Why dog dig in his bed?

Causes, Solutions, and Tips to Discourage Dog Digging

As a dog owner, you may have noticed your furry friend scratching, pawing, or even digging in their bed. While this is often adorable to watch, it can be puzzling, especially if they seem restless or even destructive with this habit. Dogs dig in their beds or even in gardens for various reasons, including instincts, comfort-seeking, or even just pure energy release. But there are ways to curb this behaviour. This article will explore why dogs dig in their beds, why fluffy beds may not be ideal, and how to discourage this behaviour indoors and outdoors.

Why Does My Dog Dig in His Bed?

1. Inherited Instincts

Dogs’ ancestors were wild animals that often created makeshift dens to sleep in. They would dig shallow holes in the ground to regulate body temperature, avoid the elements, or simply create a comfortable sleeping area. While your pet dog has never needed to make a den, this instinct to dig is often still deeply ingrained.

If you’ve noticed your puppy digging in bed or even circling and scratching before lying down, this is likely a display of instinctive behaviour. It may be cute at times, but excessive digging can lead to damaged bedding or even injury to your pet’s paws.

2. Comfort and Temperature Control

Dogs may dig in their beds to adjust the surface, making it more comfortable or finding a cool spot. During hot summer months, they may instinctively dig to cool down, even if indoors. On colder days, your dog may attempt to fluff up their bedding to create a cosy, insulated space.

Selecting a therapeutic dog bed that offers comfort without needing adjustments can help prevent this issue. Taylor & Tails beds for instance, are durable and resistant to scratches, proving to be an excellent choice for pet owners who notice their dogs constantly adjusting or digging.

3. Anxiety and Stress Relief

Some dogs dig as a way to relieve stress or cope with anxiety. This is especially common if they are left alone for long periods, face separation anxiety, or are adjusting to a new environment. Digging can help dogs release pent-up energy and feel more secure. If your dog tends to dig excessively or even display destructive behaviours, it might be worth assessing their overall mental well-being.

4. Boredom and High Energy Levels

Boredom and high energy can also drive dogs to dig. For some dogs, especially active breeds like terriers or retrievers, digging can be an enjoyable, stimulating activity that helps them burn energy. If your dog is frequently digging in their bed or outdoors, providing sufficient daily exercise and interactive playtime can help curb their energy.

5. Curiosity and Exploring Scents

Dogs have a keen sense of smell and may dig in response to interesting scents, even on their beds. If they smell leftover food, other animals, or enticing fragrances from laundry products, they might scratch or dig to "uncover" these interesting scents.

Why Fluffy Beds Aren’t Always the Best Choice

We already uncovered this topic in more details in our earlier article "Why Furry Dog Beds Are Bad for Your Dog's Health", fluffy beds may look inviting and cosy, they aren’t always the healthiest option for dogs. Many fluffy beds encourage digging as dogs instinctively try to adjust or fluff the surface to make it suitable for sleeping. Additionally, fluffy beds can be challenging to clean, trapping dirt, fur, and allergens that may cause skin irritation.

Orthopaedic or firm dog mattresses provide proper support for your pet's joints and are less likely to trigger digging. Over time, this can improve your dog’s overall comfort and reduce the frequency of bed-digging behaviour.

Why Does My Dog Dig in the Garden?

Aside from digging in their beds, some dogs exhibit similar behaviour outdoors. Whether it's your flower beds or vegetable garden, digging can be a frustrating habit for pet owners. Here’s why your dog might be digging in your garden:

1. Natural Instincts to Hunt and Explore

Dogs, especially hunting breeds, may dig in gardens to follow scents and sounds, sometimes even chasing small animals. Gardens provide an open area for dogs to express their hunting instincts, leading to digging.

2. Boredom and Pent-Up Energy

Just as digging in their bed can be an energy release, dogs may dig in the garden out of boredom. If they lack sufficient mental and physical stimulation, the garden can become an outlet for their energy.

3. Seeking Cool or Warm Ground

Like indoor digging, outdoor digging may also be an attempt to regulate body temperature. In summer, dogs may dig to find cooler soil, while in winter, digging can help them create a warmer spot.

 

Heading by Linda Szabo

 

 

How to Stop Dog Digging in the Garden

  1. Create a Designated Digging Area: For dogs that love to dig, designating a specific spot in the garden can fulfil their instinct while protecting your plants. You can fill this area with sand or soft soil and even bury toys to encourage them to dig there instead.

  2. Use Deterrents and Barriers: Fencing off sensitive areas of your garden, such as flower beds, and using safe deterrent sprays can prevent dogs from accessing these spots.

  3. Supervise and Redirect: If you catch your dog digging where they shouldn’t, redirect their behaviour to a toy or activity that can satisfy their energy and curiosity without damaging your garden.

  4. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation: Keeping your dog engaged throughout the day with toys, walks, and interactive games will reduce their urge to dig out of boredom.

  5. Consider Professional Training: If digging becomes a significant issue, a professional trainer can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s behaviour, helping you discourage dog from digging effectively.

Tips to Prevent Dogs from Digging Indoors

  1. Choose the Right Bed: Avoid fluffy beds that may encourage scratching and digging. Instead, opt for an orthopaedic dog sofa or matrass that offers a stable and comfortable surface. Taylor & Tails beds are especially designed for durability utilizing a scratch, dirt and water-resistant fabric, making them ideal for dig-prone dogs.

  2. Add a Comforting Item: Placing an old shirt with your scent on their bed can provide reassurance, reducing digging related to anxiety or stress.

  3. Exercise and Play: Dogs with pent-up energy are more likely to dig as a form of exercise. Regular walks, games, and interactive toys help channel this energy constructively.

  4. Maintain a Comfortable Room Temperature: Ensure your pet’s sleeping area is at a comfortable temperature. Memory foam filled dog beds are ideal, they are not just provide a cosy place to sleep, they regulate temperature and support overall pet health and well-being. Dogs may dig if they feel too hot or cold, so keeping the sleeping area well-regulated can minimize this behaviour.

  5. Provide Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, training sessions, and chew toys can occupy your dog’s mind, preventing boredom-induced digging. Keeping their environment engaging helps to prevent dogs from digging excessively.

Wrapping Up: Discouraging Dog Digging

Understanding why your dog digs is key to finding the best solution for discouraging this behaviour. By choosing a durable, supportive bed, providing plenty of exercise, and offering mental stimulation, you can reduce their urge to dig inappropriately. Avoiding fluffy beds and selecting high quality orthopaedic dog beds, can protect your bedding from damage and improve your dog’s health in the long run. Whether indoors or outdoors, patience and consistency in training will help you keep your pet happy and your home intact.

For more tips on managing digging behaviours and creating a dog-friendly space, see The Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club UK, which provide valuable insights into canine care and behaviour.

By understanding your dog’s needs and instincts, you can create a comfortable environment that discourages digging and keeps them feeling secure and satisfied.