{"id":9898,"date":"2023-01-25T13:05:57","date_gmt":"2023-01-25T13:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/blog\/uncategorized\/why-do-dogs-dig-in-their-beds\/"},"modified":"2023-05-12T15:02:50","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T15:02:50","slug":"why-do-dogs-dig-in-their-beds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-behavior\/understanding-your-puppy\/why-do-dogs-dig-in-their-beds\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Dogs Dig in Their Beds?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

All dogs dig and scratch at their beds, it’s just one of the many things they do that may seem odd to us but is just totally normal for them. It can be concerning though if it comes out of nowhere, and is also a bit frustrating if your dog is tearing up their bed by digging at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why do dogs dig in their bed, and should you be worried if your puppy digs in their bed? We\u2019re here to help you understand what digging in their bed looks like, why dogs dig in their bed, why puppies dig in their bed, and what to do if your dog is digging in their bed, and you want them to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Digging for answers? Try Zigzag! <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For a personalized training program, download the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a>. We\u2019ve designed it to follow your puppy through all of their developmental periods and help you with their breed-specific quirks. There\u2019s also a team of professional dog trainers<\/a> to talk to 24\/7, so when you have that middle-of-the-night panic, they\u2019re just a click away to reassure and support you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Chewy<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How do dogs dig in their bed? What the behavior looks like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For some dogs digging in their bed can look like they\u2019re digging to the other side of the world, some scratch at their bed and scruff up blankets and make a nest, while others will dig and do a kind of circle before lying down to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digging<\/a> is a natural behavior that most dogs will do, but their digging style may vary depending on your individual dog. Some are delicate diggers, and others go mad for a dig!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do dogs dig in their bed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dogs dig in their bed to relieve stress, alleviate boredom, make their bed <\/a>more comfortable, hide items for later, leave their scent behind, or because it\u2019s just an instinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digging as a stress reliever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your dog is feeling stressed or anxious, they can dig their bed to relieve stress. It\u2019s possible that digging behavior releases \u2018feel good\u2019 chemicals in their brain, so they dig because it helps them to feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Relieve your stress with our app!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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They dig because they\u2019re bored<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your dog doesn\u2019t have much to do, then digging can be a fun thing for them to do and relieve some boredom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make their bed more comfortable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We like our duvet and pillows to be just so, and dogs are the same. Many dogs will dig to make their bed<\/a> and blankets<\/a> more comfortable for them to sleep<\/a> on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To hide a bone or toy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs like to dig their beds so that they can hide a bone<\/a> or toy<\/a>. Caching behavior ie hiding food<\/a>, is something many dogs will do, and while some might dig a hole in your yard, others will do the same thing (or try to) in their beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To mark their territory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs have scent glands on their feet, so digging their bed can be a dog’s way of leaving their scent behind, and claiming something as theirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re a naturally diggy breed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you own a Dachshund<\/a> or Jack Russell Terrier<\/a>, chances are they might dig more than a Pug<\/a> for example, due to the job they were originally bred to do, although never say never! But, all dogs have the potential to enjoy digging. Some will do it to their bed more, but just check out a dog beach to see the wide variety of dog breeds who love digging holes in the sand. Sighthounds like Whippets<\/a> are hilarious when they dig, they really go for it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Jamie Street<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why do puppies dig in their bed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Puppies come pre-programd to dig, as it\u2019s just a normal part of a dog\u2019s behavioral repertoire, and the reasons that puppies dig their beds are not that much different to that of an adult dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re bored<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Puppies dig their bed to amuse themselves because digging is fun. It\u2019s often as simple as that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They want to make their bed more comfortable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I know. It looks like those blankets <\/a>are now in a big lump, but hey, if they think it\u2019s comfortable, then who are we to argue?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To bury their toys and chews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2018I\u2019ll save that for later\u2019 is one reason that puppies dig their beds. They can dig and hide chews<\/a>, toys<\/a>, and bones<\/a> in their bed, which is normal! <\/p>\n\n\n\n


If your puppy hides things and then growls when you come near, it\u2019s worth reading up on resource guarding <\/a>and making you teach them plenty of fetch-and-drop training so that it won\u2019t become an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To cover up a toilet accident<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Quickly cover it up and she\u2019ll never know\u2019 Yes some puppies dig their bed because they\u2019ve had a toilet training <\/a>accident and they\u2019re trying to cover up or hide the evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


This is particularly true if your puppy has been punished for accidents, learn how to toilet train quickly with our guide to puppy toilet training in less than a week<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Separation problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you find your puppy is destructive when left, and only digs their bed when you\u2019re not there, it can be a sign that they\u2019re struggling with a separation-related problem<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Jordan Bigelow<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to do if you catch your dog digging in their bed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you catch your dog digging their bed there are a few things you can do, this will depend on if you mind them doing it or not!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Film them if you \u2018dig it\u2019<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No honestly, dogs do some of the funniest things, and if it\u2019s not doing any harm, just take a quick video and upload it for the world to see! Oh, and why not tag us too? zigzag.dog by the way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask them to leave it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teach your dog to \u2018leave it\u2019<\/a> when you catch them digging in their bed, and then redirect them onto something more appropriate and less damaging! 
Make sure you reward<\/a> them when they stop digging at their bed. Simples!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give them digging opportunities elsewhere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Create a digging pit, either with a kids\u2019 sandpit, a ball pit or a DIY foraging box to give them an outlet for what is a very natural and normal behavior for a dog. 
Read how to make one in our training games article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provide enrichment and keep them busy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use puzzles <\/a>and interactive games <\/a>to keep your puppy mentally stimulated and not go self-employed by digging at their beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a puppy or dog who digs their bed, please know that it is typical behavior for them and has probably been carried over with domestication<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs digging their beds aren’t really doing anything to be concerned about; it’s just normal dog behavior<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if any of the following apply then we recommend you speak to a Vet or qualified dog behaviorist<\/p>\n\n\n\n