Dog Hiding Places: What's the Method Behind the Madness?
Toby has found comfort in hiding out in a strange place.
Some dogs have hiding places … that’s nothing new.
I’ve heard that when a dog is sick, he will often go off by himself and hide. If you’ve read “Marley and Me,” you know that’s what Marley did when he died.
Toby is healthy and happy (per his vet) and his tail is always wagging. He’s got a ton of energy and insists on “galloping” down the hallways in our apartment building when we go out on walks.
The other day, I was sitting on the couch working on articles for Patch. I hadn’t seen Toby in a few minutes (which is odd, which you understand if you have a male Lab). So, I called for him. Twice. Three, four times. When I didn’t hear his paws padding down the carpeted hallway, I went into my bedroom to see what business he was getting into (which you understand if you have a yellow Lab).
Before I turned the corner toward the bathroom I heard what sounded like nails on porcelain.
I was right.
Toby has now taken to hiding in the bathtub.
I found him in there again a couple days later.
So, you ask, why the tub? I’m not quite sure … he wouldn’t say.
But I think it might have to do with it being a bit cooler in there and possibly still a bit wet from the last shower I took.
My next adventure will be to sort out why he does this. I don’t mind him in there, but it does make it somewhat difficult to bathe with a yellow galoot in the tub.
Does your dog hide in strange places?
Walter Darnall
1:43 pm on Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Toby's natural instincts have come into play! It may very well be Toby chose to hide (lie) in the bathtub to help cool off.
My dogs do similar things all the time. While they don't get in the bathtub, they find other places.
During the winter time they seem to always chose lying on the carpeted floor, on the back (top) of stuffed love seat or couch, chair, etc., in the direct sunshine coming through the window. I think the radiant heat of the sun's rays is therapeutic for them (stiff muscles) and just the overall soothing effect of the heat. Then, when they get too warm they will move out of the sun light.
During the hot summer months my dogs don't go near the sunlight coming through the window (of course, we pull the shades to reduce heat gain in the house and save on the electric bill) but rather, they seek out the cool ceramic floor tile to lie on and help cool them down.
Also, our smallest dog, Molly, likes to get under the bed covers and sleep for hours. She physically tries to get under the blankets. If by chance she can't, she will get right in your face and stare at you. I've been through this scenario 100's of times over the years and know what she wants (to get under the blankets). I tell Molly (always in baby talk) she's my little belly warmer.
Now as far as unique hiding places, our cat takes claim to that distinction. But that's another story.