Why Do Dogs Scratch Their Beds Before Sleeping?
Just like humans, dogs have their bedtime rituals. If you have noticed that your dog scratches, paws, or bites at his bed before lying down, it’s most likely that he does that as an odd way to settle in for a nap. Dogs have scent glands at the bottom of their paws. Your dog will therefore scratch his bed to spread his scent as well as mark his territory. Dogs of every breed, size and age exhibit bed scratching behavior. Depending on your dog’s breed, this behavior may begin early in life or show up in old age. Since this behavior is normal, there is no need for you to panic. You don’t have to worry that your dog might be having a mental disorder. Additionally, introducing a new bed to your dog will take a little understanding before he gets used to it.
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What Causes Dog’s to Scratch Their Beds?
There are multiple factors responsible for bed scratching behavior in dogs. If your favorite four-legged companion keeps on scratching his bed, his behavior might because of one or more of these reasons:
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Natural Instincts
When you see your dog furiously scratching his bed, the puzzling habit is likely a survival instinct inherited from his ancestors. Wild dog ancestors scratched piles of leaves and dirt to create a comfortable place to rest and sleep. In dogs, digging and circling shifted sticks, rocks and grass creates a soft and snug place for them to rest.
Your dog will then try to manipulate the materials inside his bed as he tries to find a position to hide and feel less vulnerable. Wild dogs will burrow under leaves and dirt to create a warmer or cooler space. Your domesticated dog will still retain his burrowing behavior, that’s why you find him building a forth in his blankets.
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Territorial Behavior
The other reason why your dog might be scratching his bed is just a way for him to mark his territory. Naturally, all dogs are driven to mark their territories. They do this in different ways. You’ll find your dog urinating on objects to claim them as his own. However, such behavior is unpleasant. Dog’s paws contain glands that leave a unique scent on the bedding or on anything that they scratch.
You might only see the tattered beddings, but on the other hand, your dog sees a space that he has made his own. Additionally, dogs will easily return to a bedding spot if they feel that it belongs to them. This might be the reason behind the increase in bed scratching behavior when a new pet or a new person moves into the house.
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Maternal Instinct
Bed scratching is part of canine maternal instinct. When your dog is almost ready to deliver, you’ll notice that her bed scratching behavior will suddenly increase. In such a case, your dog is getting ready to birth her puppies and is looking for a nest where she’ll keep her little ones warm and safe.
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Learned Habit
As well all know, a habit is a disease. Your dog can learn bed-scratching. Although bed scratching could be territorial when a new pet is introduced at home, it could also be learned or mimicked behavior. If the new pet is another dog, the older dog might begin to scratch his bed as he sees his counterpart do. If your new dog circles and scratches with glee, the other dog might join in just for fun.
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Comfort
Just like humans, dogs like to rest and sleep in a snug place. It is funny watching your dog perform some rituals before he gets to bed. He might head-butt the blanket, dig inside the bed and spin around several times before he gets in bed. Your dog might do all this to try and give you a sign that the bed is uncomfortable for him. In such a case, you can consider getting him extra blankets to see whether he cuts down or increases his nesting action.
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How to Manage Your Dog’s Bed Scratching Behavior
As long as your dog’s bed scratching behavior doesn’t seem obsessive, there is no need to panic. On the other hand, if the behavior seems obsessive, here are a few tips that might help you keep your household intact.
- Provide your dog’s bed with a finer texture or try adding more blankets to keep him warm especially during cold weather conditions.
- Try and relocate the bed into a more private area. This way, the dog feels more secure.
- Invest in a premium dog bed that provides extra back and neck support, comfort and durability. When possible, the bed should also be scratchproof.
- Introduce one heavy blanket and place it on your dog’s bed. This makes it difficult for him to scratch the bed.
- If your dog is scratching on the floor and leaving marks, consider training sessions or invest in dog nail caps.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bedtime Rituals
Q: What Does it Mean When Dogs Scratch Their Beds?
A: Naturally, dogs will scratch their beds as they try and get a more comfortable resting and sleeping position. Additionally, bed scratching can be territorial behavior. Dogs will therefore scratch their beds as a way to mark their territory.
Q: How Do I Stop My Dog from Scratching His Bed?
A: You can try and relocate your dog’s bed to a more private area or add more blankets to provide a soft and snug texture. You can also invest in top quality, scratchproof dog bed that provides support, comfort and durability.
Q: Do All Dogs Scratch the Beds?
A: In most cases, yes. This is a natural behavior they inherit from their ancestors. Dogs have a natural desire to spread their scent around as a way of marking their territory. Your dog will also dig up his bed as he tries to keep himself warm and snug.
Conclusion
Bed scratching is a normal behavior in most dogs. Unfortunately, even the premium quality dog beds can’t eliminate this natural behavior. However, if the scratching becomes excessively destructive, keep the dog’s nail short. If the behavior becomes excessive, it could be a sign of nervous behavior in your dog. Take him to the vet to track down the problem.