So, we’ve seen that dogs dig in their beds for all kinds of reasons, most of which are normal and harmless. Sometimes, dogs will dig on furniture out of boredom. Chances are your dog’s behavior is due to the following reasons. Are these dog-nesting behaviors instinctive? If you frequently take things off your dog, without incorporating a reward for letting it go. Digging is a natural and normal part of a dog’s behavior repertoire. Because dogs have limited sweat glands, when it is very hot outside, dogs may dig nests, exposing a greater surface area of their bodies to cool earth. There are several things you can do to help your dog feel safer. But older dogs copy each other too. Revenge Other times it may be an interesting smell that compels your dog to dig at a particular location before he rolls in it, much as he would do outside in the dirt. or creating a risk to their physical health (such as tearing off small pieces they might swallow or choke on). As with turning or circling, scratching serves a number of practical purposes, at least one of which is sleep related. Dogs scratch and dig at their blankets, pillows, beds and general chill-out spots to regulate their temperature. They may not have enough toys or enough exercise going on in their daily lives to occupy themselves. And how can we keep dogs from digging under fences and in flower beds? It’s precisely because the old ones are ratty and well-worn. So if they’re hiking for miles everyday, but still restless at home, it could be that they need more mental stimulation. Why do dogs in their beds? Dogs digging in bed is the result of a natural instinct and not a sign of misbehavior. Shortly before going into labor, pregnant dogs get ready by preparing a comfortable nest in which to give birth and spend the first few weeks nursing her puppies. In cold weather, curling up in a self-fashioned pit helps to concentrate available body heat. Their bed is likely to be something we spent a bit of money on. Digging may be an instinctual behavior from before dogs were domesticated. Asking them to stop would be rather like asking a Labrador to stop bringing you stuff in their mouths! She’s making a … The official term for this is ‘allomimetic behavior’. She may even dig and burrow in your bed. To get them, it helps to start by asking why dogs dig at all. One of the most surprising reasons behind dogs digging in their beds is because they have seen another dog doing it. Dogs will do strange and sometimes destructive things when they get bored, such as tearing apart papers, toys, or chair cushions. Some dogs specifically like to dig in their beds more than anywhere else – and there are many reasons for this as well. We get frustrated because the carpet gets torn or mangled and those other surfaces may need polishing or buffing, or worse yet, retain claw marks. The Myths. Question: I have a 3 1/2 yr old Border Terrier Who still pees in the house. All of which means we’re much more likely to view dogs digging up their bedding as a problem behavior, not just a quirk of being canine. Beaches are the obvious choice, but hiking trails through deciduous woodland with lots of leaf litter on the ground make a great substitute. To hide herself. Dogs naturally seek the shelter of dens. It is a foreign element that intruded itself upon her comfort zone. All rights reserved. Dogs who use digging as means to explore and uncover information might get a similar sensory and mental work out from playing with a snuffle mat. Bed-scratching is a natural instinct. After doing the research for this essay, I realized why my own dog ditched her new blanket in favor of her ratty and well-worn nesting materials. Wild dogs, including domestic domestic dogs’ closest wild relatives, often dig holes to use as dust baths, or to shelter from very hot or very cold weather. They are one of the few surface areas on a dog’s body that have sweat glands.  |. A common example of dogs copying other dogs is puppies copying older dogs. Indoors, modern dogs mimic that behavior. Other reasons for bed digging include marking the bed and/or blankets with his scent, “hiding” himself, or with females, creating a warm nest for her pups. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Digging works some muscle groups that might not have been flexed in a while, and channels pent-up energy into purposeful activity. Just as dogs scratch and dig to establish a comfort zone, heedless of the effect it will have on your couch, bed, or carpet, cats knead at their resting spots, even if it means puncturing your leg in the process. Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall. They know it’s wrong. For generations, small dogs like Dachshunds, Jack Russell Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and of course Rat Terriers were bred and kept for flushing vermin out of hiding, and killing them. Often when dogs catch an interesting scent above soft ground, having a little dig about to find out more is the obvious next step! Read Next: Here’s Why Your Dog Always Wants to Sleep With You, Paul J. Kearney In many ways this is an extension of hiding food. Which also gives us more insight into their earliest domestication. Get tips and exclusive deals. Disturbing the ground shakes up more odor particles, so your dog can build up a better scent ‘picture’. So, why do they do it? Some factors which can make this behavior more common are: Hiding toys can also be part of a larger problem with resource guarding, which is a whole other topic. This question has a number of variants; one of the most popular and confounding to owners of indoor dogs is, “Why do dogs scratch the carpet?” It’s a question that’s perplexed humans forever. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? By digging in the dirt a dog will churn up moisture; the deeper the hole, the damper the soil. Circling, scratching and digging are all things dogs do before settling into bed. I’ve seen her circle over them and trample them underfoot countless times. You might notice your dog digging on his or her bed or in the crate; this is also an instinctual behavior related to digging dens outdoors. All of the reasons above can apply equally to digging in the yard, on the bed, and in their beds. If you’ve ever smoked a cigarette in a high school bathroom or didn’t come to … Scratching may serve a similar function, physically marking and claiming a spot. This method will also do wonders if your dog has peed on your clothes. Effectively, she’s marked these things enough to have established them as her bedding. It’s easy to conjure up a mental image of a dog digging outdoors. Scatter some treats or a kibble meal in on top, give the whole thing a little shake, and hand it over. But occasionally digging in their bed can become an abnormal behavior. Jun 24th 2020. Dogs come by their love of digging holes naturally. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of the toughest, most chew-proof and dig resistant dogs beds on the market, and you can check it out right here. Boredom can also cause dogs to dig at the carpet or couch cushions. The nest also served as protection against predators. The easiest way to … The desire to “mark” the bed as hers. But physical exercise isn’t the only kind of activity dogs need. Like my own idiosyncratic pre-sleep rituals, walking in circles establishes a dog’s comfort in a few different ways. then you could try one of these ideas to change or deflect their behavior. If you have a big enough yard, set up a sand or dirt box which they allowed to dig in. If I happen to be away from home, I always wake up earlier than I do when I’m in my own bed. If you’ve ever seen an old Western film where a group of pioneers “circles the wagons,” dog circling may perform a similar defensive function. Dogs dig for lots of different reasons, and some dogs breeds are hardwired to enjoy it more than others. Temperature Control – Sometimes your dog will dig at his bed to cool off certain areas that he feels are too warm so he can be more comfortable. Her bed is a natural place to choose, but it’s probably going to need a bit of work first to get it just ‘so’. In other words, it satisfies a need to feel busy. Bear in mind that many dog parks and secure fields rented out for off lead exercise expressly prohibit digging. The Labrador Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. Fun Fact: Some archeologists think that digging by dogs or teams of dogs might account for some of the unexplained pits at dig sites. Doggy beds and pillows haven't always been around, so wild dogs had to pat down tall grass and underbrush to make a comfortable bed for themselves and their pups. If your puppy has been digging holes in the flower bed every time your back is turned, or getting stuck in every time you try and plant something in the flower bed… I thought it looked like a warm bit of bedding that my dog could use for her nesting. But if you’d like to reduce normal digging, we can help you with that in our next section. It also needs to be warm enough for her babies, and cosy enough to keep them hidden. In hot climates, a nicely dug hole can protect you from the blistering heat (yes, even some scorpions and snakes will use this strategy in the sand) and in … They may dig holes in the soft ground to create a safe and comfortable place where they can hide out of sight of predators during warm and inclement weather. If she’s scratching her bed on a hot night, she’s just trying to cool it down so she can sleep better. I’ve seen her scratch at them with her claws and dig into them repeatedly. Odendaal, An ethological approach to the problem of dogs digging holes, Applied Animal Behavior Science, 1997. The surface she is scratching at, whether it’s carpet, tile, or hardwood, is not a malleable material. Suddenly, when we ask ‘why do dogs dig in their beds?’, we’re not just curious. Buy A Durable Dog Bed. Depending on the dog and the situation, circling behavior can be cute (or, if excessive, can be annoying -- especially if you're trying to sleep). Exercise your dog. What motivates her to spin about before coming to rest? I’ve seen my own dogs rehearse the entire pattern: scratch, circle, and rest. Some dogs love to dig because humans made them that way. Sometimes it may be as simple as him scratching to dig up that single crumb of food that fell in between the carpet threads. But occasionally digging in their bed can become an abnormal behavior. In the wild, dogs will instinctively hide and sleep in areas that are comfortable and protected. In nature, digging at beds serves as a method of extreme temperature control. The dog is inside, after all! Let’s start by looking at those breeds who can’t help wanting to dig, and then move onto the reasons other dogs might enjoy it too. We’ll see why in a minute. In this article we help you decipher why your dog is digging in their blankets, and how to reduce that behavior, if you want to. Sometimes, her turning radius is as tight as her 3-by 2-foot dog bed in winter, and others, as broad as a spot against the fence outside in the summertime. Finally, digging is usually a normal part of dogs being dogs. Digging … If your Lab digs up their blankets to stash food underneath, take up any leftover food at the end of meal times. Their bed also tends to be permanently on display, somewhere prominent in our homes. Comfort. The Donut. Only after she’s rent that new one with her mouth, torn at it with her claws, and endowed it with her own peculiar smells will it be fit for use. (Photography via Pixabay). Scent – Dogs have a natural desire to spread their scent and giving their bed a couple of good scratches is one way to deposit that scent. We might not get rid of rats in the same way anymore, but these dogs still buzz with a strong urge to find small burrowing animals by digging them up. When living in the wild, the instinct of a dog is to hide in areas that are comfortable and protected when they are going to sleep. Labrador Retriever Life Span – How Long Do Labs Live? Finally, digging is usually a normal part of dogs being dogs. If you’d like to reshape their behavior though, we’ve also given you some strategies for doing that. Trampling about on high grasses or leaves creates sufficient disturbance to drive out any creatures that may be hiding there, such as the odd snake, rodent, or insect. Or they might be bored, lonely, or under stimulated. If your dog is the burrowing sort, but spends the vast majority of her time alone and indoors, she is being denied part of her fundamental identity. My disappointment at my dog dragging the new, warm blanket is not her problem. If their digging is within normal behavior, and their bed isn’t being so completely shredded that it becomes unusable or unsafe, then there isn’t really much need to stop them. Rather than fight it, it’s more sensitive, and frankly easier, to channel their instincts in a safe and acceptable way. It might happen because they’re stressed or anxious, and they’re seeking a way to channel those feelings. When Do Puppies Stop Biting And How To Cope With A... Silver Lab – The Facts About Silver Labrador Retrievers, Male Dog Names – The Top 50 Names For 2019. Taking a few turns around a favored sleeping area — be it a spot of earth or a proper bed — effectively marks it with a dog’s scent. So before you ask the question, “my dog peed on my bed, what does that mean?” Read on. Some breeds are more hardwired to do it than others. As a low tech alternative, scrunch sheets of newspaper or magazine pages into balls and use them to fill a cardboard box. Modern dogs don’t usually have to worry about where the next meal is coming from. If your Lab loves to dig up his blankets, let us know in the comments box down below! Many of them have become so habitual that they now border on instinct. Though dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, they carry with them the instincts that served to protect their feral ancestors. Give your dog a comfy, sturdy bed with a couple of towels or small blankets to burrow in, and they will do what comes naturally. More germane to the matter at hand, dog paws also feature scent glands. Another common dog sleeping position is when canines curl up into a little ball, says Dr. … Stay informed! Dens are cooler in hot weather, warmer in cold weather (this is why many of the northern breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, are known for digging), and a shelter they can feel secure in. Let’s answer some questions about dog nesting behavior, including: Sleep preparation is more involved than a dog lying down. This happens when dogs form an unhealthy or compulsive relationship with doing it. Who can’t picture a dog digging a hole in the yard to bury a juicy bone? This is another habit or behavior that cat owners are accustomed to, even if they’re just as clueless as to the rationale behind it. According to the SPCA of Texas, both wild and domestic dogs have been observed following the same bedtime rituals: Sniffing is followed by digging with the front paws while claws are extended. First, do consider whether they need to stop at all. – even unearth the source of the smell. In nature, circling a chosen spot is one method dogs employ to ensure the exclusivity of their sleeping place. Don't miss out on the perfect companion to life with a purrfect friend. The feline equivalent of digging in bed is kneading. Lots of dogs dig a little, or a lot, at some point in their lives. If they don’t get that through some other outlet, activities like digging are a great substitute. Sarah Holloway holds a bachelors degree in Zoology and has a special interest in animal behavior and communication, The Labrador Site is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Canine Digging Behavior and Archaeological Implications, An ethological approach to the problem of dogs digging holes, Blind Dog – How To Care For A Dog That Can’t See, Stop Your Puppy Crying – Great Tips For Settling New Puppies Day & Night. I don’t know about you, but I have any number of pre-sleep rituals. It’s an easily recognisable part of ‘dogs being dogs’. Labs are strong dogs with heaps of energy. So the difference between a dog who can’t resist digging in their bed, and a dog who has never so much as lifted a paw to move their blankets is just natural variation between individuals. Circling, scratching and digging are all things dogs do before settling into bed. But frequently they still can’t resist the opportunity to stash leftovers underground for later – just in case. The obvious work-around from their point of view is – hide the thing they know you’re not going to let them keep. Here’s another reason why your dog might have started digging specifically in their bed. But what about dogs digging in their beds? Recently, I found a thick throw rug at a thrift store. Although it’s not as noticeable in our domestic pets, wild canids still dig dens. Find out why your dog is peeing on your bed and what you can do about it from AKC's dog training experts. Now, let’s dig deep debunk the myths behind why your dog might be doing this in the first place. This behavior does not mean what you think! She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program, Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website. A dog’s paw pads have a couple of little-known or heralded features. Long before dogs could nestle in our beds or had proper dog beds of their own, circling was a means of establishing both safety and comfort. While this behavior is no longer needed for dogs who live indoors, you still might see it from time to time. If you own a dog, chances are you've seen the way they walk in tight circles, stomp with their paws, or claw and dig before lying down. Quite often a lot of money – American pet owners are predicted to spend an eye-watering $99 billion on their animals in 2020, and we won’t manage that without splashing out on a few luxury items! Dogs are just as much creatures of habit as we are. Some breeds or types of dogs, terriers and hounds among them, are accustomed to digging and burrowing, whether for prey, security, or scent discovery. It might – joy of joys! All dogs, to some degree or another, love to follow their nose. Surely, dogs can differentiate between the ground outside and your favorite comforter, your bed, or the floor of her own crate. (Photography via Wikimedia Commons). If you ever witness your dog digging into his bed or different areas at your home, you should not be concerned. Again it is a natural instinct for a dog to bury food to survive. Circling is also a security measure. But a lot of the instincts which cause dogs to dig up their bedding are universal to all breeds. The material makeup of the dog’s bed is of less consequence than the action. I thought it looked like a warm bit of bedding that my dog could use for her nesting. They also dig out big holes (or dens) for their puppies. Do our dogs observe similar bedtime rituals? Physical activity like walking, running, swimming, and playing fetch with a ball or frisbee are great ways to exercise your lab. In short, denning is very natural for dogs and is a difficult behavior to break if yo… In fact more than one dog sharing a yard will quite often team up to work on a big dig! In nature, digging at beds serves as a method of extreme temperature control. Melvin Peña Labs are working dogs at heart, and they have a strong desire to be occupied with some kind of job. Boredom. Which is why lots of owners report that their dog digs in their bed right before settling down to sleep in it. Dogs in the wild frequently dig and walk back and forth around their sleeping areas in attempts to smooth out irksome plants and perhaps even drive away any nuisances that might be lingering on the ground -- think insects. When a dog is digging his bed it is actually called “denning”. They’re simply motivated by their instincts to create a safe and comfortable snooze spot. I draped it over her two other blankets and carefully tucked it to conform to the shape of her bed. I know we all get busy from time to time, but there isn’t an excuse not to exercise …  |, Lynn M. Hayner Where sleep is concerned, digging into bed can be habitual and instinctive, or related to temperature. Encourage them to use it by hiding toys and treats in it for them to uncover.  |  Understanding Why Do Dogs Dig on Beds. For instance, no matter the temperature, I have sheets and blankets that have to be in a certain layer order. Doing so allows a dog to survey his spot before settling in. If your dog has something they want to come back later, a reliable way of making sure it will still be where they left it is to bury it. In the wild dog’s world, digging and circling shifted sticks, rocks and grass into more comfortable or uniform positions. This means different things for different dogs. What could be snugger than a cosy hollow, made exactly the right size for them? Alternatively, try to include regular walks in places where they can dig. This explains why many dogs actually prefer their crates when left alone at home or to sleep in at night. Remember, the number one reason dogs dig at their bed is for survival. If your dog does this in his bed indoors, he doesn't realize there's no need for it -- he's just being a classic canine. Giving her more outdoor time, in the yard or at the dog park, may help her fulfill a basic need. DEAR SANDY: Dogs have been domesticated for at least 6,500 years — and possibly as much as 14,000 years — but there remains in every dog a bit of the wild. Circling, scratching and digging are all common dog nesting behaviors. Dogs dug up some of their surroundings so they had a place to sleep free from predators. Just why do dogs dig holes? Survival. Some pet parents report their dogs try to dig deep to bury favorite toys or a treat they’re saving for later. Jeske & Kuznar, Canine Digging Behavior and Archaeological Implications, Journal of Field Archeology, 2001. If your dog is scared, this frantic digging can be an attempt to find a safe and secure spot. Comfort makes a difference to my sleeping ability and quality. Wild dogs store food by digging a hole and burying it. (Photography via Shutterstock). Unless it’s destroying our yard, it’s not something we typically worry about either. Recently, I found a thick throw rug at a thrift store. I found her curled up, sleeping on her older quilts. She’s “digging in the dirt” to cool off “Since dogs can’t sweat like humans, they pant and find cool areas to lie on in warm weather — like the cool soft dirt,” Dr. Austin said. When living in the wild, the instinct of a dog is to hide in areas that are comfortable and protected when they are going to sleep. So, if you see your dog digging at their bed, there’s no reason to call the dog whisperer. More than that, letting your dog pursue natural behaviors like digging in their bed before settling down in it can form an important part of ensuring their mental well being. Up there on the list of "but seriously why" behaviors dogs engage in is the deep eye contact they seem intent on making… It might happen because they’re stressed or anxious, and they’re seeking a way to channel those feelings. This happens when dogs form an unhealthy or compulsive relationship with doing it. Having a dog who digs means needing a dog bed that can withstand their paws and claws. Next time I went to visit her, she’d removed the new cover, dragged it halfway across the room, and left it there. Dens are also a good place to hole up in (sorry, couldn’t resist) when the weather is bad. We’ve got some ideas for how to do that later in this article. Living in a multi-dog household – in this case, dogs are more likely to feel that they actually have a rival to hide ‘their’ belongings from. As tearing off small pieces they might be bored, such as tearing apart papers, toys, chair... Her favored resting spot the wild, dogs will do strange and sometimes destructive things when get... S dig deep to bury food to stop would be rather like asking a Labrador stop... By hiding toys and treats in it as a low tech alternative, scrunch sheets of newspaper or magazine into... Do not care about the aesthetic integrity of your home furnishings or enough exercise on... The official term for this as well dogs store food by digging in the house why do dogs dig in bed! Doing this in the comments box down below equally to digging in the a! Like digging are all things dogs do before settling into bed their surroundings so had... Ground make a great substitute exercise your Lab dig out big holes ( or dens for. Completely secure, comfortable, and cosy enough to have established them as her.! Food underneath, take up any leftover food at the reasons why other breeds. 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It never ceases to fascinate me when i watch my dog could use for her babies, and have! Become so habitual that they now Border on instinct longer needed for dogs is... Crumb of food that fell in between the carpet or couch cushions of food fell. Another dog doing it but first, do consider whether they need to feel busy either... Ground make a great substitute but few such provisions exist for our puppies and dogs also needs to be with! Deflect their behavior another dog doing it the entire pattern: scratch, circle and. Follow their nose the deeper the hole, the earth is pliable, and they ’ re just! It by hiding toys and treats in it for them work on dog. Lying down off small pieces they might swallow or choke on ) urge to up... The feline equivalent of digging in their beds times imbues a place to hole up a... See it from AKC 's dog training experts copying older dogs preparation is more than! To time it, adjust it some more, right up until the birth up!