this message. I came across your post and couldn’t help but respond.

      I am a Psychic Medium and Usui Reiki Master, and was immediately drawn to your dogs energy. I work with my Angels, Arch Angels and Guides of the highest light and this is the message I got for your dog. I’m listing everything in complete order as I received it. I hope this makes sense or speaks to you.

      Luv and Light.

      Zillah

      – Sad
      – She feels her life is over.
      – She feels tired.
      – She feels drained.
      – Her heart is open, her love is open; but her body, mind feels old.
      – She lacks energy.
      – She wants to play but it’s hard for her.
      – She weeps inside.
      – She needs comfort from you.
      – She wants to be held and petted.
      – Take her to the Vet to get her on a regimen for older canines.

      What spirit is making me feel…

      – Arthritis.
      – Middle of back, down hips, butt, thighs to legs.
      – Front Shoulders, all the way down front legs to paws – Arthritic.
      – Tired, wants to sleep, no disturbance.
      – She could use pain medication.
      – It will make her feel so much better.

    • #109307
      susieQ
      Participant

      My first instinct was the boyfriend. Happened to me and it took 6 years before I realised….he was history from then on. If everything was ok when you lived with your parents, it was probably because there was always someone around and the dog felt safe. Guys are often jealous of their girlfriends pets, please take it seriously.

    • #109308
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Maria,
      I dont agree at all with the above posts as it is all negative. The only person that is love and light is Jesus Christ! Anyway, my dog is older and I have begun to notice that he can’t hear as well. This has made him scared of things. He has always slept under the coffee table and feels secure there, but now that he is hard of hearing he tries to go in my closet. It’s so crowded in there and he is a big dog so he ends up coming back out! Lol! Ever since we got a big screen smart tv, he gets uneasy with the surround sound and light reflection. It seems to make him have anxiety, but when we turn it off, he settles down. I hope you have a vet that you trust who you can get advice from.
      Lizzieg

    • #109317
      ZWitch
      Participant

      Thanks for the reply. Can’t wait to hear what the Vet has to say. I really got Arthritis from her Angels and Guides.

      Zillah

    • #109320
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I see tile on the floor. Is the closet carpeted? Did you have lots of carpet in your previous home? Is your new place on a second level? Maybe the view is distressful. Is there more light in your new place? We hide our eyes when we have migranes. Could your pup have a head ache or new onset allergies? Best of luck.

    • #109336
      susieQ
      Participant

      Lizzieg, you don’t have to agree with other peoples posts, we are giving our opinions, as are you and you surely cannot disagree with a potential source of harm being checked out! Maria, I am really pleased that BF is not a problem. My 18 year old dog is deaf and partially sighted but he doesn’t hide away. I’m sure your dog will settle, its still early days. Good Luck.

    • #109339
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I think he probably misses his dog friends. Some media, like cable or satellite have Dog TV. See if you have it and try watching it with him while you’re there and leave it on when you leave. He may need meds for separation anxiety. If no Dog TV, try leaving relaxing music on when you leave. Good luck.

    • #109358
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      She looks scared. Just for the heck of it I would check to see if something happened in the apartment. Dogs can sense those things. My business partners dog wouldn’t walk through the front door of his new house. He found out the old owner passed away from a heart attack in that doorway. You never know. Hopefully it’s just getting used to new surroundings or it is possible that the friends are really missed. Hope you can find out whats wrong.

    • #109362
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Even if you think it’s something you can’t afford, PLEASE put in a camera. Tell no one, not even your boyfriend. It’s the only way to really SEE what is bothering your dog. I saw a post on facebook where the dog was being abused by her fiance’. She NEVER would have guessed. That POOR DOG.

    • #109364
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I have a ten year old mini foxy who loves sitting under the bed in my ex-husbands house. He also likes sitting in the wardrobe. Its a safety thing. He is going blind and we think he feels safe staying in these spots. Maybe your dog is scared as he can’t see what is going on outside but he can still hear everything going on around him. The neighbours might be noisy but he can’t see or smell what is happening. Make sure that he is ok health wise and then don’t worry about it. They feel safe underneath something.

    • #109365
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Get your dogs eyes checked that’s how my dog started showing signs of losing his sight not being able to jump up on the bed!!!!

    • #109384
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      It could be all the new sounds she is not used to yet. I remember moving on a very busy street and leaving the windows open and would come home and find my dog in the closet too. It turns out the sound of the blinds hitting the windows would scare her even when I was at home with her. So I started opening the windows partially and leaving the radio or tv on.

    • #109479

      When we finally got rid of the crate, Boots would automatically go into my husbands closet and lay down. We put pillows on the floor for her to lay on. I think it still gives her the comfort of the crate, but the freedom to roam around when she is comfortable to do so.

    • #110757
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I must agree with the others that have said , its the boyfriend, He did something. FIND OUT AND DO IT ASAP.

    • #113598
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      HELLO AGAIN!!! LAST UPDATE!! We went to the vet and got her shots for all the existing diseases and got her checked. She is very healthy, no bruises or bumps, no pain anywhere (except from the shot she got but was necessary), no health issues whatsoever. I told the vet what was going on and told me he is positively sure that she just likes that spot.
      She looks very happy and we are glad you all showed concern about her. We really appreciate it. We leave you with a final picture of her today in the park!!

      Again… thank you!

    • #387138
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Maybe she or he is terrified of your boyfriend. I hope your boyfriend loves and adores your dog.

    • #547581
      skippy
      Participant

      Ive been depressed for a year now and have losts the energy to walk my dog. I use to walk him twice a day. He has been hiding in the closet and bathtub for about two months. He only did this during storms and fireworks. Have i depressed my dog ? Also he lays around here and there and never stays in one spot long. This is new also. Please advise…Mary

    • #2035532
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Hi my dog is 13 years old now and the last couple of weeks hes bin acting weird he keeps emptying the bottom of my wardrobe n leaves all my girlfriends clothes all over the floor n he did it to my borothers aswell n when i cum back from work i found him just sitting there in my wardrobe idont know wats going on but its like something is scaring him ?

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