Naturally, dogs inherit digging behaviors from their ancestors. Dogs of every breed, size and age exhibit bed digging behavior. Depending on your dog’s breed, this behavior may begin early in life or show up in old age. When you see your dog dig up his bed before lying on it, you don’t have to panic. Also known as denning, this is behavior is only natural. While the bed and couch digging behavior are relatively harmless, it becomes annoying if the dog starts to dig up on your couch as well. If you are a new dog owner and you are wondering why dogs dig on beds and couches, here are some of the reasons behind the behavior.
7 Reasons Why Dogs Dig on Beds and Couches
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Natural Instincts
When you see your dog furiously scratching and digging 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 dogs dig on beds and couches is to mark their 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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Temperature Change
Dogs dig at their blankets, beds, pillows and any general chill-out spot to try and regulate their body temperatures. You’ll find your favorite canine-friend digging up his bed if he feels too cold or hot. Just like humans fluff their pillows before sleeping, your dog will dig up his bed until he feels comfortable and then settling in.
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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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Camouflage
Dogs will dig up beds and couches as they try and hide from something. Initially, wild dogs dug up some of their surroundings so they could find a place to hide away from predators. While this behavior is no longer needed for domesticated dogs, you might see it with your dog from time to time.
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Finding a Hidden Treasure
If your dog loves to hide his toys and other treasures inside his bed, you might catch him digging up his bed to find them. It is therefore important that you keep an eye on what your dog drags along to his bed. Some of these toys and bones have a strong scent and they can stain his bed. Try and choose bones that don’t stain or can be easily washed. This way, you get to keep your couch clean and neat.
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Maternal Instinct
Another reason behind your dog’s bed/couch digging behavior is if she’s nesting. When your dog is almost ready to deliver, you’ll notice that her bed digging 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. Make sure that you give her a safe place to have the puppies and carefully watch on her.
How to Discourage Bed and Couch Digging Behavior
As long as your dog’s digging behavior doesn’t seem obsessive, there is no need to panic. On the other hand, if the behavior seems obsessive and destructive, here are a few tips that might help you keep your household intact.
- Start training your dog to stay off the couch. The dog should know when to do or not do something. While training him take time, be patient and your dog will learn.
- If wherever your dog sleeps regularly turns hot or cold, consider adjusting the temperatures to your dog’s liking. You can either choose to invest in a fan or space heater.
- If your dog’s digging behavior is because he is bored, consider getting him new toys or changing his walk and play routine.
- 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.
- 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 Bed and Couch Digging Behavior
Q: What Does it Mean When Dogs Dig Beds and Couches?
A: Naturally, dogs will dig 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 Digging My Couch?
A: You can try and relocate your dog’s bed to a more private area and add him more blankets to provide keep himself warm and cozy. You can also invest in top quality, scratchproof dog bed that provides support, comfort and durability.
Q: Do All Dogs Exhibit Bed/Couch Digging Behavior?
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 to find a comfortable spot to rest.
Conclusion
Providing your dog with his own space with a suitable bed with beddings helps minimize couch digging behavior. If the digging becomes obsessive and destructive, consider scheduling a behavioral consult with your vet or trusted trainer. You can also decide to put him in a cage and ensure that he doesn’t dig on your furniture when you are not home.
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