Question:
One of our Maltipoos, Chloe, 7 yr old female, has recently started to spend time in the far back corner of our master bedroom closet. It started only a few months ago, and only when my wife was at her part time job. She spends most of her time in a chair by a window, barking at dogs that go by, and watching everything that happens outside when my wife is home. But, when we (both dogs ride along) take my wife to work, Chloe comes home and goes right in the closet. She will come out to be fed, for treats, and to go potty outside.
In the past week she has started to go into the closet while my wife is in the MB with both dogs. The main MB is their den, as my wife practically lives in there. Both dogs sleep in there as well. One in bed with us, and Chloe on her chair (throne), or sometimes in the MB closet. We understand that most dogs like their own quiet space, and since we don’t have kennels, this apparently is Chloe’s. Our other Maltipoo is almost glued to my wife.
She’s healthy, playful at times, loves car rides, walks, and eats good. Not overweight. Any idea why she has lost interest in a plush chair up against a second floor window, with activities outside to watch, and seems to now prefer the closet?
Thanks, Rick
Answer:
Hi Rick,
Thanks for your question. If you hadn't let us know that she is healthy, playful, going for walks and eating well, we would have definitely suggested a vet checkup. When a dog retreats into a closet or hides in another way, this is often a sign of feeling vulnerable due to some sort of health issue or injury.
If you are 100% sure that she does not have any health concerns at all and since she is not showing any signs of depression, this appears to just be a matter of personal taste. Some dogs, and especially females, do like to 'nest'.
As long as you do not mind her taking that spot, do allow it to be her 'claimed' area. She must find it both relaxing and a place of feeling secure. In a household of other dogs, having the closet as her own retreat must be providing the type of environment that suits her best. Though she used to enjoy sitting at the window, you do say that the visual triggers caused her to bark... she may have decided on her own that she would rather avoid that stimulation and rest quietly.
Do, of course, keep an eye on things. If she starts to show any signs such as decreased appetite or withdrawing to the point of no interaction with humans or other dogs, this will be a reason for a vet checkup.
Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,
The PetMaltipoo Team
Does your Maltipoo have any strange quirks? Let us know about this in the comments below!