Written in collaboration with vets
Why do dogs dig in bed? This is a question a lot of pet parents often ask. This behaviour can be perplexing, even worrying at times. However, it's nothing to be concerned about, as this act of 'digging' is an innate behaviour in dogs. Digging and scratching allow them to mould the surface to their comfort before lying down. In the next few minutes, we’ll go over the reasons why your dog digs the bed and why you don’t have to worry about this behaviour. This is an endearing trait all dogs do.
Dogs descend from wild ancestral breeds that had to fend for themselves without the comfort of beds. They would create shallow pits in the ground and line them with leaves, twigs or fur to create a sheltered, cosy space for resting or warmth. This nest-making ritual is deeply ingrained even in modern-day domesticated dogs. Wild dogs didn't have comfy pillows and blankets, so they resorted to digging pits or hollows in the earth. These shallow holes shielded them from harsh weather like rain, cold winds or snow. It also provides a place of safety, hiding from potential threats or dangers. They would gather leaves, fur, feathers or other natural materials to create a warm, cushioned bed inside the dugout.
This instinct to delve into pits and line them for comfort has remained intact in our pet dogs despite generations of domestication. Even though pet dogs now have designer beds, their innate digging impulse persists. As you snuggle into your cosy duvet, your dog feels the need to paw, rotate and flatten his bedding first. The dog is trying to adjust it just right before settling in for some quality nap time.
Let's look at some key reasons that answer why dogs dig in beds.
This is one of the common reasons why dogs dig on beds and couches. Did you know dogs have scent glands on their paws? When they dig into their bedding, they leave their distinct odour on the fabric or cushions.
This is your dog's way of claiming that spot as his own little space. Bed digging allows them to imprint their unique 'essence' via microscopic sweat residues.
Excessive, frantic digging can signal stress or anxiety in some dogs. Changes in routine, a new family member, construction sounds - anything novel or uncertain can upset your pup. Digging and scratching help anxious pooches self-soothe. As a pet owner, observe what triggers this fretful digging. Try techniques to manage a stressed dog, such as maintaining consistency and schedules.
Another impulsive reason why dogs dig their beds is for comfort. After a few minutes of lying down, your pooch might feel too hot against the bedding. So, they scramble up and start rotating, lifting or digging into the cushions or fabric. This allows cool air to circulate underneath for a cooling effect.
Once the optimal temperature is achieved, they'll happily settle down again. You can't blame them for trying to make their bed climate comfy!
Dogs have a keen sense of smell and hearing. Odd smells or sounds in or around the house can make your pup uneasy. They may react by obsessively digging into their bed with a sense of urgency. Try to identify and eliminate the irritant. Also, reinforce that their bed means safety through positive cues and affection. In time, they will rediscover their inner zen.
Dogs scratch their beds sometimes because of boredom. High-energy breeds left alone for prolonged hours resort to nervous habits like bed digging. Make sure your frisky fur buddy gets plenty of playtime, walks, interactive toys and bonding time. A tired, fulfilled dog is less likely to damage his bed out of bored frustration.
As a responsible pet parent, you wouldn’t want to stop a natural instinct that aids your dog's comfort and security. So, how exactly can you minimise or stop your dog from digging if it has become a problem?
Trim your dog's nails
Overgrown nails can capture and rip the fabric, causing quicker deterioration of dog beds. Schedule regular trimmings to keep nail length in check. Ask your vet about appropriate tools for safely trimming their claws.
Give them other ways to play
Interactive puzzle toys will normally keep your dog happily occupied for hours. Food puzzle toys allow them to dig while foraging kibble or treats. Hide-and-seek games with toys refresh their earth-dog hunting instincts. Mental stimulation tires them out without destructive digging games.
Calm your dog down
If a loud noise or visitor at the door sends your pup into a frenzy of panicked scratching, stay composed yourself. Gently soothe your pet with calming touches and cheerful chatter. Once your dog realises that it is not dangerous, praise and reward with treats for settling back into their bed.
Exercise
Make sure your dog expends pent-up energy through regular brisk walks, playing fetch or training sessions. A tired dog may still dig their bed but tends to have no reserves left for obsessive bed digging. Also, try to increase your pet's daily exercise or intensity if you notice this behaviour. It’s also good to do some research on dog training tips if you don’t know the right exercise for your dog.
Massage
Gentle fingertip massage movements on your dog’s body can sometimes help to relieve anxiety or stress in dogs prone to nervous digging habits. If you notice signs like panting or bed damage following stressful events. This can be a soothing, calming interaction to share with your dog.
Treats as reward
Each time your dog settles into their bed without digging, you can give some dog treats as a little reward. This positive reinforcement helps them associate their bed with comfort and contentment. In time, they are bound to curb the obsessive digging habit.
Invest in a more durable bed
If your dog still digs their bed despite your best efforts, and it’s causing an issue, it's probably time to get a more durable one. Replace fabric beds with tougher, waterproof orthopaedic memory foam beds. These can withstand determined diggers yet still cushion their joints.
Occasional bed scratching is not a behavioural issue. It’s a natural instinct and perfectly normal. But frequent, obsessive bed digging can signal underlying behavioural issues like anxiety, boredom or stress. You have to pay close attention to these triggers so you can rule out medical causes. You might also have to use positive reinforcement techniques or speak to your vet about the issue. They can help you manage your dog.
If you still have some unanswered questions about why dogs dig beds. We’ll answer some of them here.
Yes. Breeds like terriers, dachshunds and beagles have strong hunting and burrowing instincts. As the descendants of working dogs skilled at digging up tunnels or critter hideouts, they are more likely to channel their energies into intense bed scratching. This answers why dogs scratch their beds and can often be seen digging into their resting areas for comfort.
You cannot fully eliminate a dog's natural digging impulse. But you can redirect it to appropriate spots in the yard. Set aside a sandbox area filled with loose soil or mulch that allows safe, rewarding digging.
Bringing a favourite toy to bed or mealtimes is an endearing dog habit. It originates from their early domestication days when wild dogs would hide leftovers to prevent larger animals from stealing their food. Just as why dogs dig in bed, bringing a toy can also be a comfort-seeking habit that mimics nesting behaviors.
Bed scratching hearkens back to the days when wild dogs had to dig pits to create sheltered resting spots. They would line it with leaves, fur, or feathers for insulation. So, if you’re wondering why dogs dig in the bed, it's often an instinctual comfort.
