13 Reasons Why Your Dog Sits In The Corner + Dangers & Tips

Does your pooch go to the corner all of a sudden?

Or have they been doing this more frequently these days?

You might be wondering whether it’s their favorite spot now.

Or if something’s happening with them.

Why are they doing this?

Read on to discover:

• What makes your dog settle down in the corner.
• Several dangers that could make them act like this.
• 3 scenarios of canines settling down in secluded areas explained.
• Helpful tips to keep in mind when you’re dealing with this ‘hiding’ problem.
• And many more…

Why does my dog sit in the corner?

Your dog sits in the corner because they’re anxious, depressed, have winter blues, investigating something, or more comfortable in that specific spot. They can also do this due to old age, dementia, pain from an illness or injury, wanting to be noticed, protective instincts, or an aloof personality.

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13 reasons why your dog sits in the corner

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#1: Canine blues

Have you noticed other changes in your Fido’s behavior?

And did something happen before they act like this?

If so, withdrawal might be a sign that your pooch is feeling under the weather. 

Experts say that dogs don’t experience sadness as we do. But, they can be depressed.

This could be the reason why your dog has become distant for days. And less enthusiastic about things they usually enjoy.

However, this could be tricky to know because its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. For example:

• Lethargy.
• Loss of appetite.
• A shift in sleeping patterns.

“But what may have caused them to be gloomy?”

Dogs can have depression due to a significant change in their life. Say moving home, having a new member in the family, or losing a friend or parent.

Yes, canines mourn too.

VCA says their symptoms are almost the same as a human grieving.

You can find them sulking in the corner, being restless, and going to a certain spot. And it’s probably where their loved one usually stays when they’re alive.

However, they may also absorb human emotions. So if their parents are mourning or sad, they can also feel the same way.

Research shows that they can detect feelings based on the tone of our voices. As well as the odor we give off.  

Interesting fact: One study found that herding dogs are more emphatic to humans than ancient types. It’s because they were bred to work closely with people. So Collies can likely mirror their parents’ stress levels compared to Salukis – the oldest type of dog discovered in Egypt.

#2: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Dogs can also have ‘winter blues.’

This is a form of depression. And it happens when there are longer nights than days.

“But why?”

It’s because less sunlight affects the production of 2 certain hormones.

Melatonin and serotonin greatly rely on it. And these help with their mood and appetite.

So they’ll sleep longer and be less motivated to do things. But unlike in depression, they’ll have an increased appetite instead.

Note: If your pooch has seasonal blues, put their bed near a skylight or window. Also, take advantage of the limited daylight. Walk them when the sun’s still bright – but not too hot for their comfort.  

Further reading: 13 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Sad + 9 Tips To Fix It

#3: They’re in a time-out

Dogs might also stay away from you when they’re overwhelmed. And the corner is a more peaceful place, so they sit there instead.

Some of the few common causes are:

• Noisy kids.
• Loud sounds. 
• Large groups of people in the house.

Aside from sitting in the corner, they can also hide in quieter areas and tuck under the sheets.

You may also wonder: Why does my dog sit under my desk?

#4: They’re frightened

Do you have a fearful pooch?

They might be threatened if another dog enters their territory all of a sudden. And if there’s a stranger in front of them as well.

Instead of socializing with them, they’ll bark and retreat to the corner. This is because they feel insecure and less confident.

This behavior can be due to a past trauma. Or less exposure to other people and animals at an early age.

They may also fear certain noises – thunder, fireworks, doorbell. Or household objects like vacuum cleaners.

Reading tip: 17 Reasons Why Your Dog Barks At Certain People + 5 Tips

#5: Aloof personality

If they don’t cower or behave differently, they might be aloof in nature.

Some breeds are more independent than others. Like Akitas and Shar Peis. But this could also be due to their personality.

It’s normal for them to have more alone time. So they sit in the corner where they can’t be disturbed.

Also, they could be pretty stubborn at times too.

“Why’s that?”

They’re intelligent and strong-willed. Plus, they prefer to do things their way.

But although they’re aloof, they still need your affection. And it isn’t ideal to leave them on their own for longer hours. 

#6: Sign of aging

Is this a new thing for your old pooch?

If yes, they could be experiencing changes in their body. And these are affecting their behavior.

As they age, they’ll have poorer vision and hearing. So they might be sitting in the far corner because they’re anxious.

They may find it hard to recognize people. And they’re easily startled because of the decline in their senses.

Or they have joint pains, so they can’t move that much.

But, this can also be due to…

#7: Dementia

Does your Fido often stare at the wall or anything these days?

This could be disorientation is one common sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or CCD.

This is the aging of a dog’s brain. And it can start as early as 9 years old.

Canines who have this will have trouble remembering things. As well as solving problems.

So their confusion could get them stuck in the corner. Or maybe, they hide in a secluded area because they feel scared.

Because apart from zoning out, PetMD says they’ll also be anxious most of the time. And they’ll show these other signs:

• Irritability.
• Withdrawal.
• House soiling.
• Sleeping at unusual times.
• Too much barking/whining.

Interesting fact: A study shows that the effects of dementia can be decreased by a certain diet. The meal plan gives the nutrients that a dog with dementia lacks. Like DHA (omega-3) and thiamine. And these were said to help improve their cognition after 90 days. 

#8: Discomfort due to an illness

Let’s move on with some of the behavioral problems.

Sitting away from you can also be a hint that something’s wrong with their body.

As you may have observed, dogs will not show signs of pain even if they’re sick. So, changes in their behavior often give it away.

They could be hiding in that undisturbed spot because they feel unsafe. As they’re more vulnerable when they’re weak.

Or they don’t want any interaction because of the discomfort.

You might also be interested in: 13 Reasons Why Your Dog Keeps Licking Their Base Of Tail

#9: Pain because of an injury

Dogs are big fluffy balls of energy. They love to play and are often curious about everything.

So there could also be a possibility that your pooch is hurt.

This is why they stay in the corner – away from everyone, to avoid being touched. And also because they’re suffering from great pain.

ASPCA reports that these are the top 5 common injuries in canines:

• Deep cuts.
• Bite wounds.
• Fractured teeth.
• Knee ligament tears.
• Swallowing of foreign objects.

Note: If your dog’s case is minor (e.g., a shallow wound), call your vet on what to do. But some of these can lead to infection when left untreated, so go to the clinic to prevent worse scenarios.

Read next: Why does my dog cry during walks?

#10: It’s comfier there

Some change of pace.

Your pooch might also find the corner comfier, so they often sit down there.

This is if there are no changes in their behavior. Or any signs of discomfort at all.

They may also lay down there instead. So if they seem satisfied and peaceful there, don’t worry.

There could be an air vent or cool breeze in that certain spot. Or it’s near a window, and they need some sunlight for warmth.

#11: Protective instincts

Your pooch might also sit in the corner to have a better view of the whole house. This helps them to be more alert and act faster to potential danger.

So they can also sit by the door or downstairs.

But does your dog also sit while showing their back to you?

Because this usually means trust or a sign that they’re guarding you.

They’re showing you one of their vulnerable parts – their back. And it’s because they feel safe with you.

Fun fact: Do you know that horses can read humans too? A study found that they have an interesting way to do it. Say if a person is angry, they’ll look at him/her using their left eye. Because their brain’s right hemisphere will process the image as it’s responsible for negative stimuli.

#12: They do this to be noticed

Have they been doing this for a while now?

And they’re also staring at you intently like they’re waiting for something?

If so, your pooch may only want your attention. They might want a bite of the yummy thing you’re having, playtime, or a potty break.

But did you make them do a command a while ago?

Because you could have left your dog hanging as well, so they sit patiently there. And wait for your next instructions or a reward.

Check out also: 7 Reasons Why Your Dog Barks While You’re Eating + 5 Tips

#13: They’re sensing something

It’s known that dogs have fantastic senses.

Their ears could hear frequencies that are 3 times higher than what we can perceive. And they could smell as far as 20km based on what experts are saying.

So if their ears are raised and twitching, they might be sensing something around.

You’ll know it if they suddenly become busy all of a sudden.

They could be tracking a rat or an insect. And these small creatures are near the corner. So they sit there and investigate.

You might also like: Why does my dog growl at night?

What to do about it

If they like sitting in the corner from the start, this could be due to their aloof personality.

But if this only happens on occasions, your Fido might be tracking a critter. Or asking for something.

These are normal in canines. So put your mind at ease.

You should check out what they’re sensing. And figure out what they need from you.

However, they can also be stressed or scared. And show these signs:

• Cowering.
• Panting a lot.
• Avoiding eye contact.
• Pinning their ears back.
• Yawning many times in a row.

If they display some of these, assess the situation and ask yourself:

• Are there other visitors or Fidos around?
• Did anything happen before they act like this?
• What has changed in your place? How about in their routine?

Once you find it out, get rid of the stressor in the area. Or remove your pooch from it if it’s not possible.

Place them somewhere quiet and safe. It can be a separate room or crate. Leave their favorite toys in it. Then, wait for them to settle down.

However, if they’ve been like this for days, it could be a sign of winter blues or depression. The latter is more possible if something occurred before they become withdrawn.

You can help your pooch by:

1. Doing more of their favorite activities. Some breeds like certain stuff. For example, Labs love swimming and retrieving things.
2. Exercising them regularly. Walk and take them out more often. This can help in relieving their stress
3. Giving them interesting toys – preferably chewy or puzzle ones. Do this to keep them entertained.

When to go to the vet 

If this behavior suddenly happens and persists for days…

There might be something ‘off’ with your pooch.

If they’re physically hurt, they may start limping and have trouble moving. And they can also cry when a part of their body is touched.

But if they have an illness, they’ll show some of these common symptoms:

• Lethargy.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Itchiness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Coughing/gagging.

Have your dog checked by a vet asap if you notice any of these signs.

Note: Depressed dogs may also need medications for their anxiety. And senior Fidos require checkups as well.

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3 scenarios of dogs sitting in the corner

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#1: My dog is sitting in the corner shaking

Shivering and looking for a warmer spot are signs of a cold Fido.

It’s the bodies’ instinct when the temperature drops. As shaking contracts the muscles. And this action creates heat.

This can also be due to anxiety. And there could be something that’s bothering them.

So figure it out and put your Fido away from it. Then reassure them by talking to and patting them softly.

If they’re old, they may tend to get nervous very often and hide. Or they might have tremors in their legs as well.

But the shaking could be due to an injury too. Like a pain in the neck, back, or abdomen. Or an internal issue such as:

• Nausea.
• Poisoning.
• Kidney disease.
• Motion sickness.

Warning: Muscle twitching and tremors can also be due to a virus. Like canine distemper. Dogs who have this will have watery discharge from their eyes. Followed by fever and other signs listed earlier. It’s best to visit the clinic right away.

#2: Old dog hiding in corners

As Fidos age, they’ll be more sensitive than before.

So they may run away from loud noises. Or feel gloomy in small change in their routine or environment.

Also, anxiety can make them hide in the corner. This could be due to their poor sight and hearing or dementia.

Both cause them to feel nervous about their surroundings. As they can’t fully recognize the place they’re in. As well as the people around them.

What to do?

So if you have a senior dog, keep these in mind:

1. Stick to a daily routine.
2. Keep all furniture and their belongings (e.g., feeder and toys) in their place. Don’t rearrange them to avoid confusion in your pooch.
3. Install baby safety gates at the stairs. And other dangerous places.
4. Walk and exercise them. Do light activities that don’t strain them much.

Note: They can also be cold. This is because older dogs find it hard to adjust to extreme weather. So, keep them warm and snuggle with a blanket.

#3: Dog scratching in the corner of the room

Canines scratching themselves could be due to:

• Dry skin.
• Allergies.
• Parasites. 
• Hormones.

They might be itchy or in pain so they hide in the corner and try to soothe it.

Check the part they’re scratching as there could be a hot spot or inflamed skin.

Fleas, food, soap, and nutrient deficiency are some of the common causes of this discomfort. 

But, dogs can also do this to cope up with fear or anxiety. Like a child biting their nails when nervous.

However, if they do this too often and for long hours, this could be compulsive behavior.