Dog Wouldn’t Stop Crawling Into Tiny Spaces—Then the Owner Finally Understood Why
Dogs are known for quirky behavior, but some habits really catch your eye. Like when a dog skips the soft dog bed and curls up in a laundry basket instead. It is not just cute. It says something deeper about your pup’s heart and mind.
Take Bagels, a 34-pound keeshond with a habit of cramming herself into boxes, baskets, and suitcases. Her favorite spots aren’t made for dogs. They are small, tight, and usually smell like her favorite human. And that is exactly why she chooses them.
Dogs Choose Small Spaces for Comfort and Connection
Dodo / Bagels didn’t always live with a busy household. She arrived during the quiet of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Dogs are pack animals. In the wild, they sleep close together for safety, warmth, and bonding. So, it is no shock they carry some of that instinct into the modern home. When your dog curls up in your gym bag or squeezes into your suitcase, she is not just being weird.
She is nesting in your scent. It is her way of saying, “This smells like you, and that makes me feel safe.”
That constant closeness created a strong bond. So, when life went back to normal and Daniel had to share his attention, Bagels clung tighter to his clothes.
Another reason dogs squeeze into tight spots is security. Small spaces can feel like dens. A laundry basket packed with shirts or a half-zipped suitcase gives a snug, enclosed feeling. That is comforting, especially for dogs with separation anxiety or big feelings.
The Sweet Reason Behind the Weird Habit
Dodo / Instead of fighting for the dog bed, Bagels lets the cats have it. Then she climbs into a tote bag.
In Bagels’ case, her small-space obsession got stronger after Daniel’s girlfriend moved in. Along came two cats who quickly claimed all the prime napping zones. Bagels didn’t fight them.
Some dogs might act out when new pets show up. Not Bagels. At first, she barked nonstop, clearly rattled by the feline invasion. But once introduced to Celsius and Oyster through a gate, she gave them a sniff and walked off. No drama. No growls. Just a silent decision to keep her own turf.
This doesn’t mean she is being submissive. She is being smart. Bagels knows what matters most, and it is not the bed. It is being near her person.
Every time she curls into a tight corner that smells like Daniel, she’s doing more than resting. She is saying she still wants to feel close, even if life has changed.
Many dogs do this. If yours squeezes under the bed, into a crate, or between the couch cushions, it might look funny. But it is not random. It is a coping strategy. A comfort zone. A reminder that no matter how crowded the house gets, their bond with you still matters.
If your dog is like Bagels, don’t worry. This habit is kind of beautiful. Just make sure the spaces your dog loves are safe. No sharp edges. Nothing that can trap a paw. And don’t be surprised if she chooses a place that is hard to understand. If it smells like you, it is a top pick.