The Most Common Reasons for Digging
Digging behavior is frequently the result of your dog’s wild roots. When sleeping outside, ancient wild dogs learned to dig down into the ground a bit to make their beds. This behavior provided them with multiple benefits.
For one thing, it made them harder to spot from a distance, which helped keep them safe from bigger predators. It also protected them from the wind, making them more able to sleep comfortably. Finally, it also provided them with shade when the weather was hot. Over time, dogs developed the natural instinct to dig before going to sleep; some keep doing it even today.
Just because this behavior comes from your dog’s wild ancestors doesn’t mean that boredom cannot play a huge factor. Often, dogs dig because they’re bored, and they may be feeling the need to keep active and do something useful. And preparing a sleeping pit is both staying active and doing something useful! Active dog breeds like border collies are most prone to this sort of behavior.
If your dog is frequently digging on your bed, and are acting generally hyper, try getting them some more exercise. If they’re digging because they’re bored and need to burn off some extra energy, this could take care of the problem.
Getting your dog some new toys can also help quell boredom and improve mental stimulation. Dogs love toys and will spend a significant amount of time playing with new ones, getting rid of their boredom and tiring them out at the same time.
If your dog is feeling anxious, they might be trying to dig themselves a sleeping shelter in order to feel more safe and secure. If your dog shows any of these signs in addition to digging on the bed, you should suspect an anxiety issue:
If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, you can do things to help. Not only can spending more time with them improve their anxiety, but there are calming beds, Thundershirts, supplements, and more that have all been designed to help improve your dog’s mood. If you are unsure, talk to your vet about the right supplements for your pup. Your dog may specifically be dealing with separation anxiety, which is surprisingly common.
Digging behavior can sometimes be an indication that your dog is in pain. If they are hurt in some way, especially with arthritis, it can be challenging for them to get comfortable. The digging may be an attempt to make a more comfortable bed for themselves. If your dog exhibits this behavior often, especially if they toss and turn frequently after lying down, it may be time to schedule a vet appointment.
Dogs also dig to hide their treasures. Your dog might be digging on the bed to keep other dogs from finding their favorite toys or bones, not understanding that this approach won’t work on a bed. When you notice your dog digging on your bed, look around. If you see a dog toy or bone nearby, your dog may simply be trying to hide it.
If your dog seems to be trying to bury their treasures in your bed, you could try helping them bury their treasures in a more appropriate location. Make a note of which items your dog has when digging on the bed. The next time you let your dog outside, put those items outside with them. This will give them a chance to bury them in the yard. Once they do that, they should feel no more need to dig on your bed.
Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and digging leaves their unique scent behind. It could be that your dog is simply trying to mark the bed as their territory. This is especially likely if you have multiple dogs.
Giving your dog their own dog bed may solve the problem or at least save your bed from the obnoxious digging behavior. Purchase a good quality dog bed that will not easily tear, and it may just become your pet’s new favorite place to be.
Yes, that’s right – your canine companion may just be digging to find out what’s underneath your cushy comforter! Sometimes your pup is just curious and may wonder if that lump under the covers is a toy or food they’ve left behind. Curiosity isn’t just for cats, you know!
Why does my dog dig in my bed? Anxiety.
If your dog’s digging behavior seems compulsive or over the top, it could also be a sign of some kind of anxiety. You might consider consulting your veterinarian, but it might also be worthwhile to consider buying him a calming dog bed that can help calm him down.
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Why do dogs scratch their beds? If your female dog is digging in her bed, this could be related to nesting behavior which is also called “denning.”
Female dogs have the natural instinct to create a nest even if they are not pregnant. Wild female dogs will dig holes in the ground where they can enter and safely have their puppies, as well as raise them to an age where it’s safe for them to leave the nest.
It’s also a natural instinct for your doggie to have a safe place to hide from other animals. For this reason, they will dig a den, and though they are no longer wild, your dog may still have the urge to find a safe, comfortable place to hide.
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Dogs digging in your bed is also a way for them to fluff up the pillows, so to speak. They are simply trying to arrange the bedding in a certain way that will make them more comfortable. This may be particularly true for dogs that are experiencing some kind of pain, such as that associated with arthritis.
There are several other bedtime rituals you might see your dog doing as they prepare to rest. Here are a few and what they mean:
You’ve seen this one — your dog seems to walk endlessly in a circle after they’ve been digging in the bed before they actually lay down.
You likely just scratch your head and stare while you wonder what purpose that serves. Well, it’s a holdover from the behavior of his wild ancestors.
This circling helps them feel safe, regulates their body temperature, and helps them feel like they’re hiding from any possible attackers.
This accompanies the digging, and as mentioned, it’s a way to fluff up the bedding for maximum comfort. Your dog probably wonders why you don’t do the same!
This is one of the more adorable behaviors that you probably love. You’ve likely seen those cute little puppy piles before, and that’s essentially what your dog is doing when he snuggles up with you or other family members.
This is likely associated with your dog’s pack mentality and you’re one of the pack. It feels cozy and safe for him, and research shows that adult women sleep better when they share their bed with their dog than they do if they share it with a cat or human partner.
Once they’re comfortable, you’re likely to hear your dog let out a huge sigh of contentment. It’s their way of letting you know they feel happy and are ready to rest.
Include Essence of You
Your best friend doesn’t just want his stuff in his own bed, he also wants something that reminds him of his favorite person — you! This is particularly true if he’s already accustomed to sleeping with you.
To give him ‘essence of you’, try adding something to his bed that smells like you. You can use an old T-shirt or a blanket that you’ve used before; it can really be anything that has your scent on it. It will make him feel like you’re right there with him in his new dog bed.
Why Do Dogs Dig In Their Beds? Find out here.
The sight of your dog digging furiously in your bed can be very confusing at first (if not amusing). Yet, it is a common behavior seen across most dog breeds. So why do they do it? Here are all the reasons and, perhaps more importantly, what you can do to stop it!
So why does my dog dig on my bed? Dogs dig on beds for a variety of reasons, and some breeds are more predisposed to perform this behavior than others. The fact is that digging is a natural behavior for dogs, which stems from their wild ancestors. However, anxiety, boredom, and/or medical conditions can also increase the frequency of this behavior.
Nonetheless, it can become extremely troublesome if your dog continues to rip up your bedsheets time after time.
Sometimes it may require intervention; at others, it could merely be a sign of old age and a result of medical issues or medication.
Either way, read on to learn more about why dogs perform this behavior and the steps to take to save your bedding!