Having a Shih Tzu at home is synonymous with joy and chaos. These little furballs make it a point to wake you up every morning, sit on your head while you sleep, and declare your socks as their favorite toys, among other things. Another typical behavior of these dogs is hiding under the bed, something you’ve probably noticed.
The question is: Why do Shih Tzus do this?
As with almost all canine behaviors, the answer here is straightforward and logical, and fortunately, this behavior is usually normal and harmless. Dogs hide under the bed or in dark places primarily because these nooks are considered comfortable and perfect for a good nap.
In these spots, Shih Tzus feels safer and can relax more easily. Additionally, dogs enjoy the cooler temperatures in these areas, so it’s not so much a hiding place as it is a comfortable environment. If you don’t want your Shih Tzu to stay under the bed for some reason, it’s ideal to create a comfortable space for your Shih Tzu, like a cozy crate with a soft bed.
Other Scenarios:
In some isolated cases, your Shih Tzu might hide under the bed in response to anxiety or illness. When in pain, Shih Tzus might go under the bed to wait for the pain to pass. When they’re stressed, such as when there are many people in the house, going under the bed is a way for them to calm down and feel safe.
If your Shih Tzu gets anxious during rainy weather, you can try conditioning them to respond positively to such situations. One tip, as published in Mental Floss and provided by veterinarians from the University of California, suggests training your dogs with rain sounds.
“Start with the lowest volume and give your Shih Tzu praise and treats when they don’t react negatively to the sound. Gradually increase the volume and continue to reinforce their positive behavior. This will condition them to the point where scary noises no longer produce a negative effect. Keep training sessions to about five minutes a day, two or three times a day to avoid overwhelming your pup.”
In addition to trying this technique, if the issue is related to stress due to noises like rain, you should pay attention to how your dog behaves. If you find that they are acting strangely or differently than usual, consult a veterinarian.